These two sections (#5 Whakamaru and #4 Maraetai) of the Waikato River Trails are more suited to young/fit/mountain bikers. I fit none of those categories and I found it very challenging. The trail follows the Waikato River, along high cliffs and back down to river level. It passes through fields, native bush, pine forests and beside dams and power stations. The trail surface has been well maintained with fresh metal in place for our visit. The gradient varies between flat boardwalks, to steep inclines and sharp corners. It is well signposted by blue markers. Distance 44.5kms. We rode the new 5kms section from Ohakuri Road to Atiamuri Village Carpark.

Photo credits: P Turner and J Lambert. Words: H Wenley

We stayed in Taupo and drove to Mangakino to pick up a shuttle.

Lunch was at The Dam Café in Whakamaru.