THE TIMBER Trail

TRAIL INFO THE TIMBER TRAIL

2 Days 85km

START OPTIONS: The two-day option begins at either Pureora Forest Village, accessed off SH 30 or from Ongarue, accessed off SH 4. For a day ride option, start in the © www.timbertrail.co.nz middle of the trail at Piropiro campsite, Kokomiko Rd. (the most spectacular being the 141m long, 53m high Maramataha), TRAIL GRADES: PUREORA to ONGARUE and epic views across the central PUREORA TO PIROPIRO North Island. – GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) New Zealand’s Timber Trail offers This 40km section can be ridden rich rewards: awesome riding for in either direction; the easiest option is Pureora to Piropiro. 2 days 85km any moderately fit cyclist (whether serious rider or family group), PIROPIRO TO ONGARUE opportunities to discover towering – GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) Some uphill bandon technology and native podocarp and exotic forest, Take a journey of parts, with a long downhill the clamour of our modern rich native fauna, as well as the stretch. Includes the spectacular discovery on one of world to embrace the captivating history of the Pureora A Ongarue Spiral and a 53m-high natural, peaceful world of the 85km New Zealand’s best Forest Park brought to life through suspension bridge. Timber Trail; a place where birdsong rides; where natural information boards detailing Maori and the wind in the trees of forested folklore, timber milling, and the anti- MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE & SAFETY: As coverage is minimal, wonders abound, hills are the only sounds to be logging stance by conservationists and parts of the trail are quite heard, apart from the exuberant back in 1978 that prompted the remote, riders need to be self- including a remnant noise of riders as they encounter preservation of the remaining reliant or hire a guide. Riders flowing single-track trails, incredible of an ancient indigenous blocks that became what are also encouraged to carry an podocarp forest. gorges, thrilling suspension bridges is now the jewel in the crown of the emergency locator beacon. 78,000ha forest park. DRINKING WATER: There are The backbone of this back-country minimal water stops along Weekend ride adventure is formed by two old the trail, which includes The Timber Trail is the perfect weekend experience, forestry logging tramways that drinking water from a stream. especially since this hidden gem is doable from practically had virtually disappeared under Although the water is clean you may choose to carry water any North Island town or city on a tank of gas. vegetation and are now joined by a purification tablets. flowing new single track.

51 he Timber Trail is a true to 30 30 30 Along the trail wilderness experience, PUREORA Tutilising historic bush Link Road tramways, old bulldozer and haul MAP LEGEND Benneydale old bulldozer roads as well as the link track Pa Harakeke open section opened in 2013. It winds through walking track ancient podocarp forest as well optional route as regenerating forest in the walking track Mt Pureora Pureora Forest Park. The reserve 1165m train ride was established in 1979 due to pressure from conservationists start / finish point Mangakokakotaea Stream alarmed that native species point of interest logging was happening in the area. The government stepped in to bridge Ongarue Stream Harrisons Creek protect the precious remnants of hill / mountain Road indigenous forest featuring rimu, café/restaurant totara, miro, matai and kahikatea. The reserve takes in 78,000ha of toilets virtually uninhabited land within camping PIROPIRO the South Waikato and Waitomo shelter regions. Take a guided tour to learn © www.timbertrail.co.nz more about this fascinating park. car park e Ongarue- Mystery Creek Triangle g Maramataha Bridge n a THE TIMBER TRAIL accommodationRoad THE TIMBER TRAIL R a 1 ro state highway a Prolific bird life for... 1952 tramway terminus g look out un Bird life is an integral part of the Timber Trail experience. New Zealand No. 10 Camp uh a natives abound including bellbird, tui, kaka (bush parrot), kereru (pigeon), Timber Trail. A mind-boggling to Te Kuiti H Maramataha kakariki (parakeet) and even the rare karearea (NZ falcon). Guests at suspension bridge: 53m above the Maramataha 4 Mangatukutuku Blackfern Lodge may see/hear rare blue ducks, kokako and kiwi as well. River, the 141m-long structure Bridge No. 11 Camp New Zealand’s longest ONGARUE Bennett Road is one of eight large suspension Car Park suspension bridge has already bridges among the 35 bridges Ongarue Spiral become an iconic part of the to Te Kuiti on the trail. Ngakonui-Ongarue Road © AA Traveller 2018 79km S of Hamilton

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST: Cnr Carroll & King Sts, SH 3, Te Kuiti The old Mystery Creek triangle at Phone: +64 7 878 3448 riding the trail marker No.54 (with toilet and shelter) Email: [email protected] Waitomo Lodge Pureora First Shelter Piropiro Ongarue denotes where locomotives once • A short walk from the town 1000m turned. Marker No.59 has good views 8.5km 31.5km 45km centre and a short drive 800m of rocky bluffs in the valley and is also 600m from the world-famous 400m the site of the historic No.11 campsite Waitomo Caves. 200m (with toilet and shelter). Marker No. 0m • 12 modern spacious studio 69 is the Mangatukutuku suspension downhill runs occur between markers Bridge. At 141m long and 53m high, this is and 1-bedroom units. PUREORA TO PIROPIRO, 40KM bridge near the site of an historic No.25 and No. 26. Extreme caution the longest and highest suspension bridge • 8 with kitchens, 4 with tea/ The first section is graded viaduct. Marker No.74 is The Ongarue is advised, so please dismount and on the trail. From here, the longest climb coffee-making facilities. intermediate due to the climb around Spiral, a marvel of engineering. On-site walk if concerned. Afterwards take the of the day (30 minutes) takes riders to a • FREE WIFI. Sky Guest Mt Pureora. Starting 200m from the signage explains its creation. It also has opportunity to eat, rehydrate and rest cleared area known as The Terminus then Select 50+ channels. DOC Pureora Field Base, Barryville a toilet and shelter. at a picnic spot (with water, toilet and it’s mostly downhill to the end in Ongarue. • Tariff: $105-$155, Rd, the Timber Trail winds through For more info: www.timbertrail.co.nz beautiful broadleaf podocarp forest shelter) across the suspension bridge extra $20pp. until marker No.4. The initial 4km at marker No.27. Marker No.39 signals offers a gentle introduction to the trail you’ve reached Piropiro where you’ll www.moteltekuiti.co.nz • Hosts: Mike & Therese for younger members of the family. find the new Timber Trail Lodge with NB: Loops at the end of the trail will showers and hot food. extend riding distance if desired. From The availability of the Timber Trail marker No.4, the trail climbs steadily and Blackfern Lodges on this back- Waitomo District’s highest Qualmark- country forest adventure means a through exotic trees and regenerating PANORAMA MOTOR INN rated motel. Opened March 2008. bush to a shelter just beyond marker touch of ‘luxury’ can be added to the 14 studio units, 6 x 1‑bedroom units. No.8. It’s a good spot to rest and enjoy experience. The Timber Trail Lodge Go no further, relax in one of our comfortable the view. is right on the trail, whilst Blackfern rooms with a view. Studio units with king‑size Super king‑size beds in all units. beds, 1‑brm units with self‑catering facilities, some Air‑conditioned units available. Spa From here, the trail rises to 980m Lodge, signposted 4.8km before Piropiro, is a 7km side trail. Pre- premium rooms with spa baths/air‑conditioning, bath units available. 15min drive to above sea-level, the highest point 3‑brm holiday home, full amenities. Dine in our bookings are recommended. Waitomo Caves attractions. Walk of the ride. Be aware the track splits excellent restaurant, breakfast available. Waitomo after the 12km mark but DO NOT take PIROPIRO TO ONGARUE, 45KM 15min drive. Swimming pool (summer only), across the road to award‑winning the right-hand downhill option. The It’s graded easy to intermediate on conference facilities. Bosco Café for great food. easy downhill ride to marker No.18 this section of the trail (markers No.39 Tariff: $115‑$155 (1‑2 persons) $135‑$240 (3-6 persons/family rooms) includes two long suspension bridges to No.85). From marker No.39 to 62 Te Kumi Road, Te Kuiti Ph: +64 7 878 0003 of 115m and 109m respectively. No.42 it’s an easy ride through newly FREE Fax: +64 7 878 8469 • Email: info@waitomo‑lodge.co.nz Between markers No.21 and No.28 59 Awakino Rd, Te Kuiti 3910 Ph: +64 7 878 8051 regenerating forest. From there it’s a Fax: +64 7 878 6782 • Email: [email protected] WIFI www.waitomo‑lodge.co.nz the trail is mostly downhill following steady climb through forest, before (limited) an old logging road. Some steep levelling out towards the Maramataha © www.timbertrail.co.nz www.panoramamotorinn.co.nz Waitomo District’s highest Qualmark-rated motel

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