Welcome to Waikato River Trails
28/08/2026: ARAPUNI DAM CLOSURE – IMPORTANT TRAIL UPDATE
From 9am Tuesday, 1 September 2026, Arapuni Road across Arapuni Dam will close for approximately 24–36 months while repair and enhancement works are carried out by Mercury.
This closure will affect trail users travelling between Arapuni and Waipapa Dam.
🚫 The Powerhouse Road detour is for vehicles only – trail users cannot walk or cycle along this detour.
This means trail users travelling between Arapuni and Waipapa Dam will need vehicle support to travel around the closure.
If you are planning to ride or walk this section of the Waikato River Trails, please plan ahead and make arrangements for transport around the closure before starting your journey.
We will have signage in place at trail entry points to help ensure trail users are aware of the closure.
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12/08/2026: The Arapuni section of trail from Waipapa Dam to the Mangarewa Bridge is still CLOSED due to significant slips and pieces of trail missing throughout this section and will remain closed until further notice.
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The five Waikato River Trails
The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections across a range of terrain from gently undulating trails to some that are steeper, rugged and more adventurous. The trails are are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced) and while they are mostly wide and smooth, some are trickier single-track trails (particularly on the Waipapa section) – a mountain bike is recommended.
𝟮𝟭/𝟬𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗜 / 𝗢𝗛𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗥𝗜 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗
We’ve been advised that works will be taking place on land adjacent to the Waikato River Trails near Ohakuri Road, Atiamuri from Friday 21 August through to Wednesday 26 August, if not sooner.
The trail will remain open during this time.
What to expect:
• Friday 21 August – a digger will be operating along the farm boundary adjacent to the trail.
• Monday 24 August onwards – mowing operations will take place along the road from Ohakuri Road to the farm.
• Signage will be in place, with pilot vehicles used where required.
The contractor has advised that disruption should be minimal and operations will pause to allow cyclists and other trail users to pass safely.
Please take care and follow any on-site signage when travelling through this section.
#trailupdate
The Powerhouse Road Safety Improvement Project is finished. The new Trail and boardwalk will provide a much safer experience for cyclists and walkers using the Karapiro section of the Trail.
Cyclists are now using the new route. There is a 6m piece of sight rail to install and moving a few signs to finish. A great outcome, thanks to Iwi, Mercury, South Waikato District Council and contractor Keir Projects limited.
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Great news! AAA Trees have now cleared the fallen tree from the Whakamaru Section, and access to the trail has been restored.
A big thank you to AAA Trees for their prompt work, and to everyone who reported the fallen tree and provided detailed location information. Your assistance helped us respond quickly and get the trail reopened as soon as possible.
#trailupdate
𝟮𝟵/𝟬𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘂 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
A large tree is currently down across the trail on the Whakamaru Section, around the 11 km marker (not far from Tram Road).
Our contractor is scheduled to remove it on Wednesday, 1st July.
At this stage, we're unsure whether cyclists are able to get through, so if you're planning to use this section before then, please take extra care and be prepared to turn around if necessary.
A huge thank you to everyone who has reported this. The detailed information you provided, including the location, has been incredibly helpful and has allowed us to pass accurate information on to our contractor, helping us respond more efficiently.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we get this cleared.
#trailupdate
A huge thank you to Forest View High School, Tokoroa, for returning to Lake Whakamaru to help care for the next generation of native forest.
Just 12 months ago, students planted more than 3,000 native trees at the site. Their return visit to release and maintain these young plants is a vital step in helping them thrive and establish for the future.
We’re grateful for the ongoing commitment, hard work, and environmental leadership shown by the students and staff.
#trailupdate Forest View High School Tokoroa Official
Fantastic news for everyone using the Waikato River Trails and the local community - great to see Waipapa Road reopening ahead of schedule.
Huge thanks to all involved for the hard work getting this vital access route safely restored.
#trailupdate Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
