The Taniwha Marathon

Starting at the Waipapa Dam you will head down the Western side of the mighty Waikato River. The track surface for this first section of your day is hard packed clay, the huge pine forest towers above and the hills start short but sharp. In the 8km following the Dam you undulate your way through old pine forests and traverse a number of board ways, then head up a tough climb and away from the river. From here the going gets easier, with magic views of the River below, before you pop out at the Maraetia Power Station. From there it's a gradual downhill for a few kilometres into the historic river side town of Mangakino (your half way point.)

The next 12km from Mangakino to Whakamaru Dam is a highlight of the day. You will enjoy the rolling gravel track as you hammer it through pockets of bush and across a number of sparkly new swing bridges with farm land and friendly cows to your right and constant views of Lake Maraetai to your left - stunning!

Crossing your last dam of the day, Whakamaru Dam, you will be straight back into quality trail! Now following Lake Whakamaru you cling to the bank, as the track winds its way east through a beautiful strip of native bush wedged between Ongaroto Road and the lake. The bush opens and you cruise through some spectacular lake side reserves for the last couple of km's before you finish at the truly magic Whakamaru Christian Camp, situated on its own Island surrounded by the clear waters of Lake Whakamaru.