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
𝟭𝟲/𝟬𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗢 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡
Great news! the Karapiro section of the Trail is now fully open, with the retaining wall work now completed.
Thank you to everyone for your patience while this important maintenance was carried out. We hope you enjoy being back on the Trail🤩
#trailupdate
𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗢 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘
A reminder that the Karapiro section of the Trail (between Powerhouse Road & Little Waipa Reserve) will 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 for completion of remaining construction work.
This closure is expected to last at least one week, depending on site and weather conditions. Please plan your visit accordingly, and thank you for your patience while we finish this important work.
#trailupdate
🌞With the summer holidays underway, it’s a great time to be out enjoying the Waikato River Trails. If you come across anything along the way that needs attention, we’d really appreciate you letting us know😀
A photo (if possible) to let us know what and where, including the nearest KM marker when you message or post - it helps us locate the spot and respond quickly.
Enjoy the holidays🤩
#trailupdate
𝟮𝟮/𝟭𝟮/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 - 𝗨𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘: 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗢
Please be aware that the Karapiro section of the Trail (between Powerhouse Road and Little Waipa Reserve) will 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 to allow our contractor to complete the remaining work.
The closure is expected to be in place for at least one week, depending on site and weather conditions. Further updates will be shared as the work progresses.
Thanks for your understanding as we complete this important maintenance.
#trailupdate
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 you’re 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 – Mangakino
Café open 8.30am – 2.30pm | Lakefront cart open 9am – 3pm
Mangakino Club – Mangakino
Dinner available | Bookings essential – call or text Kevin: 021 217 4980
Rhubarb Cafe – Arapuni
Open 8am – 4pm | No surcharge
The Dam Village Bakery & Café – Whakamaru
Open right through the long weekend
Plan your pit stops, enjoy a break, and support local while you explore the trails!
#news
Now that Christmas is done and the summer break is in full swing, if you’re planning your next great trails adventure, don’t forget to download the Great Rides App!
This is your go-to guide for all 23 Great Rides on Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trails.
Whether you’re heading out on the Waikato River Trails or exploring another trail these holidays, the app has everything you need:
🗺️ Offline maps >📍 GPS tracking >🚻 Points of interest >✅ Trail tips & safety info
📲 Available on Apple and Android — and it’s totally free.
#news @greatridesapp
✨𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 & 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿! ✨
From all of us at Waikato River Trails, thank you for being part of our Trail community. We wish you a safe, relaxing, and adventure filled summer, and we look forward to welcoming you back on the Trails in the New Year.
#news
The Taniwha is your chance to explore the Waikato River Trails!
Early Bird pricing ends midnight 31 January 😊
#event🌿 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 🤩 get in behind the Tokoroa High School Fun Run / Walk and enter now!
And check out that 🏅
#event
Try the Trails – this Auckland Anniversary Weekend (24–26 Jan)
Ever thought about riding one of the Waikato or Hauraki Trails but not sure where to start? 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 with Riverside Adventures - Waikato is all about relaxed, achievable rides that help you experience some of the North Island’s great cycling trails.
Join rides on sections of:
✔️ Waikato River Trail
✔️ Te Awa River Ride
✔️ 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.
👉 Bookings are essential so check out the details below and get amongst it this coming long weekend!
#events
If The Taniwha 2026 is on your list, now’s the time to lock it in.
Early Bird pricing closes 31 January, so don’t miss the chance to secure your spot at the best price.
Run it. Walk it. Ride it (or why not both?). eBike it - take on the trails your way.
Start the year with something to look forward to🤩
#event
www.thetaniwha.co.nz
Wind your way through native bush, exotic forest, historic landmarks, open reserves, geological formations, boardwalks over wetlands, and stunning single track - taking in expansive lake and river vie...
The Taniwha is whatever adventure you want it to be!
Early Bird entries are open - lock in your spot for 2026 and get ready to take on the trails your way!
#eventRun it. Walk it. Ride it. eBike it. The Taniwha is whatever adventure you want it to be.
#TheTaniwha #WaikatoRiverTrails #TotalSportNZ