𝟭𝟱/𝟬𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 - 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
Great progress continues on the Waikato River Trails, with the Maraetai section repairs now completed and contractors full steam ahead in the Waipapa section.
A big thank you again to Action Bobcats Ltd, J Swap Contractors Ltd, Skiffington Transport, Caleb Vasta, and the neighbouring landowners for their ongoing support and hard work.
We also like to acknowledge again the financial assistance provided through MBIE following the extreme weather event earlier this year, which has helped make these repairs possible.
Thanks everyone for the continued support as work progresses north🤩
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
We’re also pleased to confirm that the Waipapa section of the trail will officially reopen to the public from Saturday 23 May😀
#event #trailupdate🚨 IMPORTANT EVENT UPDATE 🚨
As many of you know, we previously had to make course changes to the Marathon and 43km MTB events due to the closure of Waipapa Road following earlier weather damage.
Good news — the road repairs have now been completed ahead of schedule, which means we can return to the ORIGINAL COURSE for both affected distances 🙌
Please take note of the updated start times below 👇
🚵 43km MTB - 7:45am
🏃 Duathlon - 7:45am
🏃 Marathon - 7:55am
📍 Starting from Waipapa Dam
🏃 22km - 10:00am (no longer 10:30am)
🚌 UPDATED BUS TIMES
🕡 6:45am — MTB / Duathlon
🕕 6:50am — Marathon
🕣 8:45am — 22km
Please make sure you check the updated timings before event day 👊
𝟵/𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 - 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 – 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
Following the significant weather damage caused by the extreme rain event in February this year, we’re pleased to share that repair work is progressing really well along the Waikato River Trails.
✅The Whakamaru section repairs are now completed
✅Contractors have made excellent progress through the Maraetai section
A huge thank you to the team at Action Bobcats Ltd for their continued hard work on site, J Swap Contractors Ltd for donated aggregate, Skiffington Transport for haulage, and Caleb Vasta for earthworks. We would also like to thank the landowners adjacent to the trail for continuing to provide access for this work to be carried out.
We would also like to acknowledge the financial assistance provided through MBIE following the extreme weather events, which has helped make these repairs possible.
We really appreciate the hard work, support, and collaboration from everyone involved as we continue restoring affected sections of the trail.
More updates to come as work progresses north 🤩
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
📣24/04/2026 - Trail Update
The heavy rain in mid February caused damage at over 50 sites along the trail. Over the past couple of months, we’ve been busy assessing the damage, understand the cost to repair, securing funding, and engaging contractors.
We are really pleased to share that repair work is now underway, starting at Atiamuri and moving north.
Thanks to the team at Action Bobcats Ltd for their hard work on site, J Swap Contractors Ltd for donated aggregate, Skiffington Transport for haulage and Caleb Vasta for earthworks. Also a big thank you to the landowners adjacent to the trail for providing access for this work.
More updates over the comping weeks 🤩
#Trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
🚧 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 – 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
Just a quick heads up for trail users:
The Arapuni Swing Bridge can currently be accessed from the Arapuni side only - however, it is closed at the far end, so it is not possible to ride or walk through to Powerhouse Road.
Works being carried out by Mercury mean the bridge is temporarily a return-only access point.
Please follow all signage on site and plan your ride accordingly.
#trailupdate
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📣𝟭𝟳/𝟰/𝟮𝟲 - 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘📣
Our contractor will begin repair work on sections of the trail affected by the February storms starting this Monday 20th April.
Work will start on the Whakamaru section at the Atiamuri end, progressing towards Mangakino and into the Waipapa section over the coming weeks.
Please be aware that contractors will be working on the trail, with signage in place where work is underway. For your safety and theirs, please follow all instructions and take care when riding or walking through these areas.
Thank you for your patience while we carry out these important repairs.
#trailupdate
Well its been a busy couple of days - we have been through and checked both the Karapiro and Whakamaru sections over the last couple of days, clearing any fallen debris along the way.
But this afternoon we have had a heads-up about a branch down on the Karapiro section, about 1km from Little Waipa Reserve.
Just a reminder that things can change out there, so if you’re heading out, please take a bit of extra care and keep an eye out for any hazards.
If you do come across anything that needs attention, we really appreciate you letting us know🙂
#trailupdate
The boss has been out on the trail today, completing a trail check from Mangakino to Whakamaru.
Everything along this section has been checked over, with the remaining sections scheduled to be completed during the week.
Please note there is still some damage from the February weather event. Repairs are scheduled, and we will advise when this work is due to take place.
If you’re out riding or walking in the other sections and come across anything new that needs attention, please let us know - we really appreciate the heads up!
We’ll keep you posted with any further updates and stay safe!
#trailupdate
🚧 𝟬𝟵/𝟬𝟰/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 – 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🚧
We have been advised by roading crews that cyclists are still attempting to access the closed Waipapa Road section.
⚠️ Please note: this area is CLOSED for your safety. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 (𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗺) 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗.
❌ No trail access
❌ Waipapa Road is also CLOSED – no through access by road or trail
Road closure details:
🚧 From approx. 7km north of Mangakino through to just south of Waipapa Dam
🚗 Please use alternative routes and allow extra travel time
🚴♂️ 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 (𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗶):
👉 Darby Road
👉 Lake Arapuni Road
👉 Wiltsdown Road
👉 Paraonui Road
👉 Into Tokoroa
👉 Continue towards Whakamaru / Mangakino
This closure follows the significant February storm event, which caused extensive damage including slips, washouts, and trail scouring across multiple sites.
Trail repair planning is well underway, with assessments completed and contractors engaged.
Thank you for your patience and for respecting the closure while we work to safely restore the trail.
#trailupdate
🚧Trail Advisory – Maize Harvesting 🚧
Roads affected: Huirimu Road / Waipapa Road (Arapuni Section)
We've been advised that maize harvesting along the unsealed section of Huirimu Road and down Waipapa Road 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (weather permitting).
During this time, there will be convoys of trucks travelling on these roads, which will impact on visibility and accessibility for trail users.
Harvesting is expected to take approx 2–3 days.
Please take extra care if riding through this section, and consider planning your ride accordingly.
#trailupdate
If you’ve been out on the Waikato River Trails recently, we’d love your feedback.
We’re working towards 500 completed surveys to help secure funding for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
It only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference.
👉 Share your feedback here: www.getsmartglobal.com/waikatorivertrails
Thank you for supporting the trails.
#news
ANZAC Weekend on the Waikato River Trails
If you’re heading out on the trails this ANZAC Weekend, please take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the significance of the day.
While you’re out, there are some great local spots along the way to stop in for a coffee, a bite to eat, or something refreshing — all operating as per their normal hours this weekend.
👉 Ata's Bar & Eatery – Mangakino
👉 Mangakino Club – Mangakino (bookings recommended - Call or text Kevin: 021 217 4980)
👉 Rhubarb Cafe – Arapuni
👉 The Dam Village Bakery Café – Whakamaru
As you travel the trails, take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the meaning of ANZAC Day.
Take a break, support local, and enjoy your time on the trails this long weekend.
𝑳𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕
#news
Heads up! With Cyclone Vaianu moving through this weekend, the weather’s looking like it will be pretty rough out there.
Best to give the trails a miss for now – Stay safe, and look after yourselves.
#news
Please check out the latest course update for The Taniwha🤩
#news🌿 Course Update for The Taniwha 🌿
When Mother Nature hit earlier in the year it caused significant damage to sections of the Waikato River Trails and the road leading into Waipapa.
The good news? The Taniwha is 100% going ahead! With works currently underway on the affected road, we’ve made a small change to keep things running smoothly… and it comes with a bonus 👀
✨ A brand new start location + fresh course sections!
This change only affects the 43km MTB, Marathon & Duathlon distances.
Participants in these distances will now start on Mustang Road (off Waipapa Road, approx. 6km north of Mangakino), winding through scenic forestry roads before rejoining the Waikato River Trails and the original course.
More trail, more adventure, and some awesome new forest to explore 🌲
Course maps can be viewed here... thetaniwha.co.nz/43km-duathlon
Heading out on the Waikato River Trails this Easter Weekend?
Make sure to stop in and enjoy a coffee, bite to eat, or something refreshing along the way. Here’s what’s open:
👉Ata's Bar & Eatery – Mangakino | Open all Easter weekend from 9am – 2.30pm
👉The Dam Village Bakery Cafe – Whakamaru | Open all Easter weekend from 6am - 5pm
👉Mangakino Club – Mangakino | Dinner available Wednesday to Sunday | Bookings essential 📞 Call or text Kevin: 021 217 4980
👉Rhubarb Cafe – Arapuni | Open Good Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 4pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
Plan ahead, take a break, and support local while you’re out enjoying the trails this Easter!
#news
Been out enjoying the Waikato River Trails lately?
We’d love to hear about your experience. We’re aiming for 500 survey responses each year to help secure funding and keep the Trails in great shape.
All completed surveys by the 31st March automatically go into the draw for a chance to win a $100 e-voucher from our friends at Nothing Naughty
👉 www.getsmartglobal.com/waikatorivertrails
#news
Autumn Updates from the Waikato River Trails!
Our latest e-newsletter is here! Find out about:
👉The return of The Taniwha event in May
👉6,000 native plants going in this planting season
👉Trail maintenance and restoration updates
👉Our Trail survey link - complete it by 31st March and go in the draw to win a $100 voucher from our friends at Nothing Naughty!
Check it out and see what’s happening on the Trails this autumn!
email.rocketspark.co.nz/t/r-01042D1B75E5ADF52540EF23F30FEDED
#news Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
We’re also pleased to confirm that the Waipapa section of the trail will officially reopen to the public from Saturday 23 May😀
#event #trailupdate🚨 🚨 WAIPAPA ROAD UPDATE
The Waipapa Road will be open on Saturday 23rd May for event buses and participants travelling by car.
🚨 IMPORTANT EVENT UPDATE 🚨
As many of you know, we previously had to make course changes to the Marathon and 43km MTB events due to the closure of Waipapa Road following earlier weather damage.
Good news — the road repairs have now been completed ahead of schedule, which means we can return to the ORIGINAL COURSE for both affected distances 🙌
Please take note of the updated start times below 👇
🚵 43km MTB - 7:45am
🏃 Duathlon - 7:45am
🏃 Marathon - 7:55am
📍 Starting from Waipapa Dam
🏃 22km - 10:00am (no longer 10:30am)
🚌 UPDATED BUS TIMES
🕡 6:45am — MTB / Duathlon
🕕 6:50am — Marathon
🕣 8:45am — 22km
Please make sure you check the updated timings before event day 👊
Entries for The Taniwha are open - but if you want your name on your bib, you’ll need to be in by May 10🤩
That’s only a few days away. You can still enter after that, but you’ll miss out on the personalised touch.
If you’ve been thinking about it… now’s the time.
#event🐉 Make it official. Make it yours.
Enter by May 10 to have your NAME on your event bib when you take on the Waikato River Trails.
After that, entries are still open, just without the personalised touch.
The Taniwha sold out in 2025 🤩
Such a standout event on the Waikato River Trails, bringing an awesome atmosphere to the trail each year.
If you’ve been thinking about giving it a go… make 2026 your year. Get in quick so you don’t miss out!
#event🐉 2025 sold out.
The Taniwha has become a must-do on the trail calendar & it’s easy to see why.
Make sure you’re on the start line for 2026.