The Timber Trail

The Timber Trail is located in the Pureora Forest, off state highway 30, between Mangakino and Te Kuiti (Waitomo Caves) Central North Island. The Timber Trail is an 85km ride, made up of two halves with the free camping area of Piropiro Flats being the midway point.

It has some of the highest and longest suspension bridges in New Zealand. The Timber Trail takes you through ancient New Zealand forest and along part of the historic Ongarue Tramway. It is a beautiful scenic ride that is rich in history.

Blue Tui Shuttle and Tours will assist you with your Timber Trail experience; you can either cycle the trail as a whole (85kms)in one day or take on the trail over 2 days by finishing day 1 at Piropiro Flats and day 2 at Ongarue.

Alternatively you can make it an easier riding experience by solely cycling the second section of the trail.

A two day cycling experience or 3-4 days walk.

Click image to enlarge

Section 1 - Pureora to Piropiro Flats

40kms, 4-5 hours, Grade 3 (Intermediate) - Beginning at Pureora Village venture along the trail gradually climbing through beautiful podocarp forest 14 kms to the western flanks of Mt Pureora. Once you have reached the top ( an elevation of 980ms) you descend along steep sections of the trail (it is recommended that you walk the steep, rocky, downhill sections between the 26 and 27 km markers). From here it is predominately downhill. Finish the ride for day 1 at Piropiro Flats.

Section 2 - Piropiro Flats to Ongarue

4-5 hours, (Easy) - Beginning at Piropiro Flats the ride climbs steadily for approximately 4kms through native forest before arriving at the longest swing bridge of the trail, the Maramataha suspension bridge (141m long and approx. 60m high). 

The trail then climbs up to the ‘Terminus’ clearing. This was as far north as the old Ellis and Burnand tramway went during the logging days. Pass through Nos. 11 and 10 camps, once bush camps for the loggers and their families, then follow a 10km gentle descent to the historic Ongarue Spiral. Carry on until the trail ends at Ongarue Village.

Maramataha swing bridge