Arapuni - Waikato River Trails

A camping mecca for watersports lovers

Spectacular cliff faces spectacular river views

A breath of fresh country air

The Arapuni Trail

26/06/2025 – The section of the Waikato River Trails between Arapuni Dam and the Arapuni Swingbridge is now reopened.

Thank you for your patience and support while this section was closed — we’re pleased to have it safely back open for trail users to enjoy.

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The Arapuni Trail begins at the Waipapa Power Station, nestled alongside dramatic sandstone cliffs. Before embarking on the trail have a wander around the Waipapa Dam that is one of the few dams with public access available – and enjoy the spectacular river views.

GRADE: Intermediate
DISTANCE: 34.6km

Map Key

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Trail Grade Info

The Arapuni Trail is 34.6km and is graded as 3 (Intermediate).

GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

Off road trails can be narrow and may include hill climbs and steep drop-offs. The trail surface is mostly firm, but may include muddy or loose sections. There may be obstacles to avoid.

Intermediate 34.6km

Rhubarb Café, Arapuni

Enroute to Arohena Campground

Waipapa Dam

The Trail!

The Arapuni Trail is on-road section, so please be aware of traffic and ride with caution at all times.

Heading off from the Waipapa Power Station you’ll turn onto Waipapa Road which winds its way uphill alongside the river with forest views either side before heading into picturesque farmland. Once you arrive at a crossroads to Huirimu Road follow the descending gravel road and markings that lead you to the Arohena Campground.

This Department of Conservation campsite set below tree-lined rolling hills on the western shores of Lake Arapuni is the perfect spot to camp overnight, or for a few nights, and is popular for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports. In summer it’s bustling with holidaymakers who camp out with their power boats, jet skis, kayaks and wakeboarding and waterskiing equipment. Campsite bookings for this hidden gem are required all year so be sure to book well in advance.

The next stage of the trail involves a long uphill section on gravel road up to Mangere Road, which takes you on a winding journey through the beautiful rural farming landscape. The farmland through this area is covered with rock formations that were formed in the atmosphere from nearby volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, and are scattered throughout the area.

As you weave your way through the winding country road, you’ll arrive at Rotongata Road and start travelling through the wide-open plains of farmland with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautiri in the background. Sanctuary Mountain is a mainland ecological island surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences to protect the ancient forest and the populations of many of our country’s most endangered species.

At the intersection follow Arapuni Road all the way to the Arapuni Power Station and Dam – the first government-built high dam constructed on the Waikato River in the 1920s. After half a century of service the dam was in need of refurbishment and a diversion channel was constructed to divert water away from the Arapuni headrace and intake structure – and the original river that flowed below the Arapuni Dam is now completely covered in forest after a replanting programme.