The Powerhouse Road Safety Improvement Project is finished. The new Trail and boardwalk will provide a much safer experience for cyclists and walkers using the Karapiro section of the Trail.
Cyclists are now using the new route. There is a 6m piece of sight rail to install and moving a few signs to finish. A great outcome, thanks to Iwi, Mercury, South Waikato District Council and contractor Keir Projects limited.
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Great news! AAA Trees have now cleared the fallen tree from the Whakamaru Section, and access to the trail has been restored.
A big thank you to AAA Trees for their prompt work, and to everyone who reported the fallen tree and provided detailed location information. Your assistance helped us respond quickly and get the trail reopened as soon as possible.
#trailupdate
𝟮𝟵/𝟬𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘂 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
A large tree is currently down across the trail on the Whakamaru Section, around the 11 km marker (not far from Tram Road).
Our contractor is scheduled to remove it on Wednesday, 1st July.
At this stage, we're unsure whether cyclists are able to get through, so if you're planning to use this section before then, please take extra care and be prepared to turn around if necessary.
A huge thank you to everyone who has reported this. The detailed information you provided, including the location, has been incredibly helpful and has allowed us to pass accurate information on to our contractor, helping us respond more efficiently.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we get this cleared.
#trailupdate
A huge thank you to Forest View High School, Tokoroa, for returning to Lake Whakamaru to help care for the next generation of native forest.
Just 12 months ago, students planted more than 3,000 native trees at the site. Their return visit to release and maintain these young plants is a vital step in helping them thrive and establish for the future.
We’re grateful for the ongoing commitment, hard work, and environmental leadership shown by the students and staff.
#trailupdate Forest View High School Tokoroa Official
Fantastic news for everyone using the Waikato River Trails and the local community - great to see Waipapa Road reopening ahead of schedule.
Huge thanks to all involved for the hard work getting this vital access route safely restored.
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
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🚨 🚨 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 👊
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
Some very special days happen on the Waikato River Trails, and yesterday was definitely one of them.
A huge thank you to the amazing students and staff from Upper Atiamuri School. Twenty-six students and three staff members planted more than 1,000 native trees alongside the Trail at Atiamuri, helping restore the river's edge for future generations.
These young tamariki were polite, hardworking, and incredibly diligent. It was an absolute pleasure to have you working alongside us.
Upper Atiamuri School Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Tooku awa koiora - Waikato River Authority #news
Have you walked, run or ridden the Waikato River Trails recently? We'd love to hear about your experience.
Your feedback helps us secure funding for ongoing maintenance, repairs and future improvements across the trail network.
𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗮 $𝟭𝟬𝟬 Nothing Naughty 𝗲-𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿!
Every response helps us better understand how people use and enjoy the Trail, ensuring we can continue to protect and enhance this special place for everyone.
Share your feedback here: www.getsmartglobal.com/waikatorivertrails
#news
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀!
Our latest e-newsletter is here! Find out about:
👉 The successful restoration of trail damage following February's weather event
👉 Upcoming works at Powerhouse Road ahead of the Arapuni Dam closure
👉 Preparations for our 2026 planting season with 6,000 native plants
👉 Another sold-out Taniwha event and the positive feedback received from participants
👉 New Trail Naming Sponsors and the organisations helping support the Trail's future
👉 Our visitor survey – share your feedback and help shape the future of the Waikato River Trails and all surveys completed by 30th June 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 winter!
email.rocketspark.co.nz/t/r-DCE20C4D8FD50C942540EF23F30FEDED
#news Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers - past, present and future - who have helped make a difference on the Waikato River Trails.
From trail maintenance and planting projects to event support and advocacy, your time, energy, and passion have helped create and care for a trail experience that is enjoyed by thousands of people each year.
Every contribution, big or small, has played a part in shaping the Waikato River Trails into the special place it is today.
To everyone who has given their time over the years, and to those who may join us in the future, thank you for being part of the Waikato River Trails story.
Together, you're helping keep the Waikato River Trails thriving for generations to come💚
#news #NVW2026
The Great Rides App is a fantastic tool to help you get the most out of your ride on the Waikato River Trails and across all 23 of Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trails.
With offline maps, GPS tracking, trail information, points of interest, and helpful tips all in one place, it's the perfect companion for planning and navigating your next adventure.
Want to explore a new trail or revisit a favourite, the Great Rides App helps you ride with confidence and discover more along the way.
📲 Available to download on Apple and Android — and it’s totally free.
#news
Rainy days are perfect for planning your next adventure!
While the weather might be keeping you indoors, now is a great time to start planning your next trip on the Waikato River Trails.
Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a cycling adventure, or a relaxing escape surrounded by stunning scenery, we've got a range of accommodation options to help make your trail experience even better.
Explore accommodation options in our Partner Directory and start planning your next visit
👉 www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz/partner-directory/#eat-sleep
The trails will be waiting when the sunshine returns!
#news
King’s Birthday Long Weekend on the Waikato River Trails
If you’re heading out on the trails this King’s Birthday weekend, there are some great local spots along the way to stop in for a coffee, a bite to eat, or something refreshing.
The below local businesses will be operating as usual over the long weekend, however please note that Rhubarb Cafe and Mangakino Club will be closed on Monday and Tuesday as part of their normal weekly operating hours.
👉 Ata's Bar & Eatery, Mangakino
👉 Mangakino Club, Mangakino
👉 Rhubarb Cafe , Arapuni
👉 The Dam Village Bakery Cafe, Whakamaru
Take a break, support local, and enjoy your time on the trails this long weekend!
#news
If you’ve been out enjoying the Waikato River Trails lately, we’d love to hear from you.
Your feedback helps us secure funding for ongoing maintenance, repairs, and future improvements across the trail network.
Our goal is to reach 500 completed surveys, and every response helps.
👉 Share your feedback here: www.getsmartglobal.com/waikatorivertrails
Thank you for supporting the trails and the work happening across the network.
#news
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
📣Tomorrow’s the big day for The Taniwha!😃
Wishing all participants the very best for an epic day out on the Waikato River Trails. Whether you’re tackling your first event or chasing a personal best, enjoy every moment and soak up the incredible atmosphere.
A huge lineup is waiting for you at the Taniwha event base with awesome supporters, great food, and plenty of good energy throughout the day. And don’t forget to support and grab one of the yummy BBQ bacon & egg sandwiches
#event
How awesome to see The Taniwha 2026 officially sold out😍
#event🐉 THE TANIWHA 2026 HAS SOLD OUT 🐉
Entries are now closed for all distances and there will be no on-the-day entries available.
The demand for this year’s event has been incredible and we’re blown away by the support for this epic Waikato River Trails adventure 🌿
To everyone joining us on the start line, get ready for an unforgettable day.
And for those who missed out… The Taniwha will return in 2027 👀
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.