The Timber Trail: Pureora - Ongarue (Southern End)

Point to point

The Timber Trail is a goldmine of natural beauty and human engineering. Here are the features you simply cannot miss:

• The Ancient Giants: The northern half of the trail boasts some of the last remaining tracts of original podocarp forest in the North Island. You will walk beneath towering, moss-draped rimu, tōtara, miro, mataī, and colossal kahikatea that have stood for hundreds of years.
• The Suspension Bridges: The trail traverses 35 bridges in total. Among them are eight massive, custom-built suspension bridges that span deep, forested gorges. The crown jewel is the Maramataha Bridge—at 141 metres long and suspended 53 metres above the riverbed, crossing it is a thrilling, stomach-dropping highlight.
• The Ongarue Spiral: Located in the southern section of the trail, this is a world-class relic of early New Zealand engineering. To handle the steep terrain, logging pioneers built a complete loop of railway track that tunnels under itself. Walking through this hand-cleared stone tunnel and tracing the spiral is like walking through a living history museum.

Getting There

The Timber Trail is a point-to-point track, meaning you will start at the Pureora trailhead (on Barryville Road) and finish at the southern end in Ongarue.

To coordinate your transport, it is highly recommended to drive to the southern terminus in Ongarue first. Secure, off-street parking is available at the Timber Trail Shuttle and Bike Hire base located at 26 Ongarue–Waimiha Road. From here, you can book a pre-arranged shuttle service to transport you to the northern trailhead at Pureora so you can walk back to your vehicle. While there are public, free parking areas at both trailheads, they are unmonitored and remote, making the shuttle base a much safer option for leaving your car for several days.

Wildlife Spotting

The Pureora Forest is a crucial conservation sanctuary, meaning the birdlife along this track is spectacular.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the heavy swoosh of the kererū (New Zealand pigeon) gorging on berries in the canopy. You will regularly hear the cheeky, musical whistle of the kākā (native forest parrot) and the high-pitched chatter of the tiny pōpokotea (whitehead).

As you walk, curious toutouwai (North Island robin) will likely hop right down to your boots to inspect the dirt you kick up. If you are incredibly lucky and keep quiet during the misty early mornings, you might hear the haunting, organ-like song of the rare kōkako echoing through the deep valleys, or spot a kārearea (New Zealand falcon) soaring high above the gorge walls.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: The Timber Trail can be walked year-round. Summer offers the warmest weather and drier tracks, while Autumn brings crisp, clear days with stunning golden light. Spring is a magical time for birdwatching as the forest comes alive with nesting activity. Winter is beautiful but requires serious alpine prep, as temperatures on the high ridges of Mount Pureora routinely drop below freezing, bringing heavy frosts and occasional snow.
• Best Time of Day to Start: Always aim for an early morning start each day (no later than 8:00 AM). This ensures you have plenty of daylight to navigate the long distances between campsites or lodges without having to rush.
• What to Bring: You must be entirely self-sufficient. Pack a high-quality rain jacket, warm thermal layers (no cotton), a sturdy first-aid kit, a headlamp, and plenty of high-energy food. A water filter or purification tablets are essential, as surface water along the trail must be treated. Because of the lack of mobile coverage, carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended.
• Weather Considerations: This is a high-altitude rainforest environment. Heavy rainfall can occur suddenly, turning docile tracks muddy and making the suspension bridges cold and windy. Always check the MetService forecast for the Waitomo/King Country region before setting off.

Local & Regional Context

The forest of Pureora holds deep spiritual significance for local Māori, particularly the Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi, who have lived in harmony with this land for generations.

The trail also preserves a tumultuous chapter of New Zealand's modern environmental history. In 1978, the forest became the site of famous "tree-sitting" protests. Activists climbed high into the ancient treetops of Pureora to stop state-sanctioned logging of the old-growth forest. This historic protest successfully led to the end of native logging in the area and the creation of the conservation park we enjoy today. Walking here now, beneath the very trees that were saved, adds a profound layer of gratitude to the journey.

After the Walk

After 84 kilometres of tramping, your feet will be tired, and you will be craving a warm meal and a cold drink.

Head into the nearby town of Taumarunui (about a 20-minute drive south of Ongarue). For a fantastic kiwi feed, stop by Stitch & Steel Cafe. They serve excellent, locally roasted coffee, massive savory scones, and hearty, wholesome meals perfect for hungry hikers. If you are after something sweet or a classic hot pie, the Cherry Grove Cafe & Deli is another local favourite, offering friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere to sit back, rest your legs, and celebrate your epic journey through the wilderness.