Epic is #1 for Shuttles, Bike Hire, Glamping & Packages on the Timber Trail
We've loved riding the Timber Trail for over 10yrs & you will love it too!
EPIC CYCLE ADVENTURES
TIMBER TRAIL EXPERTS
WE MAKE IT EASIER!
The Timber Trail is 82km of mountain biking at its very best.
Timber Trail shuttles, bike hire and glamping in the Pureora Forest is our business.
Epic offers the most economical and flexible adventure packages on and around the Timber Trail .
We love riding the Timber Trail and want to share the epic experience with you.
Discover the wonders of the Pureora Forest Park in the Ruapehu and Waitomo Districts of New Zealand.
from$70
BIKE & E-BIKE HIRE
We have a range of mountain bikes and ebikes to suit all sizes.
Our bikes are serviced before every ride.
Each bike comes with a repair kit, pump, spare tube and helmet.
THE TRAIL
The Timber Trail is 82km of premium mountain biking through the Pureora Forest.
Discover everything the Timber Trail has to offer and ride the full 82km over 2 days.
Or if you're short on time, see the highlights and ride the last 42km as a day trip.
We provide Timber Trail shuttles from Ongarue to Pureora and Ongarue to Piropiro.
Riding with Epic means you have no set finish times, no deadlines, no waiting on others to finish.
You ride the Timber Trail at your own pace. Click on the "Shuttles" tab for more details.
THE TIMBER TRAIL
The Trail is incredibly well signposted with km markers, directional arrows and information boards. There is a distance marker every kilometre- starting with 1km at the Pureora end and finishing at 82km at the Ongarue end. There are many interesting spots to stop with excellent historical information boards dotted along the trail.
NORTHERN TIMBER TRAIL - PUREORA TO PIROPIRO - 40km
Track category: Intermediate/Grade 3
While the trail may be ridden in either direction, the topography will encourage most people to ride from North to South i.e. from Pureora to Ongarue.
The Northern Timber Trail starts at the entrance to the Pureora Forest Park which is situated 18km east of Benneydale. From here the Timber Trail winds through the stunning Pikiariki Ecological Area before climbing Mount Pureora. The track then sidles around the mountain at 970 m above sea level, travelling across two large suspension bridges before heading down toward the mid point of the trail at Piropiro.
The Northern Timber Trail is 40km long with the first 11km being a long gradual climb. Thereafter the track is generally downhill with a few speedy decents that require care and/or fair mountain biking skills. Walking down these slopes is advised for those less accustomed to loose, slippery gravel roads.
At the 39km/40km markers riders looking to stop at accommodation around Piropiro are advised to keep an eye out for the signposts indicating turnoffs.
SOUTHERN TIMBER TRAIL - PIROPIRO TO ONGARUE - 42km
Track category: Easy/Grade 2
There are a few steep ascents/descents that may require you to get off your bike and push, but generally it is an easy ride. Please note that once you are on the trail there are no escape routes and you are committed to completing the full 42km. You therefore need to be aware of your limits and confident of completing the distance.
The trail starts at the Piropiro campsite around the 40km marker and winds very gently through lush green native forest to the incredible Maramataha Suspension Bridge. This a perfect spot for a rest and a photo opportunity.
From the bridge to around the 48km mark is a steady climb and the only really tough section of the trail. From this point the trail trends downhill with a few long, fast and exciting sections - the best of these runs for about 10kms from the 67km mark.
At the 74km mark is the Ongarue Spiral, an incredible feat of engineering and hard work. The trail then winds through Forestry and Farm lands to the finishing point in Ongarue.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Whilst this trail is classified as a Grade 2/3 (Easy/Intermediate), it is still a long ride and once on trail there are no escape routes or reliable coverage. If you are new to cycling or not as fit as you could be you need to be prepared for a long day. The average time to do each section of the ride is around 5 hours (with lots of stops), but some groups have taken up to 8 hours. Ensure you bring enough water and food to last the day, and have suitable gear for biking in hot and freezing weather conditions.
Pureora Weather
Bennett Rd Carpark
Ngakonui-Ongarue Rd
Ongarue
At Epic we love a bit of personal communication and work extremely hard to make ourselves immediately contactable. Unfortunately we are often out of reception but, call us, email us, send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
For any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
