Timber Trail, Waikato and Great Lake Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Rotorua

   Today, your adventure begins with an introduction and trip briefing before a short drive to the start of your first trail, the Forest Loop in Rotorua's iconic Whakarewarewa Forest. This loop is the newest Nga Haerenga Great Ride of New Zealand, purpose-built to showcase the sights and scenery of Whakarewarewa Forest. It realises the community’s long-held vision of creating a classic, deep-forest adventure.
   
   The trail is mostly easy (grade 2) with a couple of short intermediate (grade 3) sections, designed for confident riders of nearly all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Along the route, storyboards share the area’s fascinating history—from its fiery volcanic past and rich Maori culture to the planting of its mighty California Coastal Redwoods—all enjoyed with wonderful vistas of Lake Rotorua and Tikitapu.
   
   You finish the 34km ride at The Secret Spot, where you can enjoy optional hot pools, showers, and a celebratory drink and meal to mark the end of an epic day of riding. A short transfer takes you to your Rotorua accommodation, giving you time to settle in before your first group dinner.
   
   

   • 21.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Rotorua
   • Dinner

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

2. Day 2Rotorua to Taupo

   After breakfast, you have a 45-minute drive to the start of the Waikato River Trail, a delightful Great Ride that follows New Zealand's longest river. Starting near Atiamuri, you ride the first section of this stunning trail. After stopping for a picnic by the river, you continue on a second section of the trail. Both sections are primarily moderate-grade mountain bike single tracks and feature some hazards such as occasional tree roots, loose gravel, short sharp climbs, and tight corners.
   
   This southernmost section of the trail offers views of the expansive Lake Whakamaru. Almost directly across the lake at Atiamuri is the stunning Pohuturoa rock, a magnificent and historically significant feature, lifted by volcanic forces and weathered by the elements. The second section also has great views along Lake Maraetai and includes the 70m long Mangakino stream suspension bridge. This section is also where the Waikato River Trails Trust has recently planted several thousand native trees along the edge of the lake.
   
   After the ride, it's time for some off-bike experiences! You take a short drive to visit the Wairakei Terraces, nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley, where you can enjoy a soak in the thermal waters. A visit to the nearby Huka Falls is a must, as it's the largest falls on the Waikato River and the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. Finally, you head to your accommodation close to sparkling Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, located in the caldera of the ancient Taupo Volcano.

   • 23.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Taupo
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

3. Day 3Taupo

   Lake Taupo boasts a wonderful network of trails around its northern rim. The Great Lake Trails, another of New Zealand's Great Rides, offer a journey of volcanic discovery around Lake Taupo, a supervolcano formed after one of Earth’s largest known eruptions. Today's ride includes the lakeside settlements of Kinloch and Kawakawa Bay, where you'll ride over volcanic headlands and get glimpses across Lake Taupo to the volcanic mountains of the Central North Island.
   
   There are shorter and longer options for the afternoon, all on purpose-built trails through lush native forest. Like the trails you've already ridden, these are moderate-grade mountain bike trails with some technical challenges, including tight corners, loose gravel, tree roots, and uphill and downhill single track.
   
   After the ride, you head to the Timber Trail Lodge in the heart of the Pureora Forest, your home for the next two nights. You check into your accommodation and unwind, anticipating the next day's adventure.

   • 20.5 miles
   • Timber Trail Lodge
   • Breakfast and Dinner

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

4. Day 4Timber Trail: Pureora to Piropiro Flats

   After breakfast this morning, you take a 50-minute drive to the start of the Timber Trail on the edge of the Pureora Forest. The trail follows old logging roads and tramlines linked with well-constructed unsealed tracks and a series of thrilling suspension bridges. This moderate-grade mountain bike trail includes some hazards such as occasional tree roots and loose gravel, and it can be muddy if there's been recent rain.
   
   You begin with a challenging 14km climb through stunning native forest until you reach the highest point of the ride. From there, it's mostly downhill for the rest of the day, winding down the side of Mt Pureora and across the flanks of the Hauhungaroa Ranges, with a couple of amazing suspension bridges to cross along the way. You finish the day at Piropiro Flats, right by your outstanding accommodation and hospitality at the Timber Trail Lodge.

   • 24.9 miles
   • Timber Trail Lodge
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

5. Day 5Timber Trail: Piropiro to Ongarue; transfer to Taupo

   This morning, you head back into the native forest and cross over a tumbling gorge on one of the highest and longest swing bridges in the country. Keep an eye out for New Zealand’s native pigeon, the beautiful Kereru. Today’s climbing consists of two much shorter uphills compared to yesterday’s ascent, with the second one finishing at the Ongarue Tramway terminus. From there, it's mostly downhill following the old tramway.
   
   Along the way, you'll pass remnants of the region’s logging history, more swing bridges, and the fascinating Ongarue Spiral with its rather spooky old tunnel. The trail continues downhill to Ongarue, where you finish this wonderful final ride. Afterward, you load the bikes and take a two-hour transfer back to Rotorua, where you will be dropped off at a central location early in the evening.

   • 29.2 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch