I had returned to Taupo for some unfinished business on the Great Lake Trails. There are four sections on the lakeside around, and further west of, Kinloch. I did the Kawakawa/K2K and W2K trails at Kinloch in January but still had the more remote Day 1 Waihaha Trail (on the map below) to do. It typically requires a shuttle drop-off at the road end and boat pick-up, from the beach back to Kinloch.
I'd contacted an operator saying 'am travelling solo, would be in Taupo Thursday–Friday, could ride either and was happy to fit in with other shuttle/boat bookings' but had no luck. Decided on a two-way ride anyway; more flexible around weather, all my own timing, and today was the day!
Waihaha Section | Great Lakes Trail
The ' Waihaha section' is a combination of two trails: The 13km Waihaha trail (Grade 3, 1.5–2 hours) follows the Waihaha River high above a pretty gorge. It meets the 17km Waihora trail (Grade 3, 1.5–2 hours) which meanders along the lake edge clifftops before descending rapidly alongside Kotukutuku Stream to Kotukutuku Landing in tranquil Waihora Bay. I'd be riding both, twice.
Although running for the whole ride my tracker missed about 15km of the 60km length. Figure 'smoothing' the many twists and turns along the way caused a rounding error as the track looked ok (no gaps etc)?
I got to the Waihaha Carpark, off SH32 about 64km from Taupo, at 10am. Even this late it was still cold; ~6°C in the sun! I layered up with long sleeves, fabric over-gloves (to ward off cold fingers) and Seal-Skinz socks to keep the toes warm!
In the shade the Waihaha River crossing was frosty, this bridge should not be white!
Waihaha River with frost on the rocks...
I stopped on this section thinking something was wrong with the bike drivetrain. It was just the unfamiliar sound of tyres crushing the frosty pumice tyre surface. Found a lovely seat placed to take in the view but not this morning, unless you want a frostbitten bum!
In the sun, and riding, it was warm.
The trail is typical Taupo pumice rock, nice and dry despite some recent rain.
Engraved benches along acknowledge the amazing community and sponsor contributions which built and maintain this trail.
There are spectacular views into Waihaha Gorge.
Tieke Falls hiding in the morning shade and trail shadows.
View towards the lake shore, the trail follows the cliffs around to the left.
Info panels show the history of Volcanoes, both hidden and visible. Below: Mt Ngauruhoe (Peter Jackson's Mt Doom) with Mt Ruapehu behind it.
Autumn colours and fallen leaves, much of NZ's bush is evergreen.
A Waihora Trail Community bench.
Lake views back towards Taupo.
It's just a matter of focus...
The central plateau volcanoes, SO CLEAR!
No risk of frostbite taking in this view.
The Waihora Trail has a distinctive character, more bush and twisty sections.
Kotukutuku Landing, Waihora Bay
I got to Kotukutuku Landing about 13:00, about three hours for the two trails with lots of photo and 'just take it in' stops. There's a shelter, and a loo, if you need to wait for the shuttle in poor weather.
A sign, only one way back for me.
I had 'lunch', food I was carrying, here but didn't linger long as it was cold in the shade.
You can't go to a Taupo beach without doing a pumice bob. Throw a rock in the lake and it floats...
The climb out of Kotukutuku Landing soon warmed me up. It parts it's quite challenging, rounding tight steep turns designed more for the usual downhill ride.
'Echo Rock' is a natural soundshell.
Below left: when your photo gets 'photo buzzed'.
Have you seen my Wife?
Climbing out of met a slightly ruffled looking rider who asked: 'Have you seen my Wife?'. Told him I'd seen nobody on the beach or trail (there's only one), but he carried on regardless saying they'd agreed to regroup at the lookout bench further along the trail. Seems they'd got separated when he stopped for something, can't remember it was photo or mechanical, and she kept going.
Seemed odd, I hoped (but didn't say!) she hadn't fallen off trail and I'd missed her, but there's no phone reception for much of this trail so he had no real option. I agreed to check the trail back towards the carpark and wait for his return if their car was still there, decide what next then.
He caught up to me further along the trail, his E-Mtb climbing faster than me, when I stopped for this photo where the trail changes name. He'd got some reception and a text saying she'd turned off here, the only junction, taking an easier alternative farm track/Waihaha Road route back to Western Bays Road (SH32) carpark. She must have turned off just before he caught up with her but didn't wait to tell him about her change of plan!
It's amazing how rapidly poor communication, in a remote area with poor communication, can make things potentially go so wrong.
Autumn perfection
Back along the Waihaha, it was a gorgeous riding on calm, clear, autumn evening.
Although evening I would be back at the car before having to ride by the light of the moon. I was happy to see my car alone in the carpark, both still there (would be a long ride back to Taupo!) and as meant 'Mr & Mrs Lost' had found each other...
Dinner was a self-catered pasta, salad, and garlic bread in the motel by the time got back and cleaned up was too knackered to go out again. Tomorrow, some more Taupo rides, or Waikato River trails, beckon.
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