What an extraordinary place the Pureora Forest is! With amazing trees and bird life, the man-made history of timber getting, railway tunnels and now 8 thrilling suspension bridges that allow you to traverse this extraordinary North Island forest trail.
Embark on an unforgettable weekend with Track & Trail’s all-inclusive Timber Trail cycling package. Our comprehensive offering includes shuttle service, delicious meals, comfortable accommodation, and top-notch bike rentals. Join us for an immersive journey through the heart of Pureora Forest, where nature and history converge for a truly unparalleled cycling experience.
At a glance; two nights accommodation, all food and shuttle included…
Price: NZD $650 per person inc GST. Add $230 inc GST if e-bike hire is required.
Time commitment: 2 days and 2 nights
Ride Dates: There are no scheduled dates for this self-guided ride. You can propose your own dates provided you bring a minimum of 4 people. Express you interest
Who is it for: grade 2 cyclists, capable of riding 42 kms each day on well-formed forest track
Ride starts at: northern end of the Timber Trail (near Benneydale)
Ride ends at: southern end of the Timber Trail at Ongarue
Total kilometres: 82 kms
Departs from and returns to: either Benneydale or Rotorua. You can leave a vehicle in Rotorua at our secure depot
Accommodation style: based on a couple sharing or twin share
Best bike: ebike, hardtail mountain bike, full-suspension mountain bike, gravel bike.
BYOB or Hire: BYO bike or hire a Sinch e-bike from Track n Trail.
Timber Trail Package: What Track & Trail provides…
- Shuttle service to and from the Timber Trail
- Accommodation (single supplement is extra)
- Food
- Bike hire (optional extra)
- First aid & PLB
- Secure lock-up for your car at our Rotorua base and/or Rotorua airport transfers
- Daily ride briefing
- Basic mechanical support and spare bikes
- Transport ex Rotorua
Map of the Timber Trail
Timber Trail Itinerary
After overnighting in Benneydale, we start at the northern entrance of the Pureora Forest Park to start the first day of the Timber Trail. You’ve probably heard a lot about the Timber Trail and you won’t be disappointed. In the first 13 km you climb up to 990 m before making a long descent to the center of the forest. Keep your ears and eyes open for the kōkako re-introduced to the forest in July 2021. Kereru and Kaka are also found here. We meet up at Piro Piro Flats midafternoon for a cup of tea and cake before returning to Benneydale for a relaxed evening.
We restart riding on the Timber Trail at Piro Piro Flats. Today you complete the second half of the Timber Trail riding over swing bridges and railway cuttings and the famous Ongarue spiral. You might want to stop and read the many interesting interpretive signs detailing the history of the railway, or cool off with a dip in a stream or pause to look out from the many views to the west.
Bikes, Food & Accommodation
Are you considering BYO bike? If you are driving to the start of the tour, you may like to bring your own bike. Hardtail, full suspension and ebikes are best for this trail.
You are responsible for the fitness of your bike. Please get it serviced before you join the tour. It will be doing 82 kms off-road and parts service centres are not nearby.
Your bike must be able to carry 1 litre of water, your rain jacket, snacks, phone, spare inner tube and sunscreen so a handlebar bag, pannier or frame bag is recommended. Avoid backpacks as they put too much pressure on your sitting bones, affect your balance and are too hot in summer.
Track & Trail has a fleet of NZ-designed Sinch e-bikes available for hire in small, medium and large frame sizes. The cost is $230 incl GST to hire an e-bike for the tour. If we do not have your size we will hire it in Rotorua for you. Contact Peter if you plan on hiring any type of bike. Read the Bike Hire Agreement.
The tour includes all breakfasts, lunches and evening meals and snacks. We are able to cater for vegetarians but not coeliac. If this includes you, it is essential to advise us of this before your tour begins, so that the support vehicle can be stocked with the necessary supplies.
Typical meals Include:
- Breakfasts – fresh fruit, muesli, toast and spreads, Nespresso and tea.
- Lunches – picnic-style lunches, bread or rolls and filings such as cold meats, cheese & vegetables.
- Snacks – fresh fruit, muesli bars, nuts and baking.
- Evening meal prepared by your tour leader.
Accommodation is included for 2 nights of the tour. We will be staying at the Moketenui Sharer’s Quarters in Benneydale.
Accommodation is on a share twin basis. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll pair you to twin-share with another same-gender biker. If you do not wish to share a single supplement is available.
Safety comes first! The group will carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) and first aid in the Pureora Forest. Our T&Cs explain what we will do in bad weather. Track & Trail are here to mitigate as many risks as possible but care and attention will be required from you at all times.
Exclusions
The trip price does NOT include:
- getting to Rotorua
- note there is no support vehicle on the Timber Trail itself.
There are a few evacuations points around the centre of the forest though. - cell phone coverage is patchy in the Pureora Forest
- optional activities
- personal equipment
- byo bike repairs
- alcoholic drinks
- emergencies. Cost of emergency evacuation by ambulance or helicopter is at your own cost.