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neilnkathy
Some of the most amazing bush and history in the central North Island. A thoroughly memorable experience. We did the 2nd half of the trip finishing at Ongarue a 42.5km ride. 5 hours riding for two semi fit 46 - 52 yr olds. Thanks to Paul from Epic Cycle Adventures for the bike hire and shuttle service. We will be back to do this again with family and friends
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robynandtc
We hired bikes from Paul Goulding of Epic Cycles and found him extremely helpful He supplied helmets, jell seat and water..He shuttled our bikes to beginning of track and talked us through what to expect. We went from Ongarue to the first suspension bridge approx. 13 kms. It took us 3 hours with plenty of rests to get there and 1hr 20 mins for the retrun ride which was downhill. Paul even rode up to the bridge to check us out. It only took him 30 mins! Would recommend his company for bike hire and service.
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887natashaw
We took the two day cycle, 40km per day. The first day of the track from Bennydale was hard work and not all that rewarding, but then we hadn't been on a bike in years. if you do a bit of biking then you probably would find it much easier. We camped at piropiro doc camp which is basic, but all you need. The second day was fantastic. Beautiful scenary, rock faces, suspension bridges, old rail relics, and some fantastic long downhill rides - it made the first day worth it. For anyone like us of moderate fitness but not used to riding bikes, do the second day for a challenge. For anyone else who can comfortably ride 20km or spend several hours mountain biking, you may find it a but tame, but its beautiful and you get to wear the badge of honour to say you biked 84km in one weekend! We had a soak at Tokaanu Hotpools afterwards which helped a lot.
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522WendyH522
We road the timber trail over 2 days. The first day was a little challenging, it's starts with about a 3 km track through some of the most beautiful nz bush I have been in, then is about a 12 km climb to the summit. Awesome swing bridges and great point of interest boards with the history of the area. We rode the track mid week and didn't see anyone else on it which was quite nice. We took about 5 hours to do the 40 kms but we take lots of stops to enjoy the scenery. We caught the Pa Harakeke shuttle from Piropiro flats back to their accommodation which was great. The second day we drove to the end of the trail at Ongarue and Paul from Epic Cycle Adventures shuttled us back to Piropiro flats. This half of the trail is an easy ride if you have average fitness with only 1 hill climb and an awesome down hill stretch. Again the scenery is amazing and the swing bridges quite remarkable. The spiral is very cool but be warned to remove sunglasses before entering as it is quite dark. We took our togs and found a nice little spot at the 61 km mark to have a dip and cool off. This half of the track took us about 4 1/2 hours again with lots of stops. All round a great ride.
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JamesY664
Did this with family, including an 8 & 10 yr old boys, both were keen bikers, the younger one did get towed up some of the uphills, both on 24" bikes. We rode Piropiro Flats to Ongarue (45km), which we were told was the best section. Amazing bridges (one was 141m long!) and the Spiral is super cool. Great interpretation along the trail, but didn't stop to read it all. The native vegetation and bush was awesome - flowering rata too!Relatively easy ride, not techinical but fun with a group. We shuttled cars to both ends which took just over an hour at the end to go and get, but shuttles are available too. Left vehicle at carpark on track at Ongarue end and the other in the actual campground area at Piropiro, as the trailhead carpark is out of the way and no people around.
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755brucem
We did the second half of the Timber trail from Piripiri camp to Ongarue. Parked at Ongarue and were picked up by our shuttle (Tread Tours) and taken up to Piripiri. The shuttle man (Ted) was very careful with the bikes and took time to strap them on so no damage could occur. He gave us heaps of helpful info on the drive in. I would certainly use him and his Taupo based business again. We started the 45 kms ride at 12:45. Carrying a camel back is a very good idea. After a few k's through scrubby stuff we entered the bush. We were super impressed by the tranquillity and beauty of the regenerating Tawa forrest. It got better an better as we went on. There is excellent signposting of the track and every kilometre there is a marker. Any points of interest have boards with easy to read history of that spot. The first impressive swing bridge is only 5kms in and really wets the appetite for the rest of the ride. A 3 km gentle climb sees you at the top and it is basically all downhill from there to the end. Rata was abundant and in flower as was Clematis. The Manuka was in full flower and was impressively white like snow. Rimu is everywhere and the experience of being in this pristine environment is good for the soul. Descending on a superbly smooth wide and safe track is a real buzz as it is steep enough to get up a good speed but not so steep as to be of concern. Frequent stops occur to read the numerous information boards. More swing bridges and a spiral add to the experience. From the spiral to the end of the track is exiting the bush and entering a forestry/farmland area. The downhill is a bit steeper and a real buzz. Our modest fitness levels were great for this ride as the majority is downhill. We completed it in 4 hours. We are now really keen to go back and do the first section. We would recommend this piece of beautiful bush and track to anyone.
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Q4173WCjeffb
Booked a 2 person cabin by phone, the website said $25 per person per night but were told it was $40. The letter of confirmation also said $40. We wanted to birdwatch in the forest so we chose this accommodation to be close to it, a big mistake, better to get some proper accommodation further out and travel in.We used backpackers and youth hostels in New Zealand for a month and in every way this was the worst place we stayed at and one of the more expensive ones. The place was very cold, very spartan,had inadequate equipment and signs to avoid the rat traps. There was also nobody on site to speak to, the key was left for us in an envelope which took a while to find as we were not told about it, the office should have been open after 2pm but wasn't. Our $80 had to be posted through the letterbox next morning, they were lucky to get it, it would have been expensive and poor value at $50.I had to review this accommodation on this site as I couldn't find any other place for it.
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Debbie-WANZ
To really enjoy this adventure you need to be fit, have mountain biking or forest biking confidence and experience and a good dollop of "biking savyness!" It is not for the faint hearted or the unfit. It is an excellent bike trail with stunning views, wonderful suspended bridges, exhilarating downhill runs and some long tiring uphill slogs! Two of our group only managed the first day (in hindsight I would forgo Day One and just do Day Two as it's easier and ends with a 30km downhill ride.) There's absolutely no cellphone coverage, however, with lots of cyclists on the trail there's always someone around. We stayed at the quirky, unique backpackers known as The Forge at Blackfern Lodge and can highly recommend it.
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kerr_noble
just the best off road cycle trip we have ever done. Just do it! Great cycling, scenery to die for, majestic trees, wildlife......
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Stroths
What a tremendous weekend. Started with a wonderful overnight at the Timber Trail Farm Stay, hosted by Carol and Glenn. A lovely location, quiet, scenic and very well appointed. I particularly loved the wood burners to get the place lovely and warm very quickly.The following morning we were on the shuttle bus, driven by Ian, from Ongarue at 7.30 and started the ride just after 8.30. A perfect start through some wonderful bush with our climb to the highest point of the ride taking 1:30. A steady but not too demanding climb at the end of which we arrived in some very spectacular old growth forest. The first part of the ride was along very well maintained trail but from this point on the trail became a little variable and needs a little additional work to match the earlier standard. We were very lucky with the weather, with not a drop of rain for the entire ride despite very heavy rain the previous day.This was the longest one day ride that I have done and I have to say never once did I think "I wish this would end". The views were wonderful, the downhills exhilarating without being dangerous and our time, at just under 7 hours very satisfying for a couple of geezers. Well done DOC and thank you Carol, Glenn and Ian. A great experience we intend to repeat with our families, albeit over two days.
