Timber Trail

The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Maori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.

The 85km long Timber Trail is a unique mountain bike ride across ancestral Maori lands, taking you deep into the ancient Pureora Forest Park in New Zealand's central North Island.

Trail Stats and Map

  • Distance
    85 Km
  • Time
    1 - 2 Days
  • Ability
    Grade 3 | Intermediate
  • Trail Type
    Forest | Path | Single Track

Elevation

The Timber Trail, typically ridden north to south from Pureora to Ongarue, features long and short climbs, thrilling descents, and flat sections. Navigate smooth turns, switchbacks, and suspension bridges. Ideal for a two-day adventure with an overnight stop.

Elevation

Elevation | 1412m

Climb | 30.7km

Descent | 37.9km

Flat | 9.4km


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Riding the Timber Trail

The Timber Trail is a true treasure for mountain bikers, stretching 85 kilometers through the stunning Pureora Forest Park. It’s perfect for nature lovers, with New Zealand’s beautiful native bush and unique birds like the North Island robin, kaka, and kereru. Riding through this lush forest is simply magical.

One of the coolest parts of the trail is following the historic Ellis and Burnand Tramway. Plus, you’ll get to cross some amazing suspension bridges, including New Zealand’s longest at 140 meters. The views over the forest canopy and river gorges are breathtaking.

If you're up for an overnight adventure, the Timber Trail has fantastic places to stay, like the Timber Trail Lodge, Camp Epic (Glamping), and Blackfern Lodge. These spots offer a cozy place to rest and recharge. There are also shuttle services to make your journey easier. We highly recommend FourB - Bike Taupō's all-inclusive bike package, which provides you with everything you need, plus one night's accommodation in Taupō and one at the Timber Trail Lodge.

The trail is graded 2-3, so it’s great for different fitness levels and riding skills. You’ll enjoy a mix of gentle gradients and more challenging sections, making it a perfect balance of leisurely rides and exciting descents.

While most of the Timber Trail is in Pureora Forest Park, part of it extends into the Taupō region. This section beautifully transitions from dense forest to the open, rolling terrain typical of Taupo, adding even more variety to your ride.

The Timber Trail is a must-ride for mountain biking enthusiasts, blending natural beauty, historical charm, and a sense of adventure. With its well-maintained paths, stunning vistas, and excellent accommodation options, it promises an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.

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Supervolcanic trail details

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The Timber Trail is proud to be part of Ngā Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trails network.

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Explore the Supervolcanic Trails

Whether you're tackling The Timber Trail or exploring more forest routes of the Great Lake Trails, the Taupō region offers unforgettable rides amidst supervolcanic landscapes and lush wilderness. With over 65 individual trails and more than 330 kilometers of riding paths, your adventure through this biking paradise is sure to be exhilarating and memorable.

Other Pueora Forest Park Trails Other Forest Trails

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Book your Timber Trail cycling trip

  • Activities & tours

    Camp Epic - Timber Trail Shuttles, Hire, Glamping

    Shuttles, bike/ebike hire and glamping accommodation on the Timber Trail - one of New Zealand's Great Rides.

  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Timber Trail All Inclusive Package

    Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.

    $649 - $799
  • Boutique & lodge

    Timber Trail Lodge

    The Timber Trail Lodge provides great hospitality, right at the centre of the Timber Trail, New Zealand’s best two-day wilderness ride.

Bike shuttles, guides & tours

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Displaying 11 - 18 of 18
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Adventure Shuttles

    Whether you want to hike it, bike it, taste it or just go see it Adventure Shuttles helps you get the buzz in the beautiful Central North Island.

    $30 - $1,000
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    FourB - Timber Trail All Inclusive Package

    Timber Trail 2-day all inclusive package. One night in Taupo, one night in the Timber Trail Lodge, meals and luggage transfers ex Taupo.

    $649 - $799 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Supervolcanic - Waihaha - Road and Boat Transfer Package

    Got your own bike? Supervolcanic. Ride the Epic Waihaha section of the Great lake Trail with this transfer package from Kinloch.

    $149 - $159 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tongariro Mountain Bikes

    Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country in New Zealand. We know trails that ride through stunning scenery, immersing you in native forest and along side magnificent rivers full of trout and can be relaxing or challenging.

    $85 - $395
  • Custom transfers

    Mangakino Shuttle Service

    Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery of the famous Waikato River Trail as you Bike or walk in an ever-changing, Breathtaking landscape, for just a few hours, or travel more of the trail over 2 to 5 days. Shuttle, Bike Hire and accommodation available.

    $20 - $60
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Tree Trunk Gorge Guided Mountain Bike

    This is a short but beautiful track that weaves its way through native forest and includes a short steep climb, a picturesque river ford and some wooden bridges. This is an intermediate/advanced trail with lots of fun to be had.

    $225
  • Airport shuttles

    FourB - Great Lake Trails Shuttles

    Shuttle transfers for all sections of the Great Lake Trails in Taupo including booking the water taxi transfer from the Waihaha section in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo.

    $45 - $150 Book now
  • Cycling & Mountain Biking

    42 Traverse Guided E-Bike Ride

    Known as one of the best adventure mountain bike rides in New Zealand. A 46km Grade 3 guided mountain e-bike tour through the Tongariro Forest. The 42 Traverse takes you into sub-alpine New Zealand with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

    $395

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