Timber Trails

History

Opened in 2013, the purpose-built Timber Trail celebrates the heritage of this special part of the King Country. Local Māori knew the mountainous area as Te Pureora-ō-Kahu — the place where Kahu was restored to health after searching for her lost son.

Until the 1840s, Pureora was covered in dense virgin forest full of birdlife. As European settlement grew, demand for timber increased and forests across Aotearoa were felled. Pureora Forest was one of the last areas in the North Island to be logged. In 1946 loggers moved in and cleared large tracts of native forest, replacing them with exotic plantations.

In 1978 environmentalists climbed into the canopy to protest against further logging. Their action led the government to protect the remaining forest for future generations. Today Pureora Forest Park is one of the rarest and most precious stands of broadleaf podocarp forest in the North Island, and one of the last intact podocarp forests in the world. It is home to many rare native birds and other wildlife.

Pureora to Piropiro (40 km, 4–6 hours)

The ride begins at the map sign and heads into the bush, pausing at the pou (Te Kanawa). The first 15 km is a steady climb around the slopes of Mt Pureora through the Pikiariki Ecological Area — virgin rainforest saved from milling. Huge podocarp trees tower overhead, and birdlife is abundant thanks to predator trapping. Kākā may even fly past with their distinctive screech.

A short detour at 3 km leads to a historic 1920s crawler tractor left by a bushman. The trail then passes through open, previously logged country before climbing into the mystical Cloud Forest, where stunted trees are draped in moss. At 11 km a short tramping track (1.5 hours return, sturdy footwear needed) leads to the Mt Pureora trig (1,135 m). Toilets are available here.

The high point of the trail (971 m) is reached at 14 km. From here the path flows downhill for 8 km with glimpses of Lake Taupō. At 22 km riders cross the first of eight major suspension bridges — the 115 m Bog Inn Creek Bridge. Further bridges span Orauwaka, Angels Rest and Harrison’s Creeks. Near 33 km the quirky old Stump House can be seen.

Piropiro (40 km) was once a mill town with a school, tennis courts and swimming pool. Accommodation options nearby include Black Fern Lodge, Timber Trail Lodge, Piropiro DOC campsite and Camp Epic.

Piropiro to Ongarue (45 km, 4–7 hours)

This section starts with an undulating ride through tawa, tānekaha and regenerating podocarp forest. At 44 km the Maramataha Bridge is a major highlight — 141 m long and 53 m high, it is the third-longest suspension bridge in New Zealand.

After a steady 2.5 km climb to the ridge, the trail descends easily to the Terminus at 47 km, the old end of the Ellis and Burnard bush tramway. From here the path follows the historic tramway route, winding through cuttings and past remnants of the pioneering era, including workers’ huts and many more bridges (18 in total before Ongarue).

Notable crossings include the Waikoura, Waione and Mangatukutuku suspension bridges. Information panels tell the stories of the past. At 58 km the Historic No. 11 Camp offers a break, complete with an original hut, graffiti, a jigger turntable, water and picnic tables.

The 115m Bog Inn Creek Suspension Bridge is roughly 22 km into the 85-kilometre Timber Trail riding and walking track.

For really good information and assistance go to this link

Timber Trail Website