Pureora Forest Short Walking & Running Experiences
Hiking / Walking sections - Maramataha Suspension Bridge
Intermediate walking track 5kms each direction. Allow around 2-3 hours
From the lodge at Piropiro, journey to the Maramataha carpark and step into a world of towering tānekaha forest. The track leads you through a rich, green canopy to the breathtaking Maramataha Suspension Bridge, an impressive 141-metre span soaring high above the valley floor, offering a true sense of scale and adventure.


PiroPiro Rata walk
Intermediate loop track with uneven surfaces. Allow around 1.5 hours
The Rātā Track offers another opportunity to immerse yourself in the forest. Follow the trail through lush native bush where ancient rātā trees, ferns, and moss-covered trunks create a truly magical atmosphere. The forest is alive with birdsong, and with a little luck, you may spot tūī, kākā, kererū, or hear the haunting call of the kōkako echoing through the trees.
Pureora Forest Exploration – Pureora Village
Easy, well-formed walking track 5kms each direction. Allow around 2-3 hours.
Flexible shuttle options make this walk easy to access. Guests can start from the Timber Trail Lodge or Pureora Village area, with transport available to and from the track, allowing you to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.
Step into the untouched beauty of Pureora's ancient native forest on this stunning out-and-back walk.
This remarkable section showcases some of the finest podocarp forest in New Zealand, where towering tōtara, rimu, mataī, miro, and kahikatea rise high above the forest floor, creating a cathedral-like canopy.
Along the way, take time to wander the Totara Walk, a gentle 1km loop among awe-inspiring giants. Interpretation panels reveal the stories of the forest, while the stillness around you is alive with birdsong. Keep watch for kākā, tūī, fantails, tomtits, kōkako and robins flitting through the trees.
Historic relics, including the D7 crawler and old tractor, offer a fascinating glimpse into Pureora’s forestry past, adding depth to the journey.
With its easy grade and well-formed track, this experience is accessible to a wide range of walkers. It’s a relaxed yet deeply immersive introduction to the forest park, perfect for those wanting to slow down, explore, and truly connect with nature.

Walking Package Itinerary
Day 1
At 4:00pm, enjoy a shuttle transfer from Ongarue Shuttle Base to the lodge.
On arrival, settle in before joining us for dinner at 7:00pm.


Day 2
Start the day with breakfast at the lodge.
Piropiro & Maramataha Suspension Bridge Walk
Depart from the lodge, where you’ll step into a world of towering tānekaha forest. The track winds through a rich green canopy leading to the spectacular Maramataha Suspension Bridge, an impressive 141-metre span soaring high above the valley floor, offering a true sense of scale and adventure.
This section is an out-and-back intermediate walking track of 5km each way, with an estimated walking time of 2–3 hours.
Return to the lodge for time to relax or explore the surrounding forest.
Rātā Track (optional exploration from the lodge)
Discover the Rātā Track, a scenic loop through dense native bush where ancient rātā trees twist skyward. The forest is alive with birdsong: tūī, kākā, and kōkako often heard echoing through the trees.
This intermediate loop track features uneven terrain and takes up to 1.5 hours to complete.
Dinner is served at the lodge at 7:00pm.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before preparing your luggage for transfer back to Ongarue Shuttle Base.
Guests travel from the lodge to Pureora Village for your final walk:
Pureora Forest Exploration – Pureora Village
Step into the untouched beauty of Pureora’s ancient podocarp forest on this immersive walk. Towering tōtara, rimu, mataī, miro, and kahikatea form a cathedral-like canopy, showcasing some of New Zealand’s finest native forest.
Take time to explore the gentle 1km Totara Walk loop, where interpretation panels share the story of the forest while birdsong surrounds you. Look out for kākā, tūī, fantails, tomtits, kōkako, and robins moving through the trees.
Along the route, historic relics such as the D7 crawler and old tractor offer a fascinating glimpse into Pureora’s forestry past.
This is an easy, well-formed track suitable for most walkers, with a total walking distance of approximately 5km each way and around 2 hours of walking.
Starting from $848 pp ( shuttle, lodging and all meals included )

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Two night package
Experience the whole Timber Trail
Our most popular package, the Two Night Package gives you more time to fully enjoy the Timber Trail.
Arriving at the lodge the evening before you start your ride ensures you start the trail well rested, and can make the most of the Pureora Forest and the exceptional service at the lodge.

Southern Explorer
A taste of the Timber Trail (45km)
1 night at lodge and 1 day on southern section of the trail
The Southern Explorer provides a taste of the Timber Trail and the full lodge experience. An ideal starting point if you don’t think the full trail is for you, or if you’re a little tight on time.
Contact Us
If these packages don't work for you, get in touch and we'll find a solution.
Phone: 0800 885 6343
International: +64 7 222 6090
Email: [email protected]













