The Timber Trail Pureora - Ongarue
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The Timber Trail Pureora - Ongarue A new cycling adventure The Timber Trail between Pureora and Ongarue, when fully opened, will provide 85 km of cycling pleasure through bush covered hills and across deep gorges. A 2-3 day cycling adventure on relatively easy gradients and surfaces, the Timber Trail is one of several cycle trails being developed as part of Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trails. e g d i Utilising historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and hauler r B roads and newly constructed track, this Grade 2 trail features u k u t 35 bridges, including 8 large suspension bridges (the longest u k u being 141 metres). It showcases the historic Ongarue Spiral t a g and passes through magnificent podocarp forests of rimu, totara, n a M miro, matai and kahikatea, as well as some exotic forestry and e th more open vegetation with extensive views of the surrounding ng ssi landscape. Most of the trail is now open with a small section to be Cro opened early in 2013. Note: The trail is grade 2 ‘easy’ for riding north to south but is grade 3-4 when ridden south to north. It is a multi-use track for cycling and walking so share with care. Getting there The Timber Trail is an easy 1-2 hr drive from Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton. It begins at Pureora Forest off SH30 between Te Kuiti and Mangakino. The central part of the trail can be accessed from Piropiro campsite at the end of Kokomiko Road, Waimiha, and from Ongarue via SH 4 at the southern end. What is open now? Ellis and Burnand locomotive • Pikiariki to mountain bush edge (8km) approaching the Ongarue Spiral The trail begins in Pikiariki Ecological Area 200 m from the DOC Pureora Field Base on Barryville Road. Start beside the Totara Walk and wind your way through tall podocarps, listening out for birds, especially kaka, which are active in this section of forest. The trail crosses Whareana Road and then Cabbage Tree Road before winding up through an area of toitoi, cabbage tree, five finger and kamahi regenerating bush. It crosses Tui Road, finishing at the shelter on Pureora mountain. The section of trail beyond the shelter is still under construction. Return the way you came or via the privately owned Maraeroa Cycleway along Cabbage Tree Road to Austin Road to Pa Harakeke on Maraeroa Road (23km ain bush edge circuit). Pikiariki to mount • Crawler tractor loop (5 km) Cycle the first 3 km of the Timber Trail then take the side track to the Caterpillar Crawler Tractor. Continue out to Link Road before turning left and following the road back to the start. This section is suitable for all ages. • Piropiro to Ongarue (45 km) This part of the trail begins from Piropiro campsite along old logging roads for 2 km before entering bush and climbing to the Maramataha Bridge. At 141 m and 55 m above the river, this bridge may challenge some people so be sure you have a head for heights! The steepest climb on the trail leads from the bridge to the old Ellis and Burnand tramline (now upgraded) which is followed for the majority of the ride to Ongarue. This stretch is of easy gradient with a downhill ride into Ongarue at the end of the trail. Note: There is no public access on or off the trail between Piropiro and Ongarue. • Piropiro to Angels Rest (13 km) Travelling from south to north, this is a steeper ride (grade 3) utilising old logging roads as well as new sections of trail as far as Harrison’s Creek. It is an easy downhill ride for the return journey. BARRYVILLE ROAD Legend Pureora Forest Ngaherenga Village campsite Open Cycle trail Benneydale MARAEROA ROAD ! EASY ! Incomplete Cycle trail Pa Harakeke Maraeroa Cycleway EASY Other Track D A State Highway O R m Road ea r St Railway Mt Pureora O a A i River EASY ta R o ak A ok Pureora Forest Park T K - m ea O r t ! - S ! a r ih Rive m I i Bog Inn Hut a Black Fern Lodge O W ue R r Scale: 1:130,000 @A4 nga TREAM O S O ROAD River P E K ARU Ongarue 0 1 2 3 4 ONG R Okauak A km Endeans Mill a Stream ! P ! Angels Rest AD ON RO G M Waimiha ! ARUE STREA KOK OMI KO Piropiro a River matah Camp ara R D M OAD T A S O E R R O F Otorohanga Tokoroa M Maramataha A a Waitomo Caves rama H Wai tah I one S a Crossing trea R M M m iver I a Te Kuiti A n Mangakino ga W r tu W e ku aikoura v tu St i r ku eam R S tm Whakamaru E A U R Pureora R e O A u Benneydale G r E a N g R O n O U Mangatukutuku W P a Pureora i o Taupo Crossing n Forest Park e Ongarue Ongarue Ongarue ! S M Spiral t Lake an r ga e kah a N u St m Taupo G ream Taumarunui AK ON UI - O NGARUE ROAD Accommodation at Pureora • Pureora cabins DOC administers the Pureora cabins, based 150 metres from the beginning of the cycle trail. There are seven cabins available for rent, catering for 2-6 people. Each cabin has full kitchen facilities, with shared bathrooms. You will need to bring linen, blankets and towels in addition to your food when staying at the cabins. See www.doc. govt.nz for further information. • Pa Harakeke Pa Harakeke is open for contained campervans and has a freedom camping area on site. Two Pureora cabins fully serviced, self-contained chalets are available for hire. Each chalet has two bedrooms, bathroom and full kitchen facilities. See www.paharakeke.co.nz for further details. • Blackfern Lodge The lodge is located at Waimiha, 5 km by bike from the Timber Trail and provides accommodation near the mid-point of the trail. See www.blackfernlodge.co.nz for further details. • Pureora Forest Park Lodge For larger groups, the Pureora Forest Park Lodge is available for hire. Catering for up to 50 people, the lodge is located next to the beautiful Waipapa Ecological Area, 15 min from the beginning of the Timber Trail. See www. pureoraforestlodge.org.nz for further information. • Piropiro Campsite A basic campsite featuring a large grassy area in a bush setting, with toilets, fireplaces and shelters. No charge. Further information For more information visit the DOC website at www. doc.govt.nz or contact: Maniapoto Area Office 78 Taupiri Street, PO Box 38 Te Kuiti Tel: +64 7 878 1050 Fax: +64 7 878 1051 email: [email protected] Published by: Department of Conservation, Waikato Conservancy, December 2012..