Timber Trail: A Great Ride for Unforgettable Adventures

Discover the stories and secrets of a truly remarkable forest.

Ride, run, or walk, the Timber Trail takes you on a journey through time and nature, deep into the ancient heart of Pureora Forest.
Surrounded by towering trees, native birdsong, and rich cultural history, this is a trail experience that welcomes everyday adventurers to explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories in the central North Island of New Zealand.

WHY THE TIMBER TRAIL?

AdventureEight towering suspension bridges including the awe-inspiring 141m-long Maramataha Bridge. 85 kms of trail with bridges, bush tramways and a spiral

NatureJourney beneath towering podocarp giants, where moss-draped trunks echo with birdsong and, at day’s end, the forest yields to a starlit sky.

Rich Heritage & StoriesDiscover a trail of living history — ancestral connections, timber heritage, and the Ongarue Spiral, where stories of the past shape the journey today.

Discover MoreAn 85km Grade 3 journey through the heart of the North Island. Open year-round for riders, runners, and walkers to explore at their own pace.

GETTING IT SORTED...

Trail Map & PlanningDownload the map or view it online — it’s all you need to plan your ride. Everything you need to inform your ride

Transport & Gear!Shuttles, luggage transfers, and bike hire make your Timber Trail ride easy. Choose a mountain bike or e-MTB and you’re ready to roll.

Rest, Recover & RelaxStay your way — from starry-night camping to cosy lodges, with eco-lodges, glamping, and rider-friendly comfort at every turn.

FAQs & Rider InfoGot questions? From the best bike and season to ride, to bikes, accessibility, and trail grades — our FAQs cover everything you need to know.

Key Details:

Grade	3	Intermediate
Distance	85 km	Total descent 353m
Profile	Climb 1,412m	Descend 1,765m
Duration	2 - Days	Ride all year
Location	Central North Island, New Zealand	Ruapehu and Waitomo - in the Heart of the King Country

Current weather conditions: Plan Ahead

The trail is free to ride thanks to the generosity of Kiwis including the Department of Conservation, NZCT and MBIE Tourism, Ruapehu District Council, iwi and our communities. Consider making a donation to Friends of Timber Trail Trail or completing the official trail survey to plan for the future.