The Great Lake’s Great Ride

Using a superlative to name this trail is a no-brainer. While the ‘great lake’ is not on the scale of the Great Lakes of the USA, it is our country’s biggest lake and nearly twice the size of the next largest. I was expecting a lot from this trail when I visited the area, as it is one of the New Zealand Cycle Trail’s ‘Great Rides’ as well as being on the scenic shores of Lake Taupō.

My adventure on the Great Lake Trail started at the Waihaha carpark about 30 kilometres west of the Taupō township. The trail is divided into three sections. The Waihaha on the Western Bay is the most remote, with most riders catching a water taxi to reach the following section. I arrive at an empty carpark and read an interpretation panel; behind me is the sound of water racing through a series of river rapids. My heart was racing too. I know little about this ride and