new zealand: TIMBER TRAIL cycle track

Pureora Forest Park, Ruapehu District / 85kms / 1-2 days one way / Easy-Intermediate

Arrival: ongarue

The Timber Trail is one of the 22 Great Rides of The New Zealand Cycle Trails. This purpose build track takes you through the King Country with a variety of terrain, bridges, ancient forests and intriguing history of the early European settlement as well as Maori lore. You have an option to take a traditional mountain bike, electric bike, or if you are more of a hiker, walk the track. Also, you can do the tack in one day, or pace out and break it down two separate sections while staying overnight around midway in purpose build lodge, or camping. Just make sure you bring a sufficient amount of water and food with you.

If you are planning to cycle the track, you can do it by bringing your own bike, or there are several companies hiring bikes as well as provide a transportation in and out of the track. If you have an electric bike, you have a chance to recharge them overnight in one of the lodges.

Highlights include massive trees, suspension bridges - some over 100m long - lookouts and wildlife all around you, not to forget the history itself.

CYCLE TRAIL

I planned to complete the trail in one day, starting from the Pureora and finish it at Ongarue. This way you will conquer the biggest yet pretty gentle 15 kilometre climb right from the start. I didn’t have my own bike, so I did hire a electric bike to assist with the climbs and this way to hopefully make me complete the whole trail on time before the sunset.

As I arrived to Ongarue, I was informed the battery of the bike wouldn’t be big enough to last whole trail, and at the end it would come extremely challenging to cycle with the full weight of the bike. (Later on it was accidentally revealed they had made a double booking for electric bikes) I made a quick decision to take a risk and take an usual mountain bike, which is lighter however knowing my fitness level I was somewhat confident I would be able to complete whole trail on time. I was also told the rental place would be open late evening, which meant I didn’t have to rush to catch a certain time to return the bike.

Once this was sorted, bikes loaded and maps handed over - I jumped to the shuttle along with few other bikers and started the drive to the starting point at Pureora.

One hour later we arrived to the parking lot, where you have a chance to do last minute check up before diving into the lush forest. first section was literally mountain biking in a well groomed forest path, which was great introduction what is to come. I felt a great joy of experiencing bike hike after a long time, as I usually do traditional walking and climbing.

After a while you will arrive gravel road with multiple road crossing. This is pretty boring section however the views started slowly to appear which made it a bit more interesting before you enter into the forest again. You have few options for a sidetrips - to see historic Crawler Tractor and also a short temping track to Mt Pureora trig. I decided to skip these and purely focus on pleasures of biking.

As you are reaching the highest point (971 meters), it’s a great moment to take a break, as well as fill your energy bank before starting fun, 8 kilometre downhill where you can test your downhill riding skills. The speed can rise up fairly high so adjust it to your skills as the track is highly exposed to a tree roots and rocks. Oh the adrenaline rush, with few near miss accidents. Absolutely loved it!

At the 22 kilometre mark you get a shock as the first of eight bridges appear out of nowhere. I almost did fly off the handlebars by breaking so hard, as ti was such a surprise after swearing the track so intensively during the downhill section. As you cross the 115 meter long suspension bridge, you can’t help but admire the building skills as well as the drop in the gorge below. There are several other similar bridges later on, and one even a bigger one, but this had definitely the biggest impact as it appeared such a sudden way.

The forest track continues similar way so just take your time and enjoy the ride, and pace yourself for the rest of the distance.

At the 40 kilometre mark you arrive to Piropiro. Here you can find few lodges as well as DOC campsite you can stay over night if you have made arrangement prior. Also, this is a point you start or finish the trail if you are only doing half of the trail. I had a quick lunch here, with a little doubt in my head how I was only half way. The reason for doubt is a simple fact I am not a biker. I don’t mind walking 50 kilometres in one day, however I felt the struggle creeping in at this point, yet knowing I had longer, 45 kilometre to go to the finish. Those bed in a lodge sure looked inviting!

No time to spare - jump on and continue the bike.

At the 44 kilometre mark I reached the highlight of the trail: 141m long Maramataha Bridge (image above), 53m above the ground, which is also a 3rd longest suspension bridge in New Zealand. I had to both ride and walk across it to get a full appreciation of it, before start the last, yet short, 2.5 kilometre climb. After this the trail was fairly flat or downhill with occasional little climb - however my legs were absolutely jellied up. Few times I had to jump off the bike and as I was pushing it I couldn’t help but laugh how ridiculous it was but what can you do when your muscles decide to stop…

As you continue to the most bizarre and unique spot Ongarue Spiral, you come across several historic sites telling you a story of the time of harvesting.

The Ongarue Spiral at the 75 kilometre mark is an historic engineering feat, which was used as a solution to achieve significant elevation drop within a shortest distance. Basically it is a tramline making a rollercoaster kind of a loop around itself, into a dark tunnel before emerging beneath the tramline above and continuing 90 degree to a totally different direction. As I didn’t have any idea what to expect, I let the speed to rise just to realise I drove off the track in a middle of the darkness into a river… Let’s just say it was an unforgettable experience and gave a good laugh for few other riders who just arrived to the section and heard my screams and yells.

From there it was literally just chilled ride to the point I started. I missed the pick up time of the rental place, so I had to ride extra 2 kilometres through the Ongarue town to get into the rental shop.

As I arrived to return the bike, I was greeted the friendly shop owners offering me a nice refreshing shower. What a great gesture!

I must admit bike hike might be a great addition to my usual hiking. It gives you a whole new way to explore bigger sections in one go however I need to either get fitter for biking, electric bike with a big enough battery to last a while trips, or stop overnight especially with longer trails. One negative I noticed as you are cycling - you tend to look much more to a ground and miss quite a lot of sceneries.

All and all, I loved it! There is a place for both walking and cycling. I am sure to search more cycle trails to explore and include them into the mix of adventures!!

Quick tips:

The track can be cycled or walked either direction, starting from Ongarue or Pureora. You also have an option to do half of the track, by using Piropiro as a starting and finishing spot.

Plan your trip well and make sure you tell someone of your plans.

Check the weather conditions - again and again, and always be prepared to turn back if it changes for the worse.

Know your limits, health and fitness levels - and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to turn back.

There is water along the track. Bring your own snacks and food to replenish your strength as you need it. Pack accordingly for all eventualities such as emergencies, or you may be stranded for one reason or another.

Consider every scenario - the weather, emergencies and other conditions.

Take a personal locator beacon with you if you have one, and allow plenty of time. Also, bring along your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser.

Cellphone reception is popping up randomly however it is not consistent.

And remember, this is a shared track so be aware upcoming walkers any given moment. Monitor constantly your speed if you are biking.

Enjoy the ride!