The Timber Trail - Great Ride
A journey through Pureora Forest Park and back in time
One of New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides—and arguably its best two-day mountain-bike journey.
The 85-kilometre Timber Trail travels through ancient native forest, across remarkable suspension bridges and along historic logging roads and tramways. Its natural, cultural and engineering heritage make every part of the journey worth exploring.
While best known as a mountain-bike trail, the Timber Trail also welcomes walkers and trail runners looking for a memorable journey through Pureora Forest.
The trail at a glance
- Distance: 85 kilometres
- Trail grade: Grade 2–3 — Easy to Intermediate
- Total climbing: Approximately 420 metres
- Typical cycling time: Two days
- Typical walking time: Two long days of around 8–10 hours each
- Most common direction: Pureora to Ōngarue
- Midpoint: Piropiro
- Open: Year-round, subject to trail and weather conditions
Most people travel from Pureora to Ongarue, staying overnight near the midpoint of the trail. The trail can also be completed in the opposite direction, although transport and itinerary arrangements differ.
Pureora to Piropiro
The northern section of the Timber Trail
40 kilometres | Grade 3 | Approximately 3 - 6 hours by bike
The journey begins at Pureora beneath the towering podocarps of the Pikiariki Ecological Area. From here, the trail climbs gradually around the slopes of Mount Pureora towards its highest point at 971 metres.
Early highlights include a short detour to the historic crawler tractor and the Forest Edge shelter. As the trail rises, the forest changes into the atmospheric Cloud Forest, where stunted trees are draped in moss. A separate track near the 11-kilometre mark leads to the summit of Mount Pureora for those with enough time, suitable footwear and favourable weather.
From the high point, the trail begins a long, flowing descent through native forest, with occasional views towards Lake Taupō. The route crosses several major suspension bridges, including Bog Inn, Orauwaka, Angels Rest and Harrisons Creek.
Historic features such as the Stump House and interpretation panels tell the story of the people who worked in the forest during the timber-milling era.
The section finishes at Piropiro, once the site of a busy mill town and now the midpoint of the Timber Trail, where Timber Trail Lodge offers a hot shower, hearty meals and a comfortable overnight stay.
Piropiro to Ōngarue
The southern section of the Timber Trail
45 kilometres | Grade 3 |Approximately 3 - 6 hours by bike
The southern section begins among stands of tānekaha, tawa and regenerating podocarp forest before reaching the Maramataha Bridge—the longest and highest suspension bridge on the Timber Trail.
At 141 metres long and 53 metres above the stream, the bridge is one of the highlights of the journey. A steady climb follows before the trail joins the route of the former Ellis and Burnand bush tramway.
Historic camps, cuttings, bridges and interpretation panels tell the story of the people who once worked deep within the forest. Highlights along the way include the tramway terminus, Historic No. 11 Camp and the remarkable Ōngarue Spiral.
After passing through the Spiral’s tunnel, a sweeping singletrack descent carries you towards Bennett Road. From there, it is approximately two kilometres along a quiet road to Ōngarue.
One of New Zealand's Great Rides
The Timber Trail is one of the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand—a national network of predominantly off-road cycling journeys through some of the country’s most remarkable landscapes.
Visit the official Ngā Haerenga website for independent trail information, maps, grading and details about the wider Great Rides network.
Explore more of the central North Island
The Timber Trail is part of an exceptional network of cycling and mountain-bike trails across the central North Island.
Extend your journey with the Waikato River Trails, Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono or one of the connector routes linking the region’s trails and communities.
The Timber Trail on Foot
Walk it. Run it. We’ll take care of the rest.
The Timber Trail can be explored on foot as either a long-distance walk or a rewarding trail-running journey through Pureora Forest.
Strong walkers may complete the full 85-kilometre trail over two long days, allowing around 8–10 hours each day depending on pace, fitness, weather and trail conditions.
For trail runners, the combination of flowing singletrack, forest roads, suspension bridges and sustained climbs creates a memorable point-to-point challenge. The full trail can be completed over one or two days, while shorter sections offer excellent options for training runs, group events and supported adventures.
There are also shorter walking and running routes from access points across Pureora Forest, allowing people to experience parts of the trail without committing to the full journey.
Timber Trail Lodge can support walkers and trail runners with accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, transport and itinerary planning.
Riding the Timber Trail
