THE TIMBER Trail
BEST FOR: Wilderness adventures into one of our finest, most untouched rainforests.
PUREORA to ONGARUE 2 days
85km
Timbeeeeeeer! The cry that once resonated through Pureora Forest came to a welcome end in the 70s when activists put a stop to forest felling. Within years, nature reclaimed the area.
B
efore 2013, when the Timber Trail officially debuted, Pureora Forest was little-known, but fast-forward ten years and this remote track, deep in the forested heart of the North Island, now offers total escapism for riders of every ilk.
The track snakes through spirited soils; a land where 800-year-old rimu and kahikatea trees tower 60m above the floor, and where one of the world’s rarest, last remaining podocarp forests remains intact. The only indication of human
existence are 43 suspension bridges crossing streams and gorges. The most exhilarating being the 141m-long Maramataha suspension bridge which drapes itself over the treetops like a spider’s web. Other highlights include overnight stays at charming Blackfern Lodge, complete with its whio (blue duck) recovery programme, or the more intrepid Piropiro Flats’ campsite. Close to the middle of the track and just after the Maramataha Bridge, you’ll strike a 3km uphill assault which is equal parts fatiguing and fulfilling, and is fortunately followed by a long downhill stretch on a former tramway. TOP TIP – The trail passes through subalpine environment with a high point of 971m; take warm clothes and wet weather gear whatever the forecast. Check timbertrail.nz for trail status
GREAT RIDE • THE TIMBER TRAIL
SEE P 59 FOR A CONNECTING HEARTLAND RIDE
TRAIL INFO 2 Days 85km
TRAIL GRADES: PUREORA TO PIROPIRO – GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) PIROPIRO TO ONGARUE – GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE & SAFETY: Mobile phone coverage is patchy and cannot be relied upon. Service is good near the Mt Pureora summit; signage along the trail indicates other hot spots. Some accommodation offers WiFi. Riders are also encouraged to carry a personal locator beacon, first aid kit; and notify someone of estimated arrival times. DRINKING WATER: Minimal water stops along the trail, which includes drinking water from a stream. Although the water is clean you may choose to carry water purification tablets.
ADD-ON TRAILS TIMBER TRAIL CONNECTION: 24km/2 hours – Quiet back roads allow riders to bridge the gap between the southern end of the Timber Trail and the main service town of Taumarunui, without a shuttle.
TYPE OF BIKE: A mountain bike is essential for the remoteness and terrain. Riders should ideally have basic mechanical skills and carry a 2tool kit. GRADE (EASY)
CENTRE OF THE NORTH ISLAND: 50km/1 day – Linking the Waikato River Trails to the Timber Trail. Take the small detour to a monolith that marks the geographic centre of the North Island. ABOVE & TOP: © TimberTrail.NZ
GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
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