Department of Conservation Press release

Thursday 14 March 2013 (for immediate release)

Timber Trail nearing completion

The latest addition to Nga Haerenga the New Zealand Cycle Trail is nearing completion in the central North Island and will be officially opened by the Minister of Conservation on Saturday 30 March 2013. Utilising historic bush tramways, old logging tracks, hauler roads and newly constructed track, the “Timber Trail” has been three years in the making at a cost of $5 million, funded from Vote: Conservation, with assistance from the Ministry of Tourism.

Department of Conservation project manager John Gaukrodger says the Timber Trail is a spectacular addition to the growing network of Cycle trails and has already received rave reviews from the mountain-biking fraternity.

“The Timber Trail traverses magnificent native bush and podocarp forest habitat through Pureora Forest Park to link the former sawmilling strongholds of Pureora Village in the north and Ongarue to the south,” John Gaukrodger says.

“Several old railway viaducts have been replaced by spectacular new suspension bridges, the crossing of which will surely prove to be a lasting highlight for Trail users. The longest of these, at roughly the mid-point of the trail, is a 140-metre crossing of the Maramataha Stream and set some 55 metres above the stream bed, so make sure you have a head for heights,” John Gaukrodger warns prospective users.

The Timber Trail provides a 2-3 day cycling adventure on easy to intermediate gradients, with plenty of options available to cater for a wide range of ages and cycling abilities. Trail users are able to start at both Pureora and Ongarue ends, or at a mid-point from the Piropiro Flats near Waimiha. The north-south trail from Pureora is an easier ride than the south-north journey, which has more up-hill sections.

The official opening will be held at Pureora Village [off SH30 between Te Kuiti and Mangakino], commencing at 12 noon on Saturday 30 March 2013. Minister of Conservation Hon Dr Nick Smith will perform the opening and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Ends.

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