The Timber Trail runs from Pureora in Waitomo District to Ongarue in Ruapehu. It offers two different timeframes: a two-day cycling experience or a three- to four-day hike. You can also complete a section as a one-day experience. The trail follows former tramways and logging roads through Pureora Forest Park. The Timber Trail begins in Pureora Forest and is accessible via SH30 between Te Kuiti and Mangakino.
Forest, Water and Limestone
At Mangaokewa Reserve, south of Te KÅ«iti, the landscape changes: riverbanks, native bush, waterfalls and open farmland shape the area. The walking tracks there are part of the Te Araroa Trail. Together, these landscapes show a different side of the district from the forest and limestone surroundings of the caves.
The Ruakuri Walk is a loop track through a forested gorge, characterised by naturally formed rocks and low limestone arches. Ruakuri Caves and Bush Scenic Reserve covers 114 hectares of native bush and limestone formations. The Ruakuri Caves area holds great spiritual and cultural significance for MÄori. Landscape and cultural heritage are equally part of the character of this place.
Practical preparation is important for Piripiri Cave: there is no natural light inside, so visitors need a torch. Wear boots because the cave floor is slippery.
Cave Knowledge and Cultural Sites
Located in Waitomo Caves Village, the Waitomo Caves Museum & Discovery Centre is New Zealand’s only specialised speleological museum. Its interactive exhibitions cover glowworms, fossils, limestone karst landscapes, MÄori artefacts and the history of cave exploration in Aotearoa. Nature, discoveries, culture and the history of exploration come together in one museum.
The Waitomo Glowworm Cave also has a history of discovery passed down through the years: in 1887, it was first explored by MÄori chief Tane Tinorau together with English surveyor Fred Mace. The wider Waikato destination includes a network of three Waitomo caves: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave.
In Te KÅ«iti, Te Tokanganui a noho is the oldest traditional meeting house still in use in Aotearoa. It is of national significance and remains a treasured taonga of NgÄti RÅrÄ and NgÄti Maniapoto. The stained-glass windows of Te KÅ«ititanga O Nga Whakaaro – Millennium Pavilion celebrate the people, heritage and history of Waitomo. The meeting house, which is still in use, and the pavilion showcase two distinct forms of cultural expression.
Along the Mangaokewa Stream walkway, nine large panels tell cultural stories. The presentation combines Te Reo MÄori and English through text, audio and images. This allows visitors to encounter the stories in several forms of expression, rather than following them on a text panel alone.
Discover more destinations: Waitomo District, Te Kuiti, Mangaotaki, Piopio, Hangatiki, Taupo District, Waipa District, South Waikato District.
View the wider travel overview: Waikato.
