A bike trail running the length of the country was the big idea of a Government-led jobs summit in 2009 and enthused Prime Minister John Key.
The concept has since morphed into a series of 18 "Great Rides" throughout New Zealand.
Most of the Waikato trail is not ideal for touring bikes, and New Zealand still needs a mapped and signposted network on quiet roads to steer riders away from busy highways.
Development of the Waikato River Trails began in 2003 as a walking route and was adapted to cater for cyclists after the bike trail idea gained traction. Its origin can be seen in the middle, with a short series of stairs, and on many tight bends where the camber slopes the wrong way for cyclists.
But these minor quibbles are more than made up for by the spectacular views and mostly excellent trails.
The NZbyBike website rates the Waikato River Trails as one of the most demanding of the planned great rides, while the official NZ bike trail website describes it as "advanced".
Taken as a whole, I'd agree, but the easiest sections are not much more demanding than the Otago Rail Trail, require no more than moderate bike-fitness and would suit families. But it has a few sharp little climbs.
These easy trails - the 15km Maraetai section from Mangakino Lake Front Reserve to Whakamaru Dam, and the Karapiro leg to Arapuni - are in the southern and northern parts of the route.
The Karapiro leg starts at Pokaiwhenua Bridge, 5km along Horahora Rd off the main highway. Be watchful, the sign is easy to miss.
From here it's 14km to the cute hydro town of Arapuni.
My riding mate, Jackson Foster, and I were initially bemused as the first 5km of the trail is beside the road (because of land firmness issues, we were told). But from Little Waipa Domain, the route follows the river through lush bush on a well-made trail right into Arapuni.
Highlights include 500m of boardwalk through the Huihuitaha wetland, and the Arapuni swing bridge and power station.
The only other person we saw on the section was a fly-fisherman on a promontory, engrossed in a languid dance with an unseen trout.
The bike trail may be just the tonic to breathe new life into these forgotten gems set in stunning landscapes, just as the Otago Rail Trail has done for the gold towns of the Maniototo.
Arapuni is already awakening.
Bryan and Louise Samuel have established the excellent Rhubarb Cafe in the village, while several doors away Steve and Lorraine Gaunt are converting two sleepouts into Arapuni Backpackers. Just 10km down the road is Lance and Mary Hodgson's sumptuous Out In The Styx guesthouse.
IF YOU GO
The trails: Are 100km and follow the river from Lake Karapiro to Atiamuri, taking in five lakes, four hydro dams and three swing bridges in stunning, sometimes remote, territory. Two-four days are recommended to complete all five sections. A third is easy riding, a third moderate, a third adventurous. The trail managers will help plan drop-offs, pick-ups and accommodation. Phone: (07) 883-3720, or check out waikatorivertrails.com.
Recommended:
Out In The Styx: 10km from Arapuni at the foot of Maungatautari mountain nature reserve. Luxury after a hard ride, comfy beds, sumptuous homemade food, pick-ups from bike trail. Phone: 0800 461-559.
Rhubarb Cafe, Arapuni: Hearty breakfasts and the best coffee on the trail. Phone: (07) 883-5722.
Putaruru Hotel: Partially refurbished, Cameron Petley of MasterChef is in the kitchen. Phone: (07) 883-3911. Email: putaruruhotel@xtra.co.nz.
The Paddleboat Co: On Lake Maraetai, it operates from the lakefront reserve in Mangakino. Hosts Peter Koole and Leola Abraham will drop you and your bikes off up the trail giving you an easy one way ride. Phone: (07) 882 8826; 027 418 3930.
Further information: See nzcycletrail.com, waikatorivertrails.com and
nzbybike.com.
