Enjoy of story of the John whanau (Mum, Dad, 13 year old boy and a 11 year old girl) riding the Timber Trail situated in the lower part of the North Island, New Zealand over 2 days
When we make the effort and take the time to go on a family biking adventure like riding The Timber Trail, we want it to be an enjoyable experience. To have a ‘great’ multi-day biking adventure it comes down to planning and preparation.
The Timber Trail is part of the NZ Cycle Trail Network making up one of the 22 great rides.
Where is it?
It is located in the central North Island within the Pureora Forest Park and runs between the 2 small rural towns of Pureora and Ongarue. An even smaller settlement (if you can call it that) – Piropiro is located around halfway along the trail. The trail is well signposted and supported with shuttles/ tours bike hire (including electric bike options) but make sure you have booked in advance as the start and end of the track is quite isolated. Check out this link for all the different companies supporting the Timber Trail
The Timber Trail is close to a number of larger towns making access to the trail from larger cities like Taupo, Rotorua, Hamilton on the day you start and finish the ride possible.
The ride and is it doable for you?
How far is the biking journey? 82km. It is suggested that you complete this over 2 days with a night in Piropiro… so your family needs to be able to ride 40km plus in one day to comfortably complete the ride. If time is limited or 2 days feels like a little much for your family – then there are day ride options that can be organised with the shuttle companies.
The topography suggests you ride the Timber Trail in a north to south direction starting at Pureora and finishing in Ongarue – this is definitely recommended for families.
DAY ONE -Pureora to Piropiro = 40 km is it doable?
The day starts with a gradual uphill ride winding your way around the side of Mt Pueora to the tracks high point of 971m, located about 11km into the first day. From there it is mainly down hill as you gradually descend through flowing trails to PiroPiro. Allow between 5-7 hours to complete this section for a family.
Piropiro is remote. The accommodation options at the time of riding to consider are:
1. Timber Trail Lodge. Meals and accommodation provided (no child rates are available)
2. Black Fern Lodge (this lodge is located 6-7km off the trail – it is well signposted at about the 35km mark. You will need to consider whether adding in additional kms to your journey is ideal for your family. This Lodge offers a variety of meals/ shuttles as well as self catering.
3. Camp Epic offer the option of staying in a designated campground and can provide varied levels of support. Ranging from them supplying tents and all your equipment to you providing your own tent and equipment and Epic will shuttle your gear. A great family option.
4. DOC campground at Piropiro is free – the facilities here are very basic – running water and a couple of toilets. This campground is widely used by a large number of hunters. You will need to be able to carry or have all your own gear shuttled into this area. Not all shuttles go into Piropiro so you will need to determine if this is a possible option for your family.
DAY TWO-Piro Piro to Ongarue track end = 42 km is it doable?
This flowing single trail continues through spectacular forest and amazing gorges with numerous swing bridges throughout day 2.
What skills will you need to do this ride? This track is graded as a beginner/intermediate track. It is well graded and the technical skills involved come from negotiating flowing winding single track.
What level of fitness will you need to do this ride? You will need moderate levels of fitness. The gradual climb of 500m sidling around Mt Pureora as well as the daily distance you need to cover approximately 40km per day means a good level of fitness is required.
How could the weather effect the success of your journey? The track is quite remote there no services along the trail (except for the accommodation providers) so once you are on this trail there is very little option for any pulling out.
Is this ride possible with kids attached or towed? The remoteness of this ride as well as the daily distance means it is not an ideal ride for kids attached. If kids are riding independently a Tow Whee tow rope would be highly recommended. Easy and light to carry you can help assist them up hills or over the long distance of the day.
Single trail riding Timber Trail
Finish of day one setting up camp.
Checking out information before heading out for the start of day 2.
Be safe and comfortable when riding the Timber Trail
This trail is quite remote. You need to self sufficient for your ride.
Enjoy the experience and have fun
Riding the Timber Trail and experiencing this part of New Zealand on a bike is very rewarding. From enjoying the ancient forest, to the 11 swing bridges and gorges you traverse, to the information boards and the history of the area.
For our family holiday we decided to link up the Timber Trail with a trip to Rotorua to enjoy its cultural diversity as well as spending time on the Mountain biking trails.
Looking back at one of the many swing bridges that you cross.
Crossing one of the many swing bridges.
Hollie enjoying the trail day 2
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