29 ( TO 1 POKAIWHENUA BRIDGE), ke 11.5KM La

K 1 27 28 a

r This is one of the easiest sections on

a Horahora Road p

i this trail. It is Grade 2 with a few short

r o Tirau Grade 3 hills. POKAIWHENUA BRIDGE 5 Most people park in Arapuni and ride 1 up the trail to Little Waipa Reserve and 28 back. The Huihuitaha Wetland, with Little Waipa Reserve 5 boardwalk, is a highlight. The Rhubarb MAP LEGEND Café, Arapuni, is a very popular place to head for after the ride. Putaruru open section ARAPUNI ARAPUNI (ARAPUNI TO optional route Darby Road WAIPAPA DAM), 36KM Arapuni Suspension Bridge start / finish point This section includes some road point of interest riding from Jones Landing to the Jones Landing end of South Rd. Jim Barnett Road bridge Reserve is full of birdlife and there is L 1 a a 1000-year-old totara that is worth k Waotu e i-SITE Visitor Centre a look. Crossing the Mangarewa A Jim Barnett Reserve ra suspension bridge, 42m above the p town u IMAGES: Cycling River Trails n stream, is a thrilling endeavour.

WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS WAIKATO i TRAILS © waikatorivertrails.com Waotu South Road café/restaurant WAIPAPA (WAIPAPA DAM road ends toilets TO LAKEFRONT), TRAIL INFO car park 19KM RIVER Navigation along this section is quite W camping

Mangarewa Suspension Bridge simple. Just ride across the dam and

a

i k

a accommodation then follow the blue marker posts. t

o This section is Grade 3 and has several 1-4 Days R state highway steep little hills. Highlights include the Trails i 1 v e 103km r Waipapa Dam and native bush and WAIPAPA DAM exotic forest. 1 MARAETAI (MANGAKINO KARAPIRO to ATIAMURI 32 LAKEFRONT TO WHAKAMARU of engineering will catch your Lakefront Reserve DAM),12KM attention. Experience the serenity Forest This is an easy stage along the trail. TRAIL GRADES: Lak e M It is Grade 2 (Easy) and only 12km

of native bush, wetlands, historic Maraetai Dam a

r

a long. Perfect for a family day out,

KARAPIRO (ARAPUNI TO e

landmarks and intriguing volcanic MANGAKINO t

a this section has a village at each end 1-4 days 103km POKAIWHENUA BRIDGE CAR i rock formations. Highlights include ATIAMURI (Mangakino at the start, Whakamaru PARK) GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO Mangakino towering dams, suspension bridges, at the end) and includes a 70m-long INTERMEDIATE) Suspension Bridge 30 WHAKAMARU DAM Dunham Point Lake suspension bridge that’s around long meandering boardwalks and Reserve ARAPUNI (ARAPUNI TO Atiamuri 12m high. expansive lake and river views. Whakamaru ver he more time you spend WAIPAPA DAM) GRADE 4-5 Waik ato Ri The force of nature akamaru WHAKAMARU DAM TO riverside, the more you Stories of the region’s rich history (ADVANCED) ke Wh 30 La ATIAMURI, 23.5KM is inescapable on can feel the river’s life are signposted as your journey WAIPAPA (WAIPAPA DAM TO Lake Whakamaru T This section has some of the best To Pureora force radiating across the region, winds along the river. Riding the MANGAKINO LAKEFRONT) Reserve this cycle trail 32 scenery of the trail and has been nourishing the rolling hills and the trail also offers the opportunity to © AA Traveller 2018 GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) upgraded to Grade 3 (Intermediate). that follows beautiful native and exotic forests. enjoy the wonderful hospitality of MARAETAI (MANGAKINO The trail ends (or starts) at a small Pokaiwhenua Arapuni Waipapa Mangakino Whakamaru Atiamuri The trail presents a multipurpose ’s farming and forestry LAKEFRONT TO WHAKAMARU parking area beside Ongaroto Rd (only New Zealand’s Bridge Dam Dam 100m from SH 1). walking and cycling experience, heartland – previously inaccessible DAM) GRADE 2 (EASY) land far away from the hustle and 11.5km 36km 19km 12km 23.5km The highlights of this section include longest river, the where around every corner WHAKAMARU DAM 400m views of the picturesque Lake a striking natural feature or bustle of the city. TO ATIAMURI GRADE 3 200m 0m Whakamaru and the Whakamaru mighty Waikato. (INTERMEDIATE) impressive man-made feat Dam, the wetland and boardwalk IMPORTANT INFORMATION: at Dunhams Creek Reserve and the Sometimes trail sections are riding the trail Ongaroto Steps. closed due to logging operations. Visit www.waikatorivertrails.com Before starting out, check look out for... Bridge the gap www.waikatorivertrails.com and “This project is what The bridges on this trail respect closures and signage. Action on the trail minded trail users from around span from scenic to Dogs are prohibited on many New Zealand thinks of as the country. One to mark in your heartland values – groups Up for a challenge? Take your thrillingly high. The Arapuni sections of the trail. diaries is The Taniwha, set to hit cycling experience one step further Swing Bridge is a staggering MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: of people working together the trails on 3 November 2018. This by entering one of the trail’s events. 152m long and 54m above Outside the small towns of to create a new community challenging, yet achievable, event Cycling, walking, running and the river; the Mangarewa Arapuni, Mangakino and project.” sees individuals and teams of all multi-sport activities are held Suspension Bridge is 80m Whakamaru, there is little to no levels of fitness running, walking or Mercury Chairperson, regularly and are a great way to long and 42m high. mobile phone coverage. mountain biking the trails. Carole Durbin enjoy the trails and meet like- 32 33 aikato’s main Further south, charming and thoroughbred horse studs metropolitan hub, with Cambridge is known as the ‘town and stables. Browse the antique Heart of the Wits vibrant centre and of trees and champions’ because of and craft shops and visit the bird rich cultural mix, is an essential stop its quaint, leafy streets, village green sanctuary at Te Kouto Domain. en route to the bike trail. Hamilton is home to exciting eateries, a Waikato Waikato River from thriving cultural precinct that celebrates the region’s heritage, great shops and galleries, and a Explore & enjoy colourful entertainment hub of HAMILTON Charming lively wine bars, clubs and pubs, as towns, lush well as a modern casino. FREE MAPS & GUIDES pastures and You’ll become very familiar with This trail puts you movie magic... the Waikato River along the cycle in touch with New EVENT TICKETING trail, but for a different perspective, Zealand’s longest ACCOMMODATION take a cruise down the river. Then, river, the Waikato. ACTIVITIES & TOURS stroll around the city’s most visited attraction, , take There’s a fitting Maori proverb TRANSPORT the kids to the Eye2Eye animal that says ko au te awa, ko te WAIKATO & BEYOND encounter at the zoo, or explore awa ko au – I am the river and exhibitions that tell the region’s the river is me. Let these words WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS stories and view more than 38,000 ring in your ears as you explore the banks of the Waikato River, treasures (taonga) at the Waikato HAMILTON which is spiritually important to Museum. If you’re looking for some Maori, in particular to the local serious retail therapy, head to people, . They believe the Cnr Caro & Alexandra Streets [email protected] The Base. river is the source of their mana 0800 Hamilton (4264 5866) www.visithamilton.co.nz Venture to New Zealand’s only tea or pride, their strength, their plantation, Zealong Tea Estate, well-being and their identity, as just north of Hamilton. The finest well as a source of sustenance. Local knowledge & hidden gems tea plants from Taiwan have been ABOVE: Hamilton Gardens Putaruru © Hamilton & Waikato Tourism planted here. Hamilton City Cambridge to appear in the manner of a ruru (owl) • 40km SE of Cambridge 125km S of after the 2nd Duke of Cambridge • 24km SE of Hamilton on SH 1 WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS

TAKE THE JOURNEY. • Waikato’s finest.12 spacious self-catering suites, 2 with access facilities. • Super king, queen-size beds. LIVE THE EXPERIENCE. • Double spa baths & full kitchens in all units. NO REGRETS. • Heat pumps in all units. • Exceptional comfort, serviced daily. • Free WiFi • Smokefree • Tariff: $160-$200 (2 persons).Seasonal rates apply. HIRE ONE OF OUR ELECTRIC BIKES AND LET US ORGANISE YOUR TRIP BOOK AN ELECTRIC BIKE TODAY AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT WITH 20 Hamilton Rd, Cambridge • P: +64 7 827 7166 PROMO CODE EBIKE. MERCURY CUSTOMERS RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT. E: [email protected] OUR FRIENDLY EXPERT TEAM CAN HELP BOOK: • Shuttle Service • Accommodation • Bike Hire • Luggage Transfer www.cambridgemews.co.nz Ph 0800 874 978 | www.waikatorivertrails.com | waikatorivertrails | waikatorivertrails

34 35 Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Nature-lovers make a beeline to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, 11km west of Arapuni. With a 47km-long predator- proof fence, this is the largest ecological island in mainland New Zealand and the project to get rid of predators is nearly complete. Look out for rare birds including kiwi, takahe, hihi and kaka, reptiles including tuatara, and admire the beautiful flora. This pretty lake just south of Cambridge was created by a hydro-electric scheme. Its mirror- like water is ideal for water-skiing, canoeing and . Many of our Olympic medal-winning Take a trip to Middle Earth rowers have trained here. Kayakers, Lake Karapiro © Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Home of hobbits

37 Vogel St, Cambridge Colonial Court Motel Ph: +64 7 827 5244 efore you hit the trail, surroundings of the recreated shire Res 0800 525 352 there’s a classic Waikato – you can even enjoy a breakfast WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS Btown worth spending time at the Shire’s Rest Cafe or a glass in – Matamata, aka Middle Earth. of Frogmorton ginger beer at The Nestled at the base of the Kaimai Green Dragon Inn. In Putaruru, Ranges, Matamata’s picture-perfect 40km southeast of Cambridge, gently undulating hills became take Te Waihou Walkway to the the home of Hobbiton in The Lord stunningly pure Blue Spring where of the Rings Trilogy, and it’s been much of New Zealand’s bottled Hobbiton ever since. Experience water comes from. Quiet, tranquil garden setting. 15 units: Studio, 1-brm, 2-brm, deluxe spa unit. the real Middle Earth in the idyllic The Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton Movie Set Close to Karapiro, Mystery Creek and Avantidrome. Pool and BBQ facilities. © Hobbiton Movie Set Tours Tariff: $130-$180, extra person $20, minimum unit rates may apply. www.colonialcourt.co.nz Matamata headland • 63km E of Hamilton on SH 27

Air-conditioning in executive rooms

• Located in the heart of Cambridge above shopping precinct • Restaurant and bars on your doorstep • 18 studios and 3 x 2-brm units + 7 dorm-style rooms well suited to school sports groups • Conference facilities also available • Tariff: $85 (dorm style) $110-$165 (18 studios and 3 x 2-brm units)

87-89 Victoria St, Cambridge Ph: 07 823 1467 Reservations: 0800 166 842 Email: [email protected] www.no1motels.co.nz

36