๐งTrail Advisory โ Maize Harvesting ๐ง
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 ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐น ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ (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 2โ3 days.
Please take extra care if riding through this section, and consider planning your ride accordingly.
#trailupdate
Planned Hornwort Control โ 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:
โข Mighty River Domain
โข Horahora Domain
โข Little Waipa Reserve
Important - 24-hour stand-down following spraying:
โข No swimming
โข No fishing
โข 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:
๐ Karapiro section is fine.
๐ 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.
๐ Maraetai section has over 20 areas of significant scouring, the Trail is rideable but challenging.
๐ Whakamaru section is largely OK with a few slumps and small washouts.
๐ 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 Ngฤ Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand @nzcycletrail
16/02/2026: Trail Update โ Post Weather Event
Following the weekendโs 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 Ngฤ 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
Autumn Updates from the Waikato River Trails!
Our latest e-newsletter is here! Find out about:
๐The return of The Taniwha event in May
๐6,000 native plants going in this planting season
๐Trail maintenance and restoration updates
๐Our 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 whatโs happening on the Trails this autumn!
email.rocketspark.co.nz/t/r-01042D1B75E5ADF52540EF23F30FEDED
#news Ngฤ Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
If youโve been out on the Waikato River Trails recently, weโd love your feedback.
Weโre 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.
๐ Share your feedback here: www.getsmartglobal.com/waikatorivertrails
Thank you for supporting the trails.
#news
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
Step into the Huihuitaha Wetland with Koroneiki Developments! They are tackling one of the trickiest weeds around - honeysuckle - as part of our ongoing restoration project in partnership with the Tooku awa koiora - Waikato River Authority.
#news
Out and about on the Waikato River Trails this Waitangi Weekend?
If youโre planning a ride, walk, or run along the trails, make sure to stop in and grab a coffee, bite to eat, or something refreshing at one of these local spots:
Ata's Bar & Eatery โ Mangakino
Cafรฉ open 8.30am โ 2.30pm | Lakefront cart open 9am โ 3pm
Mangakino Club โ Mangakino
Dinner available | Bookings essential โ call or text Kevin: 021 217 4980
Rhubarb Cafe โ Arapuni
Open 8am โ 4pm | No surcharge
The Dam Village Bakery & Cafรฉ โ Whakamaru
Open right through the long weekend
Plan your pit stops, enjoy a break, and support local while you explore the trails!
#news
๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ - ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฃ
After a sold-out 2025 event, youโll want to lock this one in early!
Whether youโre taking on the challenge solo, teaming up with mates, or cheering from the sidelines, The Taniwha is always a standout on the trail calendar.
Expect epic scenery, great vibes, and a day that will test your grit in the best possible way.
Mark your calendar, rally your crew, and get ready for another unforgettable day on the trails.
#event Total Sport NZ Ngฤ Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
The Taniwha is your chance to explore the Waikato River Trails!
Early Bird pricing ends midnight 31 January ๐
#event๐ฟ Explore the Waikato River Trails!
Twisting rivers, native bush, and trails that challenge and inspire.
Early Bird Ends Midnight Jan 31
21st February is just around the corner!Spots are limited and going fast ๐คฉ get in behind the Tokoroa High School Fun Run / Walk and enter now!
And check out that ๐
#event
Try the Trails โ this Auckland Anniversary Weekend (24โ26 Jan)
Ever thought about riding one of the Waikato or Hauraki Trails but not sure where to start? ๐ง๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ with Riverside Adventures - Waikato is all about relaxed, achievable rides that help you experience some of the North Islandโs great cycling trails.
Join rides on sections of:
โ๏ธ Waikato River Trail
โ๏ธ Te Awa River Ride
โ๏ธ Hauraki Rail Trail
Perfect for beginners, casual riders, or anyone keen to give these trails a go, all while supporting local communities and businesses along the way.
๐ Bookings are essential so check out the details below and get amongst it this coming long weekend!
#events