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Central North Island Rail Trail
The Central North Island Rail Trail (CNIRT) transects the Pureora Forest Park, a former sawmilling stronghold with a rich historic, cultural and natural heritage. It is one of 18 cycleways the form part of the New Zealand Government's network of cycle trails throughout the country.
Check out the trail map below for an overview.
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When completed, the trail will comprise 77 km, two day ride over predominately Grade 2 level trails. The trail will generally follow historic tramways, old logging tracks and existing roads. Currently over 7 km of the trail has been completed.
Proposed Day One
Cyclist would begin in Pureora Forest village and head south towards Mt Pureora through native bush and exotic forest. The highest point is the western flank of Mt Pureora before descending into an ideal lunch stop at Angels Rest. End the day at Piropiro Flats.
Proposed Day Two
Depart from Piropiro Flats towards one of the first of several swing bridges at Maramataha and continue to the old Waione cookhouse.
A feature of the afternoon is the 90 metre suspension bridge over Mangatukutuku Stream and a reconstructed timber trestle bridge at Goat Creek. The restored Ongarue Spiral is the highlight of day two. End of the day at Ongarue.
Trail Development Update - March 2011
The summer has seen considerable work on parts of the trail in preparation for opening next summer (2011-12) . Track alignment work is almost complete with only two sections requiring ongoing work.
Clearing of vegetation is scheduled for April 2011, starting at the Ongarue Spiral and then to the north.
Information Credit: Central North Island Rail Trail: Feasibility and High Level Business Case prepared for the Ruapehu District Council and Rural Mayoral Taskforce for Economic Development Cycleway Committee.