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 Timber Trail Lodge

   After breakfast, you'll take a 45-minute transfer to the start of the Waikato River Trail, one of New Zealand's Great Rides, following the country's longest river. Beginning near Atiamuri, you'll ride the first section of this spectacular trail before stopping for a riverside picnic lunch. From there, you'll continue on a second section of the trail, enjoying more of the region's stunning scenery.
   
   Both sections feature predominantly moderate-grade mountain bike singletrack, with occasional tree roots, loose gravel, short steep climbs, and tight corners adding to the adventure. The southernmost section offers sweeping views across Lake Whakamaru, while almost directly opposite lies the striking Pohuturoa Rock—a magnificent landmark of historical significance, shaped by volcanic forces and centuries of weathering.
   
   The second section showcases beautiful views over Lake Maraetai and includes a crossing of the 70-metre Mangakino Stream Suspension Bridge. Along this stretch, you'll also see areas where the Waikato River Trails Trust has planted thousands of native trees along the lake's edge, helping to restore the local environment.
   
   After your ride, you'll transfer to Timber Trail Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Pureora Forest and your home for the next two nights. Settle into your accommodation and relax as you prepare for the next day's adventure.

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

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

3. Day 3Timber Trail: Pureora to Piropiro Flats

   After breakfast, you'll take a 50-minute transfer to the start of the Timber Trail on the edge of the Pureora Forest. Following historic logging roads and tramlines, the trail weaves through magnificent native forest on a network of well-maintained gravel tracks, linked by a series of spectacular suspension bridges.
   
   This is a moderate-grade mountain bike trail with some technical features, including occasional tree roots, loose gravel, tight corners, and potentially muddy sections after rain. The day's main challenge comes early, as you'll climb steadily for 14 kilometres through beautiful native bush to reach the highest point of the ride.
   
   From there, it's largely downhill, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as the trail winds along the slopes of Mt Pureora and across the Hauhungaroa Ranges. Along the way, you'll cross several impressive suspension bridges and experience some of the most memorable sections of the trail.
   
   Your ride ends at Piropiro Flats, just steps from Timber Trail Lodge, where a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and outstanding hospitality await.

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

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

4. Day 4Timber Trail: Piropiro to Ongarue; transfer to Taupo

   This morning, you'll return to the native forest and cross a dramatic gorge on one of New Zealand's highest and longest suspension bridges. As you ride, keep an eye out for the beautiful kererū, New Zealand's native wood pigeon, often seen among the forest canopy.
   
   Today's climbing is far gentler than yesterday's, with just two shorter ascents. The second climb brings you to the Ongarue Tramway terminus, marking the start of a predominantly downhill ride to the finish. Following the route of the historic tramway, you'll pass reminders of the region's rich logging heritage, cross more impressive suspension bridges, and encounter the fascinating Ongarue Spiral, complete with its atmospheric old tunnel.
   
   The trail continues its descent through the forest before emerging at Ongarue, where you'll complete this unforgettable ride. After loading the bikes, you'll transfer approximately two hours to Taupō, stopping en route to visit the spectacular Huka Falls, the largest waterfall on the Waikato River and one of New Zealand's most visited natural attractions.
   
   Upon arrival, settle into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Taupō offers a wide variety of dining options, allowing you to choose the perfect place for dinner.
   
   

   • 26.7 miles
   • Lakeside Accommodation in Taupo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Stay and Ride

     Enjoy two nights at the wonderful Timber Trail Lodge

5. Day 5Taupo

   Lake Taupō offers an outstanding network of trails along the northern rim, forming part of the Great Lake Trails—one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. This scenic route takes you on a journey of volcanic discovery around the edge of Lake Taupō, a vast supervolcano formed by one of the largest eruptions in Earth’s history.
   
   Today’s ride takes you through the lakeside settlements of Kinloch and Kawakawa Bay, with sections that traverse volcanic headlands and open up sweeping views across Lake Taupō toward the volcanic peaks of the Central North Island. In the afternoon, you can choose between shorter or longer trail options, all following purpose-built tracks through lush native forest.
   
   As with previous days, the trails are moderate-grade mountain bike routes, featuring a mix of technical elements such as tight corners, loose gravel, tree roots, and both uphill and downhill singletrack sections.
   
   After your ride, you’ll take a short drive to the Wairakei Terraces, located in the heart of the Wairakei geothermal valley. Here, you can unwind with a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters before being transferred to a central drop-off point in the early evening.
   
   

   • 20.5 miles
   • Breakfast