9/24/2021 Timber Trail Connection (Ongarue to Taumarunui) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Timber Trail Connection (Ongarue to Taumarunui)
Mountain Biking
Dif culty Medium
Length 24.4 km
Journey Time 2 hours
Region Manawatū-Whanganui
Sub-Region Ruapehu
This is a quiet gravel road from the end/start of the Timber Trail in Ongarue, one of the Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, to Taumarunui, a small railway town with plenty of shops and accommodation. https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/timber-trail-connection-ongarue-to-taumarunui/pdfPreview 1/3 9/24/2021 Timber Trail Connection (Ongarue to Taumarunui) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa It provides a functional link for those using public transport and/or accommodation in Taumarunui before or after riding the Timber Trail.
This route follows a gravel road through lush hill country. A pleasant ride in itself, allows riders to bridge the gap without the need for shuttle transport to or from the southern end of the Timber Trail.
The route follows Ongarue Back Road (as opposed to busy SH4, which shadows the same route); the Back Road is well signposted from both town and Timber Trail ends.
From the western end of Taumarunui, take Short Street to reach Golf Road and follow it north. Stay on Golf Road to pass Tuhuia Domain, after which it turns into Ongarue Back Road.
The road undulates alongside the Ongarue River for some considerable time before emerging at Ongarue township. The Timber Trail is signposted from there.
This route also links up with the Mountains to Sea Great Ride via the Mountains to Sea Connection Heartland Ride, and the Forgotten World Highway through to Taranaki.
Conditions:
How to get here
From Taumarunui, start at the west end of town by taking Short Street north on to Golf Road.
Ride past the Tuhuia Domain on to the Ongarue Back Road, which leads all the way to Ongarue and the start of the Timber Trail .
Trail surface: 45% sealed / 55% gravel
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/timber-trail-connection-ongarue-to-taumarunui/pdfPreview 2/3 9/24/2021 Timber Trail Connection (Ongarue to Taumarunui) — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa Track Elevation and Map
More information
Visit Ruapehu
TaumarunuI Visitor Information
Page last updated: Sep 8, 2020, 3:42 PM
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/timber-trail-connection-ongarue-to-taumarunui/pdfPreview 3/3