Timber Trail
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The Timber Trail - a treat for the senses & the soul…
Take a journey of discovery on one of New Zealand’s best 2-day bike rides; where natural wonders abound, including a precious remnant of an ancient podocarp forest.
It is one of 22 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail
"We loved it, just 90 minutes south of Rotorua (beautiful drive)…the initial 14k climb in from Pureora, was so well-crafted and at such a well-measured gradient, it felt effortless, we chatted all the way..yet at the end of it we'd gained more than 400 metres of elevation, and were at 980 metres with a view to Lake Taupo - spectacular and…brilliant trail-building."
Abandon technology and the clamour of our modern world.
Embrace the natural, peaceful world of the 84km Timber Trail. It's a place where birdsong and the wind in the trees of forested hills are the only sounds to be heard, apart from exuberant noise of riders as they encounter flowing single-track trails, spectacular gorges, thrilling suspension bridges (the most spectacular being the 141m long, 53 high Maramataha), and epic views across the central North Island.
New Zealand's Timber Trail offers rich rewards.
Awesome riding for any moderately fit cyclist (whether serious rider or family group), opportunities to discover towering native podocarp and exotic forest, rich native fauna.
The captivating history of the Pureora Forest Park is brought to life through information boards detailing Maori folklore, timber milling, and the anti-logging stance by conservationists back in 1978 that prompted the preservation of the remaining indigenous blocks that became what is now the jewel in the crown of the 78,000 hectare forest park.
The backbone of this back-country adventure is formed by two old forestry logging tramways that had virtually disappeared under vegetation. They are now joined by a flowing new single trail and with the help of eight spectacular suspension bridges we now have an amazing 2-day cycling adventure that would otherwise take weeks to traverse the same distance the old school way.
The Timber Trail is a perfect weekend experience.
This hidden gem is doable from practically any North Island town or city on a tank of gas and is just 90 minutes south of Rotorua.
You also have the choice of two lodges.
Timber Trail Lodge and the Black Fern Lodge each have their own distinct personalities.
Timber Trail Lodge is right on the trail, super convenient and has wifi while the Black Fern Lodge is a unique off-the-grid destination with lots of attractions to keep you busy including a magnificent waterfall.
