The Timber Trail
Why settle for a standard weekend long run when you can cross eight massive swing bridges, conquer a native rainforest, and finish the day with a cold drink by the fire with a small group of runners? Welcome to the ultimate Timber Trail weekender. We’ve dialed in every detail so you can focus strictly on the trail ahead and chatting to your new mates. Auckland pick-up, sorted, run 85 km through ancient wilderness, and kick back for two off-grid nights at Timber Trail Lodge. Think gourmet meals, comfortable beds, top-tier running support, and zero logistical headaches. Lace up, the forest is calling!
Tour Highlights
- •85km of Prime Singletrack: Experience the complete Timber Trail split into two manageable, thrilling days (40km Day 1 / 45km Day 2)
- •Mid-Trail Wilderness Lodge: Stay two nights at Timber Trail Lodge at Piropiro, enjoying fully off-grid comfort, licensed bar access, and wood-fired warmth
- •Massive Suspension Bridges: Cross eight suspension bridges, including the 141-metre Maramataha Bridge suspended high above the river canyon
- •All-Inclusive Fuel & Catering: 2 evening lodge dinners, cooked breakfasts, packed trail lunches, plus on-course hydration and energy snacks provided
- •Full Transport & Support: Auckland return shuttles, trailhead drop-offs, and fully guided adventure, just carry your vest and run
What's Included
- ✓Accommodation: 2 nights shared accommodation at Timber Trail Lodge
- ✓Meals & Hydration: 2x dinners, 2x cooked breakfasts, 2x trail lunches, plus high-performance run fuel/hydration and snacks
- ✓Transport: Return transfers from Auckland CBD/Airport, on-track shuttles, and luggage transport
- ✓Expert Trail Guides: Our crew knows every turn, every birdcall, and exactly where the best photo ops are. We’re there to keep the pace, the safety, and the vibes high.
- ✓Permits: All DOC track and concession fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Timber Trail Lodge
Our weekend kicks off in Auckland, where we meet the crew at 11:45AM for a prompt 12PM departure. We’ll make our way south into the heart of Pureora Forest Park, arriving at Timber Trail Lodge around 4:30PM. After checking into your room and settling into off-grid luxury, there’s plenty of time to relax and get to know your fellow trail runners over a local drink. We’ll wrap up the evening with a quick pre-run safety briefing, followed by a delicious chef-prepared group dinner by the fire as we fuel up for the big kilometres ahead.
Day 2: Section 1: Pureora to Piropiro
After a fully charged lodge breakfast, we jump into our morning shuttle for a quick drive out to the northern start at Pureora. Lacing up at the trailhead, you’ll spend the day tackling 40 km of pristine singletrack that captures all the standout highlights of the northern section. You’ll climb gentle gradients around the slopes of Mt Pureora, cross towering canopy suspension bridges, and weave through ancient podocarp forest. The best part? The trail brings you right back to the front door of Timber Trail Lodge at the halfway mark. You’ll finish the day with hot showers, cold post-run drinks, and another hearty group feast to celebrate the first leg. Today is a big day but we have plenty of breaks, photo ops and a chance to re-group.
Day 3: Section 2: Piropiro to Ongarue
We fuel up with another big breakfast, grab our trail lunch hampers, and lace up to hit the remaining 45 km of track straight from the lodge doorstep. This southern section delivers incredible trail flow, leading you across the massive Maramataha Bridge, along historic timber tramways, and down through the engineering marvel of the Ongarue Spiral. At the end of the track in Ongarue, our shuttle and gear vehicle will be waiting for you. After changing into fresh clothes and grabbing a well-earned cold drink, you can kick back and relax on the comfortable drive back to Auckland.