Please note: This part of the Waikato River Trails has been permanently closed. Please do NOT try to access this track. Mangarewa Suspension Bridge is still accessible on a 10km long trail from the Waipapa Dam, but the trail from Waotu South Road to the bridge has been permanently closed. The cycle trail now follows a different route from Arapuni Dam to Waipapa Dam. See the Waikato River Trails web site for details.

As the web site mentions in the update dated October 1, 2020:
“The foolish minority have created a situation through ignorance and disrespect that access to parts of the Trail are now denied to the respectful and socially aware majority. The abuse of years of goodwill from the Trails farming neighbour is a sad reflection that it only takes a few people in any section of the community to unravel enjoyment for the masses.”

The Waikato River Trail stretches a total of about 100km from Lake Karapiro in the north to Atiamuri in the south. Parts of the trail are on public roads, but most of it is specially constructed walking and mountain biking track, following the Waikato River. The trail is calculated to take 3 or 4 days to cover the total length on a mountain bike, and somewhat longer by foot. Since several parts of the trail are easily accessible from public roads it is possible to walk most of it as day walks, walking each part in both directions if you don’t have other transport arranged. Continue reading →