Riding the Trail

The start of the Waihaha section is 40 minutes’ drive from Kinloch at the Waihaha River car park off SH32. It ends at remote Waihora Bay, requiring a water taxi to return to Kinloch. To simplify the logistics we arranged with Jonny at FourB for a shuttle to pick us up at our AirBnB to take us via Kinloch (to pick up another group of seven), then drop us at the trail head. Jonny also arranged the water taxi to drop us back at Kinloch, for the shuttle to return us to Taupo.

So, up early for the 7:45 am pick-up – only to find the first problem for the day: a puncture in my front tyre. Fortunately this was found early enough to replace the tube, and with a “proper pump” available on the shuttle (my trail pump was barely working – and seriously needs replacement) there was no delay in setting off. Thanks for your efforts Paul.

The first half of this single-track ride follows the Waihaha River high above a gorge covered in native bush. Various rock outcrops provide views of the gorge and surrounding volcanic terrain, with the highlight being the spectacular Tieke Falls. Unfortunately these are a good 40 minute scramble from the track, so not a practical option for a quick dip.

This section of the ride was certainly challenging after a steady diet of road riding and sealed trails, offering steep climbs, rapid drops and sharp turns, on surfaces which varied from soft mud and leaf mould to dry loose grit on crumbly pumice. Thank god for e-bikes!

The second half of the ride is also scenic – and challenging – as it meanders around the lake edge. Highlights include rocky ravines and cliff-top lookouts across the lake to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. The mysterious Echo Rock completely fools the senses, suggesting a stream is passing directly overhead, when it is actually down a bank in front of you – a good place to stop for a breather. The trail’s descent alongside Kotukutuku Stream with its gushes and waterfalls, is particularly challenging: when the track builders build solid wooden fences on the down-hill switch-backs it is time to get off and walk!

Arriving at the pick-up point in Waihora Bay we were well inside the required reporting time of 1:30 pm. The shelter here was also welcome, as the showers which had threatened all day finally arrived.

With the early arrival of the water taxi we were also able to board early, and await the arrival of the second group in the relative comfort of the cabin. A slight delay then as the late arrivals made it on board (delayed by a slipped chain apparently), along with some early arrivals from the scheduled 3:00pm pick-up. Then off on the short trip to Kawakawa Bay to drop off those who intended to ride the final 10km back to Kinloch, before heading back to Kinloch on the water.

Well, that was the intention, but a late call to the boatman from another group approaching the Waihora Bay pick-up meant an unplanned return to the original beach for three more passengers, before finally making it back to Kinloch – a good two hours after the intended return. Fortunately our shuttle driver had been advised of the change in timing and was there to pick us up. Not quite what we were expecting, but I guess we “benefitted” from an unscheduled cruise around the bays to the west of Kinloch!

Fine Dining at Home

Given the late return to Taupo, and the attraction of a perfect night and ideal setting for a BBQ, Paul & Kev headed off on their bikes to the nearest supermarket to stock up on food and the essentials for a home BBQ (in reality, they also took time out at a pub, but we can live with that!).

Chef Steve took commmand of the Weber BBQ, calling on his previous experience with a similar version to perfectly grill a mix of steak, marinated lamb chops, and a selection of beef and pork sausages. This was accompanied by fine salads conjured up by Paul and Kev. And a few cold beverages. Sure beat a noisy pub.