Timber Trail New Zealand

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Timber Trail New Zealand

The 84km Great Ride traversing the ancient Pureora conservation Forest in central North Island NZ (Grade 3)

The Timber Trail is quickly becoming a favourite in the North Island and is perhaps the best backcountry NZ cycle trail that is accessible to cyclists of all abilities and ages. It appeals to the full spectrum, from families with children to mountain bikers with a thirst for adventure all the way to the intrepid bike-packer cycling around New Zealand. The Timber Trail can be done over 1-2 days and

during your journey you;ll witness a diverse environment of forests, gorges with rideable swing-bridges and historic tramways including the Ongarue Tunnel and spiral. This trail is considered a grade 2/3, the grade 3 rating is only there because of the climb at the start of the trail; however the trail surface is easy to negotiate even for beginner riders with no experience. The Timber Trail is a complete two-day ride which could be your next challenge if you want to step it up and increase your sense of remoteness compared with other easier cycle trails like the Otago Rail Trail or the Hauraki Rail Trails. If you are very fit, this trail can be completed in one day but you might miss out on the scenery or take in the many stories about the area at the many interpreation sites.

02/06/2026

🚲 🚲 🚲 Did you know today is World Bicycle Day?! 🚲 🚲 🚲

Whether it's a ride to school or work, a weekend adventure or a journey through your favourite trails like Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trails and the Timber Trail, bicycles help us stay active, connect with our communities and enjoy the outdoors.

Today, June 3rd, we celebrate the positive impact cycling has on our health, environment and everyday lives.

Will you be heading out for a ride today? Where will your ride take you?

Ruapehu NZ | Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

📸 1/2/3 Timber Trail, 4/5/6 Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono sections

02/06/2026

Rolling out of Autumn and into Winter along the Timber Trail! 🚲

For those who choose a long weekend bike adventure along the Timber Trail recently, whether riding the full length of trail or opted for a shorter section, we hope the ride delivered plenty of smiles, stunning views and heaps of unforgettable memories! ✨

Ruapehu NZ | Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

28/05/2026

Heading out on the Timber Trail this long weekend? We love hearing about your adventures along the Timber Trail! 🚲 🌲

📸 Share your adventure photos and videos with us by tagging Timber Trail New Zealand on Facebook or send us a message!

We hope you have a fun and safe long weekend! ✨

Ruapehu NZ | Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

28/05/2026

King's Birthday weekend is almost here 🌲 🚲 👑

It’s shaping up to be a great long weekend to head out on the Timber Trail Great Ride.

Ride through lush native bush and take the time to listen and spot native birds and wildlife along the trail. Enjoy the scenic views and take your time crossing the epic suspension bridges along the way!

Make the most of the long weekend and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Ruapehu NZ | Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

26/05/2026

Close to the Timber Trail in Pureora Forest stands one of the greatest living monuments you’ll ever come across.

Pouakani is the world’s oldest known tōtara, estimated to be around 1,800 years old and rising over 40 metres into the canopy.

An incredible sight to witness, this ancient giant is still standing strong and in good health despite its age.

Whether you’re cycling the Timber Trail or just exploring the area, it’s well worth making a detour to visit this giant of the forest.

📸: Oscar Dove, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

21/05/2026

Sometimes the best way to understand a trail is to slow down, listen, and let the forest do the talking.

As part of the recent travel trade visit to our region, the group had the chance to experience a taste of the Timber Trail — one of New Zealand’s iconic Great Rides, deep in the heart of Pureora Forest. With the support of Timber Trail Lodge & Transport, the agents headed out for the 9km return ride to the spectacular Maramataha Bridge — a perfect short experience to showcase just how memorable even a small section of the trail can be.

Along the way, they had time to breathe in the fresh forest air, listen to the sounds of the manu, take in the scale of the ngahere, and experience the quiet magic that makes the Timber Trail so special. For travel trade, it was a great reminder that this trail offers far more than a bike ride. It is a journey through ancient forest, engineering heritage, big suspension bridges, local manaakitanga, and a truly immersive visitor experience.

With TRENZ coming up in Auckland — where New Zealand tourism operators connect with international travel buyers — this was a timely chance to showcase how the Timber Trail can be included in future visitor itineraries, from short taster rides through to fully supported multi-day Great Ride adventures.

A huge thank you to Visit Ruapehu for creating this opportunity, and to Timber Trail Lodge & Transport for helping deliver such a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience.

We look forward to seeing where these connections lead.

Ruapehu NZ Timber Trail Lodge - Adventure & Comfort in Pureora Forest Park Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

19/05/2026

Adventure is calling this King’s Birthday weekend 🌿

With 84km of spectacular trail, 35 standard bridges and 8 iconic suspensions bridges to ride, walk or run across — sounds like a great long weekend adventure!

Are you planning to explore the Timber Trail over the upcoming long weekend?

Ruapehu NZ Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

12/05/2026

When riding the Timber Trail do you prefer the sounds of nature or your own tunes?

There is no wrong answer!! Drop us a line in the comments 🎧

NZ Music Month

07/05/2026

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.

Heading into winter, it’s a good time to make sure you’re prepared for whatever the trail throws at you. The key is layers you can work with as conditions change.

Pack breathable base layers to manage heat and moisture, add insulating mid-layers, and always carry a light waterproof shell for rain and wind.

Stay comfortable out there and the weather won’t slow you down.

05/05/2026

Do you live in an old bungalow or villa in the North Island?!

Chances are you’ve got a piece of Pureora Forest in your home.

Much of the timber was once processed in Hamilton, where it was turned into boards, plywood and doors, before heading to Auckland to meet the huge demand for building materials during the post–World War II boom.

This history goes beyond the Timber Trail, it sits right in many people’s homes.

Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

Address

Pureora Forest
Waitomo

Website

https://timbertrail.nz/, https://www.nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/23-great-rides/timber-trail/

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