Discover Te Awa shared cycle walking trail along the scenic Waikato River. Easily accessible with a firm flat surface the trail is suitable for most fitness levels.
Te Awa Waikato river shared cycle walking trail
The Te Awa Cycleway caters to people of all fitness levels and is a shared pathway for both cyclists and pedestrians. The path is generally 3m wide, flat and made of concrete but does include a couple of very short but steep hills.
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 60 km from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro following New Zealand’s largest river – the mighty Waikato.
The Te Awa River Ride covers 60 km from Ngaruawahia through Hamilton to Lake Karapiro. It is predominately 3m wide and concrete, along with boardwalks and bridges and two short on-road sections. There is stunning scenery, along with plenty of places to eat, drink and stay along the way.
- Grade 2 (easy)
- Distance: 60km
- Access: This ride can be accessed at various points along the trail.
- Please note some sections are on the road, see the Te Awa website for more details and maps: te-awa.org.nz
Te Awa highlights
- River views and a mix of rural and urban landscapes
- Wide track suitable for social riding
- Stunning views of Lake Karapiro and a 400m boardwalk around the edge of the lake
- Perry Bridge – an iconic 120m cycle/walk suspension bridge at Horotiu
Bike hire for the Hamilton sections of the trail is available from River Riders who service the entire trail.
Waikato Te Awa – Cambridge
Te Awa trail is a celebration of the Mighty Waikato River, the people who have lived by and on the river. Waikato Tainui and its local iwi ngati haua have identified sites of significance. Connecting Cambridge to Karapiro is the Te Awa walk/cycleway which is just over 8km of dedicated pathway to the Mighty River Domain on the shores of Lake Karapiro.
- Start: Cambridge
- Finish: Lake Karapiro
- Length: 8 km
- Grade: Slight elevations, flat wide firm pathway
This walk is part of the Unforgettable Day Walks in New Zealand series. For details check out Cambridge to Lake Karapiro day walk.
Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro, Waikato entrance, Waikato, New Zealand
Picturesque autumn panorama, Karapiro lake landscape, Waikato, New Zealand
Cambridge, a town of trees, is an ideal location for an extended holiday in the Waikato. Location says it all, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Hamilton within half an hour drive.
- Cambridge is pretty, glorious mature deciduous trees – photo moments galore
- Heritage Cambridge – start with Cambridge Museum and explore the local heritage trails
- Natural wilderness – possums, stouts & rodents defeated by the Great Wall of Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain
- Mighty River Domain – Lake Karapiro, energetic sports activities to tire out any enthusiast
- Foodie scene – restaurants, weekend market and cafes to keep energy levels up
- Shopping – a traditional main street, creative goodies, boutique stores and cafes
- Nature unbounded – Rotopiko National Wetland Centre
- Bike – dedicated Waikato cycle trails
Cambridge Museum garden mural, Waikato, New Zealand
Cambridge St Andrews Anglican church, f avourie for weddings, Waikato, New Zealand
Travel pack information
River paths – Hamilton City Council, ‘Hamilton’s river paths are among the city’s most popular parks, favoured by runners, walkers an d cyclists. The path network stretches north and south along the Waikato River and in several locations links to other popular parks throughout the city.
Along the western (city) side of the river, the path runs the length of the city, from Cobham Bridge to Horotiu Bridge. On the eastern side of the river the path is not continuous, but provides great links to the city’s bridges and other parks and recreational facilities, including Hamilton Gardens, Memorial Park and Munro’s Walkway. Path users can criss-cross the river using the seven bridges – Cobham, Anzac, Claudelands, Boundary Road, Fairfield, Pukete traffic and Braithwaite foot bridge.
Due to their popularity the paths are dual purpose, and pedestrians and cyclists are urged to “share with care”. Cyclists are urged to travel at safe speeds, and either ring a bell or call out to pedestrians to signal their approach.’
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