Plan for today was ride the Kawakawa/K2K and W2K Great Lake Trails at Kinloch, near Taupō. A chance Facebook connection led to Buzz, who saw my Friday ride update and in Taupō for a family event, joining me for some of the day. Kinloch was busy but most of the traffic seemed focused on the marina and getting boats launched. Had no problem getting a park by the beach for the day.
We met for breakfast at the Tipsy Trout Café, their fine French Toast and a couple of coffees fuelled me for the first part of the ride; The Day 2 Kawakawa Trail on the map below.
Kinloch Otaketake K2K Trail
We rode from Kinloch and anticlockwise around the Kawakawa Loop (TO2122-65a). It is comprised of three trails: Otaketake Trail climbs up from Kinloch to Whangamata Road. After a short roadside section Orakau Trail descends, following a stream, to the lake at Kawakawa Bay. From there the K2K Trail returns along the lakefront, over a headland, to Kinloch.
The Otaketake Trail is a decent climb, about 11km & 350m elevation, from lakefront to Whangamata Road. Despite our heroic poses this spectacular lookout is only about one third of the way up. No filter on my photo; just didn't notice my phone, in back jersey pocket, was a bit steamed up!
It was a lovely day; hot but also clear with fantastic views to the trio of mountains (about 60km away) at the southern end of Lake Taupō.
From the top a short roadside trail section leads to this shelter at the start of Orakau Trail. Time for a rest and snack in the shade before farewelling Buzz, who headed back to Kinloch & Auckland.
I carried on following the Orakau Trail through wetlands and along Orakau Stream with a lovely flowing 9km mostly downhill (but not all) run towards the lakefront.
Parts of the trail had welcome shade.
There are plenty of viewpoint rest spots, note the pumice dusted bike. The trail surface is great, and Taupō's natural drainage makes it an all-season ride.
On the lakefront short side trails lead to Kawakawa Beach.
Despite a summer weekend, and some camp sites nearby, I had it all to myself. If you do the Waihaha Trail one way, the shuttle boat can drop you here for the ride back to Kinloch.
Well, didn't quite have the beach to myself as someone watched the cumbersome bike creature have a swim.
The lake, admittedly shallow here, was unexpectedly warm but still refreshing. Just had to watch out for floating rocks...
From the beach the trail climbs, with nicely graded switchbacks, over a bluff heading back towards Kinloch.
More spectacular views give an excuse to catch your breath, the colours were incredible. Saw a few cyclists on this part as the ebikes climb faster than me. It is a great trail for all abilities and ages.
Zinc nosed blot blocks a lovely view! The mirror is handy on trails to see those assisted bikers approaching from behind.
Back at Kinlock Beach for another snack and rest stop, plus check out the Great Rides App to review the next part of the trail. It was about half four, plenty of time and daylight savings evening light to do the W2K.
I got some cooling frozen fuel at the Kinloch Store (a neat mix of grocery, bakery, and takeaways) where they were firing up a wood-fired pizza oven! Dinner sorted after the ride this evening!
Kinloch Whakaipo W2K trail
This is the 2 or 3 W2K Trail on the map below.
The W2K trail (TO2122-65b & c) climbs the bluff high above Kinloch before descending to Whakaipo Beach
There's an optional headland loop, an additional ~8km, but as was getting late I headed straight down to the beach.
The trail is more fantastic flowing descent with great views.
There's a large camping area with road access. I expected to see more people, but the long beach meant the few there were spread out.
I had another swim, this beach was more crowded than the last.
Fantastic golden evening light for the ride home.
Thought about the headland loop but decided to skip it. Next time, as will be back to ride these trails again.
It was nice to finish with a fun descent back down to Kinloch.
Stunning warm calm summer evening in Kinloch.
It was after eight by the time I got back and packed the car. Was all ready for pizza only to discover the store was closed, just embers in the Pizza Oven!
Full moon on the road out of Kinloch.
The Portofino Pizza win!
After shower and changing back at the motel I was still determined to get pizza and headed back to Taupō. Although it was late Hell Pizza were doing COVID style table outside order/pick-up, but nobody seemed interested in taking an order. Looked like they were more interested in cleaning up, preparing to close, although half an hour till their advertised time.
While waiting to be served I noticed Portofino Restaurant, right next door, offered takeaways so popped in there. Although it was past their closing time people were still dining and they were happy to take an order. Got a lovely, suspect nicer, pizza and garlic bread from them. A nice finish to a wonderful day.
That was my last Taupō ride for this leg. Next morning, I headed back to Auckland for a few days to prepare for my South Island Road/Cycle Trip.
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