Timber Trail New Zealand 4.47

The Timber Trail is quickly becoming a favourite in the North Island and is perhaps the best backcountry NZ cycle trail that is accessible to cyclists of all abilities and ages. It appeals to the full spectrum, from families with children to mountain bikers with a thirst for adventure all the way to the intrepid bike-packer cycling around New Zealand.

The Timber Trail can be done over 1-2 days and during your journey you;ll witness a diverse environment of forests, gorges with rideable swing-bridges and historic tramways including the Ongarue Tunnel and spiral.

This trail is considered a grade 2/3, the grade 3 rating is only there because of the climb at the start of the trail; however the trail surface is easy to negotiate even for beginner riders with no experience.

The Timber Trail is a complete two-day ride which could be your next challenge if you want to step it up and increase your sense of remoteness compared with other easier cycle trails like the Otago Rail Trail or the Hauraki Rail Trails. If you are very fit, this trail can be completed in one day but you might miss out on the scenery or take in the many stories about the area at the many interpreation sites.