Maraetai Section

The Maraetai Section of the Waikato River Trail starts in the north at either the Maraetai Dam entrance road, or Mangakino Lakefront, Lake Road.

This section has the villages of Mangakino and Whakamaru at each end and is a perfect day out for all the family. The 70m suspension bridge, 4km from Mangakino, is approximately 25m above the water. If heights are a fear for you or a member of your group please take care.

This lakeside Trail is lots of fun with tracks wiggling through a variety of landscapes. It's a largely easy Trail, with a few small steeper pinches and is a great way to connect with the lake and landscape.

Please click here to view our interactive map for more information on where you can access the Maraetai Section.

Maraetai Section Maraetai Dam to Whakamaru Dam
Grade	Easy
Length	15.7km - inlcuding a 3.5km road trail from Maraetai Dam Access Road to Mangakino Lakefront, Lake Road
Access	- Via Maraetai Dam Access Road of Waipapa Road - Via Mangakino Lakefront Reserve, Lake Road - Via Whakamaru Dam, Whakamaru Road

Highlights of the Maraetai Section

Vast views up and down Lake Maraetai
70m Mangakino Suspension Bridge
The big rock - 4km from Mangakino