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Ongarue
84 km
96 hours
1412 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and lose yourself in the deep, green heart of the North Island, The Timber Trail: Pureora - Ongarue is calling. Spanning 84 kilometres through the majestic Pureora Forest Park, this point-to-point journey is a masterclass in wilderness immersion. While famous nationwide as one of the premier New Zealand Cycle Trail "Great Rides", embarking on this trail on foot as a multi-day tramp offers a completely different, profoundly peaceful connection to the ancient forest.
Covering the full distance takes around 96 hours (typically split into a classic four-day tramp). With 1412 metres of elevation gain, remote backcountry conditions, and variable trail surfaces, this is classified as an expert-level hike. Because of the rugged terrain, lack of cell service, and long days on the trail, this adventure is not kid-friendly or dog-friendly. However, for well-prepared hikers seeking a true wilderness escape, it is an absolute bucket-list experience.
Walking The Timber Trail is like stepping back in time. The journey begins in the north at Pureora and finishes at the southern end in the quiet rural settlement of Ongarue. Over four days, you will watch the landscape shift from dense, mossy, ancient virgin rainforest to beautiful regenerating native bush and exotic forestry.
Underfoot, you will encounter a real mix of terrain. Some sections follow wide, well-graded gravel forest roads and historic tramways, while other parts taper into winding singletrack laden with rocks, roots, and muddy patches that require steady, confident footing.
The physical challenge begins early. On the first half of the trail, you will tackle a sustained climb up the misty, forested flanks of Mount Pureora, reaching an altitude of 971 metres. Here, the canopy parts to reveal sweeping, panoramic views across the volcanic plateau of the King Country. As you descend and push south, the trail winds through deep valleys, traverses massive, roaring gorges via spectacular suspension bridges, and follows the paths of 19th-century pioneers. The sheer scale of the wilderness is humbling—for hours at a time, the only sounds you will hear are the wind in the canopy and the call of native birds.
Parking is available at the southern end of the trail in Ongarue. Many visitors choose to leave their vehicles at the Timber Trail Shuttle and Bike Hire base at 26 Ongarue–Waimiha Rd, which also serves as a pick-up point for shuttle services to the Pureora trailhead. While parking is available at the official trailheads, these areas are not monitored, so shuttle services often provide more secure options.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
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Point to point
The Timber Trail is a goldmine of natural beauty and human engineering. Here are the features you simply cannot miss:
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.
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.
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 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.
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Callaeas wilsoni
An endangered forest bird, the North Island kōkako is renowned for its haunting, organ-like song and distinctive blue wattles, often heard in duets that can last for an hour.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Mohoua albicilla
Whiteheads are social, insectivorous forest birds, often seen foraging in noisy flocks high in the canopy of native forests. [6, 20, 21]
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only endemic falcon, the Kārearea is a powerful and incredibly fast predator, often seen soaring above forested areas and tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round