Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +2.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -2.4%
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2:30
Slow
1:45
Moderate
1:15
Fast
NOTE: Dogs on-lead only.
There is only one real climb on the trail up to the Tongariro River Lookout at the main car park end of the loop, with a view over the Tongariro River, Turangi township to Mt Pihanga, and the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park. The trail follows an attractive scenic loop along the banks of the river through mature beech forests, manuka and fern groves, with a small section having views over farmland and to the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Along the trail there are excellent views of the river where you can frequently spot the fly fishing action as well as the rafting. The Tongariro River is a world renowned fishery and from the trail or the bridges you can see trout in the crystal clear water. It is a run where you can enjoy with you family biking along with you as it is also a family friendly MTB track.
NOTE: There's a long-drop toilet at Red Hut Bridge (up by the car park)
An easy, undulating, well maintained track that can also be run as shorter loops tailored to suit your particular needs. There is a swing bridge to cross and plenty spectacular scenery.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking available.
1 km
5 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Easy route to navigate as it is simply a loop that goes up one side of a river, across a swing bridge and back down the other side. Signage is good.
Generally good.
Cellphone
Carry what you need
Generally easy all year round and just as much fun in the rain.
Keep an eye out for the occasional MTB
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Tongariro River Trail
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PG
Great trail to do to stretch your legs if heading to Taupo from the south. Nothing too technical or too steep.
October 15, 2021
Nice fast track designed for easy biking. Can really get the legs turning over after exploring some of the more technical runs in the region.
October 26, 2020
WW