2 Day Te Awa Pedal & Paddle 


From lake and river to waterfalls, along bridges and elevated boardwalks, the Te Awa River Ride showcases parts of the Waikato that have never before been seen – a world-class recreation experience for the whole family and right on our backdoor step.

Trails: Te Awa River Ride

Duration

2-3 Days

Ages

8+

Tour Price

Self-guided from $985.00 pp (Minimum of 2 people required)

Activity Grade

Easy - Intermediate
(Grade 1 - 3)


The Te Awa River Ride is one of most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand. It is the longest concrete path in the country winding its way for 65km from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro following New Zealand’s largest river – the mighty Waikato.

Day 1 - Ngaruawahia to Tamahere

33.5 km

Starting at the Riverside Adventures Cambridge base of the Grassroots Trust Velodrome where we take a scenic drive to the northern end of the Te Awa River Ride.

Ngaruawahia is the beginning of your journey! You’ll start opposite the significant Turangawaewae marae, home of the Maori King and wind your way along the mighty Waikato River for most of the way to Hamilton!

Highlights include Perry Bridge, Durham precinct (for coffee and snacks!), the fortified Mangaharakeke Paa site, St Andrews Golf Club, Hamilton Central to the world famous, Hamilton Gardens.

You’ll be met by your driver at Punnett Cafe in Tamahere who will take you back to your vehicle at the Grassroots Velodrome to leave your e-Bikes to charge overnight ready for another day or adventuring! Head back to your accommodation at either Hidden Lake Hotel, Podium Lodge or Cambridge Top 10 Holiday park. 

Allow 30minutes to drive to our kayak base 396 Horahora Road, Piarere in time to check in for the Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour.  

Enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly through the canyon and, when darkness falls, be guided by the magical titiwai - New Zealand glow worms - on either side.** Allow 4 hours for your adventure.

** In Winter, the check in time for the Glowworm is earlier so the Glowworm tour will placed in the Itinerary where it suits both parties 

Day 2 - Tamahere Village to Lake Karapiro 

31.5 km

The morning starts with provided breakfast either at your accommodation or The Bikery Cafe at the Grassroots Velodrome before the shuttle driver collects you and your eBikes and takes you back to where you finished Day 1 in Tamahere.

River views, boardwalks, bridges, picnic stops all meet you as you make your way through to Lake Karapiro.

Make time to stop at Podium Café at the lake for the best café views in Cambridge, or in summer you can’t go past the Karapiro Berry Box on Maungatautari Rd for a real fruit ice-cream.

Your shuttle driver will meet you at Lake Karapiro to take you back to your vehicle at the Grassroots Velodrome.

Congratulations, you have just completed the Te Awa River Ride!

Package inclusions:

  • Two nights accommodation at either Hidden Lake Hotel, Podium Lodge or Cambridge Top 10 Holiday Park

  • Two breakfasts

  • All mentioned above shuttle transport 

  • 2 x 2day e-Bike hire 

  • Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour with back rest 


Pricing

  • Self-guided from $985.00 per person

(Minimum of two people required)


Optional extras:

  • Panniers & gel seats 

  • Additional accommodation (pre and post adventure)

  • Airport transfers

  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

  • Camjet Boat Trip 

  • Maungataurtari Guided Tour