biking
Timber Trail
A genuine off-the-beaten-track adventure, deep in the forested heart of the North Island. Quickly establishing itself as one of the most highly rated 2-day rides in New Zealand, the Timber Trail is a superb blend of exciting biking along a purpose built track and ease of use. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you can enjoy very comfortable accommodation and great dining, and we organise all your transportation too!
A genuine off-the-beaten-track adventure, deep in the forested heart of the North Island. Quickly establishing itself as one of the most highly rated 2-day rides in New Zealand, the Timber Trail is a superb blend of exciting biking along a purpose built track and ease of use. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you can enjoy very comfortable accommodation and great dining, and we organise all your transportation too!
Activity in brief
- Distance:
- 85 km
- Duration:
- 2 days
- Start - End:
- Pureora - Ongarue
- Transport:
- Shuttle Bus
Terrain: Trail is well formed with good signage. 500m climb to highest point then mostly descending, some steep sections
Accommodation: Lodge
Nearest Town: Taumarunui
Activity Overview
The Timber Trail was created out of the remains of the old logging tracks and tramways used to move around timber from huge native podocarp trees. The wilderness you will ride through still contains many surviving mature trees plus regenerating forest.
Purpose-built bridges cross a multitude of streams and rivers, including 8 spectacular suspension bridges (the longest is 141m!). You will also get to negotiate the amazing Ongarue Spiral – a circle of track formed from bridges, a cutting and a curved tunnel. It originally allowed the timber trams to quickly climb or descend the region’s rugged terrain.
The trail has a predominantly wide and smooth surface but some decent climbs and tricky descents make the whole ride best suited to reasonably fit cyclists with mountain biking experience. The halfway point accomodation at the awesome Timber Trail Lodge has treats such as hot showers, delicious catering and comfy private bedrooms. We also arrange transportation, luggage transfers and bike hire.
"OUR TIMBER TRAIL TRIP WENT REALLY WELL THANK YOU - NO HICCUPS AT ALL. THE SHUTTLE PROVIDERS WERE GREAT AND THEIR STAFF WERE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. THE LODGE WAS OUTSTANDING, OUR ROOM AWESOME WITH A HUGE BED AND THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT.
WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN AND MET LOTS OF INTERESTING PEOPLE. THANKS FOR THE ORGANISATION AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO USE YOU AGAIN. WELL DONE!" SUE, NZ
Itineraries
Personalised Itineraries
Our standard package includes 2 nights ensuite accommodation at Timber Trail Lodge as this makes the start of your first day riding the trail much less rushed. If you are short of time though we can arrange a package with just 1 night accommodation at Timber Trail Lodge and a morning shuttle from Ongarue to the start of the trail.
We can also offer standard rooms with shared bathrooms at the lodge if you want to save some money on the trip.
Finally if you want us to help arrange any accommodation in the surrounding region for before and after your ride that's no problem, just let us know.
Contact us to find out more!
Include the Timber Trail in your unique Multi-Activity Trip
You can combine this ride with any other activity on this website to create your own unique itinerary.
When you develop your own tailor-made itinerary with us, it's fully customised with your choice of activities, accommodation and transport around New Zealand - Click here for more information about Multi-Activity Trips or Enquire Now to get started.
BOOK this activity online now...
Timber Trail Two Night and Two Day Ride Package
- 2 nights cosy lodge accommodation on trail in en-suite room plus dinners, breakfasts and packed lunches included.
- Luggage transfers included.
- Transportation included.
- Standard or Electric Mountain bike hire available.
Day One: Shuttle to Timber Trail Lodge. Park your vehicle at Ongarue (the end of the trail) in the late afternoon, pick up rental bikes if necessary. A shuttle will then take you out your accomodation in the forest at Timber Trail Lodge where you can enjoy some great food and relaxation time - a perfect preparation for hitting the trail the next day!
Day Two: Pureora to Piropiro Flats (40km). After breakfast a shuttle takes you to the start of the trail at Pureora. From here you wind your way through the bird-filled, virgin forest and start the gradual climb up the flanks of Mt Pureora to the trail’s highpoint, 971m above sea level. It’s then predominantly downhill for the rest of the day as the trail winds down the southern side of the mountain. This is also where you first encounter the trail’s amazing suspension bridges. At Piropiro Flats you reach Timber Trail Lodge for your second night.
Day Three: Piropiro Flats to Ongarue (45km). Your second day on the trail heads off on a logging road before re-entering native forest on a flowing section of mostly uphill singletrack. Shortly you will reach the Maramataha Suspension Bridge: At 141m long and 53m high it’s the biggest of the trail and also a jolt of adrenaline as you sway across the tumbling gorge. A bit more steady climbing brings you to the Ongarue Tramway terminus and from here the trail follows the old tramway in a generally downhill direction and along the way you’ll see remnants of the area’s logging past, including that amazing Ongarue Spiral. At the end of the trail you can collect your luggage, drop off rental bikes if you have them, and your vehicle will be waiting for you.
Pricing: Timber Trail Two Night and Two Day Ride Package
From NZD$720 per person: Includes two nights on-trail ensuite accommodation, dinners, breakfasts and packed lunches and luggage transfers on Day 2. Also includes all transportation with your bikes.
Two Days Mountain Bike Hire: From NZD$135 per person for a standard hard tail bike or NZD$255 per person for an E-Bike.
(These are High-Season Rates for October 2023 to May 2024 - please contact us to find out about Low-Season and Mid-Week Discount Rates)
Book NowActivity Planning
When to go
This trail can be completed year round, although most people ride it in the warmer months when the track is usually a bit drier. As it is a forested environment with moderately high altitudes rain and cold conditions are possible at any time of year. You should carry warm clothing and wet weather gear just in case.
What to bring
Bike - Good quality mountain bike or e-bike with suspension and knobbly tires, helmet, spares etc.
Light waterproof hiking shoes or biking shoes
Gloves
Light waterproof jacket
Bidon (Water bottle)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
First-aid kit
Torch
Communication device
Accommodation
Accommodation on the trail
Timber Trail Lodge
The Timber Trail Lodge is brand new, off-grid and purpose-built for convenience and comfort. As the only accommodation actually on the trail, getting between the lodge and trail is easy. The building is spacious and provides multiple opportunities for relaxation after a busy day. The large central relaxation area features floor to ceiling windows highlighting the awesome views of the surrounding forest, plenty of places to lounge and a large fireplace for those chillier evenings. The ensuite rooms are insulated and centrally heated. Delicious snacks, dinners, breakfasts and packed lunches are all included and there is a licensed bar for purchasing alcoholic and soft drinks.
Accommodation in Taupo
We can organise your accommodation in Taupo, or the wider region, for before and after your bike ride if you wish. Please let us know what sort of accommodation you are looking for when you make your booking for this activity, and we can discuss the options with you.
Transportation
Shuttle Bus
For the 2 Night and 2 Day Ride Package you park your vehicle at the shuttle base car park in Ongerue with shuttles departing at 5.30pm for Timber Trail Lodge. You will depart from the lodge for the start of the trail at Pureora after breakfast the next morning - shuttles depart at 8.30am.
If you are just doing a 1 night trip shuttles depart from Ongarue to the start of the trail at Pureora at 8.30am.
There are complimentary shuttle pickups from Bennett Road car park (where the trail ends) back to the shuttle base in Ongarue - Shuttles Depart at 1pm and 3pm.
Alternatively ride directly to the Ongarue Shuttle Base - it’s just over 4km along the road back to the base.
Route Map
For more information about us or our services contact us on
+ 64 3 390 1584
or email us at [email protected]
Enquire Now North Island Biking
Biking trails in the North Island area.
South Island Biking
Biking trails in the South Island area.
Most Popular Biking
These trails are popular for a reason: well maintained, easily accessible, great accommodation options and mind blowing scenery too! However, this does mean that they will get very busy in the peak season and accommodation gets booked up months in advance. Take the hassle out of your adventure and allow us to organise it all for you.
Family Friendly Biking
If you are keen to go on a multi-day biking adventure, and want your younger children to share the experience, then we can find the best option for you. The trails here are mostly flat with wide, smooth surfaces. There are plenty of townships along the route where you can stop for a break and refreshment and there are opportunities to skip various sections too, if required. Luggage transportation and a variety of accommodation options are also available to make things easy.
Secluded Biking
These amazing rides get you out into some incredible unpeopled wilderness, where you will find tranquillity and excitement in equal measure. We can help you find your perfect bit of solitude, and organise all the details for you too.