Plan your Timber Trail adventure
Ready for adventure?
A little preparation will help you enjoy the Timber Trail safely and comfortably.
Check your route, transport and accommodation before you leave, allow enough time for your journey, and be prepared for changing weather and limited mobile coverage.
Whether you are walking, running or riding, make sure your fitness, clothing and equipment are suited to the distance and conditions.
Getting Here
Most guests begin their Timber Trail journey at our Ongarue base, where secure parking and shuttle services are available.
Ongarue meeting point
26 Ongarue Waimiha Road
Ongarue 3997
From Ongarue, we can transport you, your luggage and your bike to the appropriate starting point for your itinerary.
Please do not navigate directly to Timber Trail Lodge unless your booking confirmation specifically instructs you to do so. Your correct meeting point will depend on the transport and itinerary you have booked.
Timber Trail Lodge is accessible by road at Piropiro, but most guests should travel to our Ongarue base first.
Only drive directly to the Lodge when this is part of your confirmed itinerary. Please check your booking information before travelling, as road conditions can vary and mobile coverage is limited.
Safety on the trail
The Timber Trail passes through remote forest with limited mobile coverage, changable weather and long distances between access points. Emergency access and communication can be difficult in many parts of the trail.
Before departure, we provide a safety briefing covering trail conditions, weather, expected travel times, communication and what to do in an emergency.
We monitor the expected arrival and departure of our guests as they travel into and out of the forest. Please keep us informed of any changes to your plans or delays along the way. If guests have not arrived by dark, our policy is to alert Police Search and Rescue.
Before you set out:
- Check the weather and current trail conditions.
- Carry enough food, water and warm clothing for the day.
- Make sure your footwear, clothing, equipment and, where relevant, your bike are suitable for the route and Grade 3 trail conditions.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medication.
- Carry a personal locator beacon. We recommend at least one per group, and PLBs are available to hire from us.
- Carry suitable bike tools and spares if you are riding.
- Allow enough daylight to complete your journey safely.
Most cyclists take between four and six hours to travel from Pureora to Piropiro. The southern section to Ongarue generally takes slightly less time, but this will vary depending on fitness, conditions and delays.
Some of our team are trained in basic first aid and may be able to assist with incidents near trail access points. Emergency services will respond to serious incidents and injuries.
See the packing list below for recommended clothing, equipment and emergency supplies.
In an emergency, call 111 where mobile coverage is available.
Get ready to ride
The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the Timber Trail.
Each day covers more than 40 kilometres, and most riders spend around four to six hours on the trail. Build up your fitness beforehand and make sure you are comfortable spending extended time in the saddle.
The Timber Trail is graded Intermediate/Grade 3. Brush up on your mountain-biking skills and make sure you are confident riding on gravel, flowing singletrack, sustained climbs and descents.
We recommend a mountain bike with knobbly tyres, front suspension and disc brakes. Your bike should be in good working order and serviced before your trip, with particular attention to the brakes, tyres, drivetrain and suspension.
What to bring
Make sure you are well prepared to make the ride comfortable and safe. Ensure you are prepared for your ride to take longer than expected, and to deal with emergencies along the way.
For the trail:
- Suitable footwear and clothing for walking, running or riding
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm layers, including a hat and gloves
- Enough drinking water for the day
- Snacks and any lunch not included in your package
- First-aid kit and personal medication
- Personal locator beacon—at least one per group is strongly recommended and PLBs are available to hire
- Torch or headlamp
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Mobile phone with downloaded maps or route information
- Backpack or hydration pack
Cyclists should also bring
- A suitable mountain bike with knobbly tyres, front suspension and disc brakes
- Helmet
- Pump, spare tube, puncture-repair kit and multitool
- E-bike charger, where required
For the lodge:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear for the evening
- Spare trail clothing for the following day
- Walking shoes if you plan to explore nearby tracks
- Toiletries and personal items
- Phone charger
- Towels are provided, basic toiletries are available in the bathrooms, and a hairdryer is available from reception. Please note that there are no guest laundry facilities at the Lodge.
The Timber Trail Lodge Experience
