Celebrating new connections at the Arataki Bridge
Since 1978, the old 36m Arataki Tramping Bridge crossing the Mangakino stream has been an important connection for trampers, hunters, conservationists, school groups and latterly cyclists.The bridge was a source of challenge for many, and at times during peak bikepacking season saw queues of riders waiting and helping each other manhandle their gear and themselves across the past its use by date metal swing bridge.Thanks to the efforts of Ngā Hapū o Te Hauauru - an entity within Ngāti T...
February 14, 2024New Zealand top cyclist Kirstie James rides the Timber Trail
I’m Kirstie Klingenberg (née James) and I am a professional cyclist. I ride for the New Zealand national team on the track and for an American team on the road called The Meteor / Intelligentsia. Growing up I tried many different sports and then stuck with rowing for a few years before changing to cycling about 5 years ago. I absolutely love the sport and really enjoy the many different codes and events it has to offer. I live in Cambridge with my husband who also enjoys cycling recreati...
November 23, 2019The Wild Side of the Timber Trail
THE TIMBER TRAIL WINDS THROUGH PUREORA FOREST PARK, ONE OF THE FINEST RAINFORESTS IN THE WORLD. ITS FLORA AND FAUNA OFFER A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO PRIMEVAL NEW ZEALAND AS IT EXISTED THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO....
October 21, 2018Two faces of the Timber Trail
The Timber Trail vaults across the Maramataha River on a 140-metre suspension bridge, 53 metres above the water. Crossing in 2015, I paused in the middle, looked down at the water and thought back four years. Two visits to the Timber Trail, two radically different experiences. 2011 Jonathan Kennett on the part-built Timber Trail just south of Piropiro Flats.Our journey of discovery starts at Piropiro Flats. And I couldn't be in better company; not just Simon and Jonathan Kennett, two of th...
August 11, 2018Winter Riding - Tips and Tricks from Ben
SO, IT’S WINTER, THIS GENERALLY MEANS THAT WE AVOID THE OUTDOORS RIGHT? WRONG! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THOSE BRISK COOLER MONTHS CAN BE ONE OF THE BEST TIMES TO VIEW THE PLETHORA OF NATURE'S BOUNTY. FROM SNOW CLAD MOUNTAIN TOPS, TO OVERGROWN AND BULGING WATER SYSTEMS, THE WINTER WILDERNESS SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. IF YOU’RE PLANNING A TRIP ON ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S 22 GREAT RIDES, LIKE THE 84KM TIMBER TRAIL, IN THE COOLER MONTHS THEN HERE’S A FEW IMPORTANT TIPS WE THINK YOU SH...
July 22, 2018Nathan North Rides Instagram@thenathannorth
I recently rode the Timber Trail as a two-day section of my two-and-a half-month tour of Aotearoa. It was a breath of fresh air – an escape to the backcountry of Pureora Forest Park. It was a place to appreciate aspects of this incredibly diverse landscape without the stresses of logging trucks and other traffic, navigation, and panniers laden with food and water. The Timber Trail provides enjoyment and challenges for all abilities, whilst being adaptable to all budgets and time constrain...
July 19, 2018TOURISM OPERATORS SUPPORT TIMBER TRAIL AS GREAT WALK
Tourism operators who have benefited from development of the Timber Trail in Pureora forest park are keen to see it chosen as one of New Zealand’s new great walks currently being considered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).A shortlist of seven candidates was announced in June, from which one or two will be chosen to be developed as new great walks. They will be added to the eight that already exist, and the ninth which is currently being developed. DOC is proposing to add new walk...
June 30, 2018MTB Travel Girl: Best Mountain Bike Tour I have Ridden!
CAROLIN HERFORTH, A MOUNTAIN BIKING BLOGGER FROM GERMANY, RODE THE TIMBER TRAIL IN EARLY 2018. FROM THE FOREST AND FLOWING TRAILS THROUGH TO THE FANTASTIC TIMBER TRAIL LODGE, IT WAS A RIDE SHE WILL NEVER FORGET. If you are contemplating mountain biking or even hiking in New Zealand, then you should definitely do it, and here’s why.As I landed in the Land of the Long White Cloud this time around, I thought about the road trip I made here in 2012. That trip was so full of adventures – from sky...
June 26, 2018Bridging the Gaps on the Timber Trail
The Timber Trail is popular for the wonderful mix of native and exotic forest it passes through. However, the trail’s amazing bridges – including the longest and highest on the New Zealand Cycle Trail – have become as much of a drawcard. Straddling mountain ranges west of Lake Taupo, the 78,000-hectare Pureora Forest Park is a treasure trove of tall trees, clear rivers and rare wildlife. It also has a fascinating logging past and large tracts of precious native forest, saved by enviro...
May 7, 2018 Posts 1-9 of 9 | Page
