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.

It began in 2009 with a vision of the Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust to open up more of the Waikato River to our locals and visitors alike and connect our communities along the way.

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.

We hope you enjoy the experience!

Trail Closures

Occasionally, some sections of Te Awa may need to be closed - but signed detours will be put in place if possible. See below for any current closures.

Experienced Te Awa River Ride?

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Trail Map

Te Awa walk and cycleway stretches along the Waikato River, from Ngaruawahia in the north to Karapiro in the south.

Useful Services

Book your accommodation, organise shuttles, hire a bike and plan your whole adventure…

More to Explore

There is a lot to see and do in our awesome region, so don’t forget to leave some time to check out what Waikato has to offer!

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@TeAwaTheGreatNZRiverRide
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We've noticed quite a few dogs off leads, particularly on the Gaslight Theatre section of Te Awa.

Please remember dogs MUST be on leads at all times!
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Weve noticed quite a few dogs off leads, particularly on the Gaslight Theatre section of Te Awa. 

Please remember dogs MUST be on leads at all times!

10 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thanks for the reminder post. It really is such a problem when on lead rules are not followed as it takes away a safe area for people to walk dogs who may not react well to being approached by off lead dogs. I would really like to see Waipā District Council have a presence along this path to encourage compliance 😊

I wish people were fined rather than the soft approach. In Hamilton too

I hate it when the walkers are on one side, the dog on the other, with a long lead in between. Dangerous and inconsiderate.

Stuart Glass 😂

Following just for the comments

Cambridge to Ngaruawahia - always have a near miss or two. One woman abused me when I reminded her - and she was standing right next to a sign.

Also it would be good for walkers to keep left and if there is a small group to walk single file otherwise bikers have to stop while the group rearranges themselves so we can pass.Us bikers should also bike single file. Both groups need to realise that these pathways are shared pathways. Colin.

Its on all sections of the ride. When I go from Pukete to other side of town I always see people with there dogs not on a leash. They pass signs that say Dogs must be on a leash, maybe they can't read.😉😂

short lead not extendable

I have to smile when coming upo behind some people you ring the bell one will move left and the other right Just commenting

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Hooker Rd to Velodrome section

Look out for the Restore Native crew who are working on the section today.
They are releasing the natives planted (thanks Tooku awa koiora - Waikato River Authority!) last year.

The path will remain open, just be aware there will be people working on the verges.
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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Do people do this in one day ?

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Follow along

@teawariverride