Waipapa Road Closure effective 7th April to July 2026
Trail Update – Waipapa Road Closure
Following the severe weather event in February, we have been advised by HEB Construction that essential repair work is scheduled to begin on Waipapa Road from Tuesday 7 April (weather dependent). Several slips along this section require significant repair. To carry out the work safely, contractors will need to excavate the full width of the road, which means:
👉 A full road closure will be in place for the duration of the works
What this means for trail users:
- No access through Waipapa Road during this period
- Riders and walkers will need to plan alternative sections of the trail
- Please follow all signage and respect closures for your safety and the safety of crews
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The five Waikato River Trails
The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections across a range of terrain from gently undulating trails to some that are steeper, rugged and more adventurous. The trails are are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced) and while they are mostly wide and smooth, some are trickier single-track trails (particularly on the Waipapa section) – a mountain bike is recommended.
Planned Hornwort Control – Lake Karapiro
Trail users riding or walking the Karapiro section over the coming weeks may notice Mercury contractors spraying for aquatic weed on the lake.
We have been advised that the spraying is scheduled between Monday 23 February and Friday 27 March 2026, with the operation expected to take up to three days (weather and water conditions dependent). This work will be carried out by boat and helicopter and will not occur on weekends or public holidays.
Treatment areas include:
• Mighty River Domain
• Horahora Domain
• Little Waipa Reserve
Important - 24-hour stand-down following spraying:
• No swimming
• No fishing
• No taking water for irrigation or domestic supply
There are no restrictions on using the trail itself, however please follow any on-site signage and directions from the contractors while work is underway.
For updates on timing and progress, please check the Land Information New Zealand website.
www.linz.govt.nz/our-work/crown-property-management/biosecurity-and-biodiversity/biosecurity-cont...
#trailupdate
20/02/2026 - TRAIL UPDATE
Storm damage from last weekend has been assessed. There are 53 areas that have suffered damage on the Trail:
👉 Karapiro section is fine.
👉 Waipapa section has some large slips and will remain closed for some time.
We have just been advised that Waipapa Road has reopened for vehicles and cyclists and that traffic management is in place. Thanks to Taupo District Council for quick response and action. So cyclists can now use Waipapa Road to get between Mangakino and Waipapa Dam.
👉 Maraetai section has over 20 areas of significant scouring, the Trail is rideable but challenging.
👉 Whakamaru section is largely OK with a few slumps and small washouts.
👉 Atiamuri to Ohakuri road is fine.
Over the coming days and weeks we will start to fix these issues, we will keep in touch as this progresses.
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand @nzcycletrail
16/02/2026: Trail Update – Post Weather Event
Following the weekend’s weather event, we have been out assessing conditions across the Waikato River Trails network.
The Karapiro section from Little Waipa Reserve to Arapuni Swingbridge has been checked and is all clear.
The Waipapa section from Lake Road, Mangakino through to Waipapa Dam is CLOSED due to significant slips and pieces of trail missing throughout this section and will remain closed until further notice.
The Maraetai section (from the Mangakino Lakefront to Whakamaru Dam) is open, however extensive scouring has occurred along this section. Please ride/walk with extra care and be mindful of changing surface conditions.
We are continuing to work through the remaining sections and will provide further updates as assessments are completed.
Thank you for your patience and for taking care when out on the trails, and don't forget if you come across any fallen trees or trail damage, it would be much appreciated if you could let us know.
#trailupdate @nzcycletrail Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Due to damage from yesterdays rain trail from Waipapa dam to Lake road Mangakino is closed. We will update in the coming days. Thank you for your patience.
#news #trailupdate
The forecast isn’t looking too flash for this long weekend. If you’re planning to venture out on the Waikato River Trails, please take care and stay safe.
If the weather isn’t on your side, it might be a great opportunity to enjoy something indoors instead.
Enjoy your long weekend - the Trails will be ready for your next adventure once the weather clears!
#trailupdate
𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Due to the recent weather we have been experiencing, the water levels along the Waikato River Trails are currently high, with some areas experiencing flooding.
If you do come across water on the trail, please take care and don’t make assumptions about the depth of water.
We also ask all trail users to be extra cautious at the moment, and to let us know if you spot any damage. Including the nearest KM marker really helps our team respond quickly.
#trailupdate
Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand @southwaikato @lovetauponz Mercury
