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Ongarue is home to the Timber Trail. The Timber Trail is supported by Timber Trail Centre (Ongarue, NZ). A cycling trail rapidly growing in popularity. Using historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and haul roads, and newly constructed track, this Grade 2/3 trail features 35 bridges, including some of the highest and longest in New Zealand. The Timber Trail passes through magnificent podocarp forests of rimu, totara, miro, matai and kahikatea, as well as some exotic forestry and more open vegetation, offering extensive views of the surrounding landscape. Utilising historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and haul roads, it features 35 bridges, including 8 large suspension bridges (the longest being 141 metres). It showcases the historic Ongarue Spiral, a marvel of engineering.

Full trail: 85 km, sections: from 5 to 45 km.

Mountain biking:

Full trail: 2-3 days

Easy: Grade 2

Intermediate: Grade 3

Seasonal restrictions Hunters with dogs or guns may use the Timber Trail for access to the backcountry. Numbers of hunters are especially high during the stag roaring months of March and April, and during spring.

Dog access Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the relevant DOC office to obtain a permit.

Know before you go:

There are a number of toilets along the trail for use, but you’ll need to take your own toilet paper. There is no mobile coverage along the length of the trail. This track is not suitable for trail bikes. A range of services to support riding the trail are available – see The Timber Trail website (external site).

We have new-born baby alpacas all year-round, and for a unique opportunity offer visitors the chance to have a cuddle with a baby alpaca. Great up close and personal experiences and chances for some amazing photos.

Visit the farm shop, we have a large range of designer knitwear that is 100% New Zealand grown and made.

Visit the website for activity bookings and pricing.

Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway is the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along decommissioned railway lines, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot.

Experience the Forgotten World from the comfort of a rail-cart, cleverly adapted to be self-driven along the tracks of the Forgotten World railway. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way while taking in ever-changing vistas with our semi guided NZ rail tours.

 

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Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

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