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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -38.68902, 175.91805. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 4 hr 30 min | 7 hr 30 mi hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Taupō area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk or ride over the headland between Whakaipo and Whangamata bays and enjoy the lake views and native bush.
This DOC directory entry covers Whakaipo Bay tracks in Central North Island, within Taupō area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 4 hr 30 min | 7 hr 30 mi hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch (W2K)
Time (one way): 4 hr 30 min walk, 2 hr mountain bikeDistance: 14 km
This section can be started at either end, but is described here from Whakaipo Bay.
The track starts at the shelter at the western end of the bay, climbing gently through native forest to the headland between the bays. There are several lookout points on the trail, offering stunning views of Lake Taupō and its surrounds. The trail descends into Whangamata Bay down the side of steep cliffs, and finishes at the beach in Kinloch.
Headland Loop
Time (one way): 3 hr walk, 1 hr 30 min mountain bikeDistance: 9.5 km
This is an additional loop accessed from half way along the W2K track. It's designed for cyclists or suited to fitter walkers. A good way to do this walk is to split the party and have vehicles at either end of the track, or use a shuttle service.
Getting there
Whakaipo Bay Reserve is located 12 km from Taupo, off Mapara Road.
Know before you go
These tracks are part of the Great Lake Trail, for more information visit the Love Taupō website.
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
