Last Updated: 24th Feb 2025
Waipapa Dam to Maraetai
Waikato River Trails - Waipapa, The Taniwha
Submitted by Angela Buchanan
Last Updated: 24th Feb 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 22 ?
29.8km
765m
765m
Last Updated: 24th Feb 2025
Submitted by Angela Buchanan
Last Updated: 24th Feb 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 22 ?
29.8km
765m
765m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -5.1%
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5:00
Slow
4:00
Moderate
2:30
Fast
Starting at the small carpark near Waipapa Dam, cross the road and turn right to run along the Waikato River Trail. The first 8kmish you'll follow the trail through a mix of riverside bush and forestry, then it heads up and away from the river. From there you're back into the bush with views of the river below, until you pop out at the Maraetia Power Station.
Cross the road to check out the old concrete plant that was used to build the dam, and pop down to the lookout, and then you're done! You can carry on along the river trail towards Mangakino, or head back the way you came.
Good views of the dams and hydroelectric things, and an eeiry old batching plant covered in plants! Scenic riverside bush running.
Long drop toilet at the start
Waipapa Lake - small carpark and toilet on Waipapa Road. No easy public transport, but you could take the bus to Mangakino and run from there to the finish (Maraetai Power Station, approx 5Km) then do the trail in reverse.
40 km
50 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Well marked biking and walking track.
Unknown.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone
No reliable water easily available.
Relatively well maintained trail, just have to watch out for cyclists on the tight sections.
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Waipapa Dam to Maraetai
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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