Trail Status - Plan Ahead!
The Timber Trail is OPEN. Please see ALERT information below detailing caution.
General
The Timber Trail is officially classified as a Grade 3 (Intermediate) trail under the NZCT Design Guidelines. Riders should expect rougher terrain in places, which may impact the ride quality, particularly for those expecting a smoother surface. The team are working together to continually improve the
Together we are working on a maintenance plan to ensure the trail delivers a truly Great Rider experience.
If you see something that needs fixing, please let us know!
---------------
UPDATE 30 October
Access through the Timber Trail has now been restored after the recent wet weather event â thanks to the hard mahi of the Department of Conservation team. The trail has suffered considerable water-related damage, so expect a less-than-smooth journey. However, the views, the history, and the ngahere (forest) are as spectacular as ever.
Spiral Diversion:
After crossing the upper spiral bridge, riders and walkers must dismount at the cones and take a sharp right down the bypass track. This temporary route rejoins the main trail below the lower spiral bridge. The entire tunnel and cuttings are currently bypassed.
This diversion will remain in place until further notice. Significant work is still required to clear silt, sludge, and slip debris from the upper tunnel entrance. Please do not attempt to access the tunnel area.
While the trail is rideable, conditions are not yet perfect, and care is advised.
Road Access to Piropiro:
Kokomiko Road is open for residents and authorised shuttle operators in Class 1 Light vehicles only, but substantial repairs are still underway. Private vehicle access to Piropiro is not permitted at this stage.
NgÄ mihi nui to everyone for your patience and understanding while this essential work continues.
Suspension Bridge Netting Upgrades â Expect Short Delays
Ongoing October/November
Work is underway to replace the side netting on all eight suspension bridges along the Timber Trail. This upgrade will make our bridges stronger and safer for years to come.
The team has completed some of the smaller bridges and now are working through the remaining southern trail bridges. Each bridge will need to close for short periods while the old netting is removed and replaced. Closures are expected to be no more than 45 minutes at a time. Bypass routes are available, though they may not meet our usual standard.
Thank you for your patience while these important safety works are completed.
The DOC team have been out and about after all the Spring storms! The trail still has some windfall at the moment but do let us know if you see anything.
Take care out there and please continue to check with your operator on the latest conditions. If you see something we should know about, please report it!
(Check out our packing list Plan Ahead)
Happy riding - and celebrate being out in the wonderful Pureora Forest Park
In an emergency - Dial 111.
In case of fire, accident or other emergency.
Give Emergency Services your location (nearest km marker)
Weather Update
Current Hazards:
See Road Access caution and post weather event damage including Spiral Diversion.
Maintenance work is continuing on the track, please be aware of contractors and follow instructions if asked. If you see something that needs sorting - Please let us know!
Connector Ride Updates
Centre of North Island (Arataki Trail)
Timber Trail Connection (To Taumaranui)
Note the change of the route from the Waikato River Trails connecting directly to Sandel Road. (much safer).
The Arataki section of the trail has been checked thanks to the team at Bike TaupÅ, and is in good condition apart from a small washout which is passable (at the YMCA camp end)
Please stay alert to traffic on Link Rd to the YMCA Camp and follow the road rules for everyone's safety. Stay left where practical.
If you see anything on this track that needs attention - please let us know.
How are we doing?
The team behind the Timber Trail are always looking to check in on how we are doing giving you as a rider a great experience - so please take a few minutes to complete this survey.
The Timber Trail is a partnership. Thanks to our partners for making this Great Ride Adventure possible.
