shem banbury

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the Timber Trail beckoned two families—the Banburys and the Gilberts—for an adventure that promised more than just scenic views and a physical challenge. It was an invitation to create memories, bond over shared experiences, moan about the lack of wifi, and immerse ourselves in the natural and historical beauty of this renowned trail.

Our adventure begins in the quaint town of Taumarunui, a place that set the stage for our upcoming journey with its small-town charm and welcoming ambiance. An impromptu golf game brought out a friendly competitive spirit among us, especially between Dave and Shem, whose rivalry on the course was both intense and hilarious, particularly at the final hole where both of their birdie putts missed the mark and they had to settle for disappointing pars.

Dinner at a local Thai restaurant wasn’t just about savouring the flavours of Thailand; it was about embracing the craziness of our adventure. Compulsory ‘crazy hats’ were the theme for the evening—an eclectic mix of gangster bling and aquatic charm—drew smiles and curious glances from locals just intent on a nice Friday evening out. But the shared embarrassment knitted us closer as a group and setting the tone of lightheartedness for our journey ahead.

The night’s stay at Mahoe Motel became a story in itself, marked by the reality of unmet promises and disappointment. The anticipated pool table that was apparently ‘under repair’, and the vista from the executive suit that was a clothesline in a farm paddock, proved a step to far for Kristen who confronted the owner. His excuse of recent hospital visit due to a brain tumor resulted in her backing down from any confrontation and only added more depth to our Tall Tales of Taumarunui book which will be released within the next few weeks.

Day One: Embracing the Wilderness

With the Saturday dawn came the realisation that we would be biking 82km over the next two days. Map in hand we were bussed to the DOC Pureora Field Base for our final organisational hui before we set off. The initial stretch was a gentle introduction to the trail’s wonders, with ancient trees standing tall, their canopies whispering the stories of yester year. The kākā birds’ occasional calls added a mystical aura, enhancing our connection to the land.

As we ventured higher, the terrain challenged us, but it was within this challenge that we found beauty….or in Rachel’s case that her gearing was broken and she would be required to ride the entire distance with only 7 gears as her small cog on the front was broken.
For the rest of us the vast panoramas that unfolded before us were a reward, a testament to the trail’s untamed beauty. Adding to Rachel’s woes was Dave’s own source of discomfort. He spent the majority of the first day endeavouring to lighten his copious load of hard-boiled eggs which became a source of ongoing jest. His frustration was our humour. However, he had the last laugh as his antics officially broke the record for the most hard-boiled eggs ridden on the Timber Trail.

The engineering marvels of the suspension bridges we crossed were moments of awe, seamlessly blending human ingenuity with the natural grandeur of the surroundings.

Our evening at EPIC Campground was nothing short of legendary, marked by moments of sheer joy, hearty laughter, and the kind of playful mischief that only close friends and family can indulge in. The cozy twin tents provided a haven of comfort, complete with BBQ grills and green/black ponchos to ward off the evening’s chill.
Dave’s heroic efforts to master the BBQ became the talk of the camp as he valiantly attempted to cook what was unanimously declared the world’s biggest eye fillet steak. This culinary quest, fuelled by every inch of available gas, resulted in a masterpiece that was the envy of all present.

The children, fully immersed in the spirited game of ‘cub’, filled the campsite with their laughter and competitive shouts. The game, involving much running and stick-throwing, teetered on the brink of chaos as the throwing become more intense as the game got deeper. The game was a source of entertainment that kept the adults amused and slightly anxious in equal measure.
An unexpected comedic relief in the evening came from Eli’s escapade to the toilet, just before Dave. Upon return, with water filled eyes, Dave would retell his interaction with Eli’s deadly odour with much laughter and slight exaggeration in the days to follow. It turned out Eli was the only person who had been willing to eat and Dave’s eggs during the day. Karma had came full circle.

The chill of the night was an understatement; it was a cold that crept into your bones, unforgiving to those (Asa) who dared to leave their gear outside. We awoke to a landscape kissed by frost, a chilly reminder of nature’s indifference to unprepared campers. Fortunately, for Asa there was a morning fire going that enabled him to thaw out his clothing before we embarked on the final leg.

Breakfast for many of our team was the culinary highlight of the trip. With Dave’s eye fillet still settling in our stomachs, it was Shem’s warm custard with peach crumble on Easter morning that seemed to possess magical properties, setting everyone up with warmth and energy for the day ahead.

Day Two: The Trail’s Finale

The second day’s journey was a symphony of serene landscapes and historical whispers. The ascent to the Maramataha Bridge was a leisurely way to start the second day. During this descent the e-bike trio—Eli, Milli, and Greta—emerged as the peloton’s leaders, their electronic steeds propelling them ahead with a mix of speed and youthful exuberance. 

At 141m long and 53m high the Maramataha Bridge is the third longest suspension bridge in the New Zealand and the longest on our trip. It not only offered breathtaking views but also stood as a monument to the trail’s engineering feats.

The young boys, Asa, Darcy and Lenny, without the aid of electronic bike turned their attention to the pursuit of digital connection. They embarked on a quest for mobile coverage that spanned all 42 kilometers of the second day. Their determination to update their Snapchat profiles becoming a recurring theme of our adventure and necessitated a stop at each of the ‘mobile receptions zones’ on the track.

The second day was definitely the best. Long sweeping downhill sections and more single-track sections than the previous day was more enjoyable. 

As our adventure on the Timber Trail came to a close, it was the intangible treasures—the shared laughter at dinner, the collective triumph over the trail’s challenges, the majestic swingbridges and the endless search for the internet that will long linger in our hearts.

 This journey was a testament to the enduring bond of family and friends, a reminder that it’s the shared path, with all its highs and lows, that forges the deepest memories. 

Quote of the trip was found at the Taumarunui corner store – Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

If you are keen on doing the Timber Trail here are a couple of great sites
Timber Trail – Official website – all the details that you need.
Camp Epic – Official website – Superb Service and great glamping.
Mahoe Motel – Official website – Sorry no pool table – but views of the laundry.