Your hosts, Marty and Sylvie. Marty is a fifth-generation New Zealander, born in India and fluent in four languages and Sylvie hails from Normandy, France but is really an international citizen. Together, we have lived in seven countries and worked in over thirty, so we’re right at home looking after guests from all around the world. Prior to establishing the Timber Trail Centre 10 years ago, Marty’s wild and mad career history includes: paramedic in the slums of Calcutta (with Mother Teresa), serial entrepreneur (wine, perigord truffles and olive oil), advisor to many governments on economic and other reforms and founder of a retreat centre for young people. He is currently writing four books, covering life skills such as emotional, physical and financial literacy.  Amongst Sylvie’s varied careers, many years in the health/wellness sectors, owner of an organics business in the Riviera, France, and chef on luxury yachts around the Mediterranean, including that of the Royal Family of Monaco. Apart from the Timber Trail Centre, we run a non-profit publishing and video company and an international nature photography business. The profits from Timber Trail Centre are used to further our work with young people.

Overview The Timber Trail Centre is a peaceful haven at the end of the Timber Trail Cycle Way, set in about 2 hectares (3.5 acres) of gardens, orchards, olives and vegetable gardens, running down to the trout-filled Ongarue River on one border and a spring-fed stream on another. Over 25 species of birds (including the rare kiwi) can be seen during the year. While here, you are welcome to pick some of our heritage fruit plums, apples, pears, hazelnut and chestnut trees, if in season. Buildings Grouped together in the Centre are three very special buildings – one of the most significant collections of heritage buildings in New Zealand. All are over a century old and all were built of native timbers. 1. The Miller’s Cottage is where guests stay, and has five bathrooms each with an ensuite bathroom, as well as shared kitchen, dining, lounge areas and a laundry. 2. The Old School, has huge dining/lounge and recreation rooms, and is available for the exclusive use of guests 3. The 140 year old Church is the home of your hosts, Marty and Sylvie Plenty of free and secure car parking on the property, as well as a room for safe bike storage. Things to Do There are relaxation opportunities galore at the Centre … a soak in our concrete hot tub for 10 (when it’s operating), a game of petanque or chess under the walnut tree, a BBQ on the veranda, snooker in the Old School, trout fishing in 70 meter swimming hole ten minutes walk away or a sunbathe on its beach... and of course you could lie in one of our hammocks and do absolutely! Taumaranui, 15 minutes away, is the commercial and political centre of Ruapehu and provides all the facilities you would need - many shops and restaurants, a great golf course, municipal swimming pool, sports and cultural centres and full-service hospital. And then there’s the great Central North Island adventure banquet! Have a look at some of our activity suggestions, provided elsewhere.

Timber Trail Centre is the perfect base to explore one of NZ’s great adventure playgrounds, the Central North Island. Here are some ideas, all within an hours drive of the Centre. Timber Trail Cycleway NZ’s second most popular cycle trail, ending in our village of Ongarue, passes through one of the great remaining native forests in NZ. 35 purpose-built bridges, one is 140 metres long and is the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves The most visited natural caves in the southern hemisphere. An amazing display of millions of glow worms. Tongariro National Park The world’s second oldest national park (after Yellowstone) and one NZ’s two World Heritage Sites. Whakapapa Ski-fields are the largest in southern hemisphere. Try an english cream scone tea at elegant art deco Chateau Hotel. Tongariro Crossing is NZ’s second most popular tourist destination, passing by active volcanoes and offering spectacular views of the plains below. Trout Fishing On NZ’s largest lake (Taupo), Turangi has been crowned Trout Fishing Capital of the World. But the river that runs by the Centre is just as good (the owner’s record catch - five trout in two hours!) Forgotten Highway Rail Trail Beginning near the Centre, this spectacular adventure enables visitors to travel in electrified railcarts for up to 150 kms. The Republic of Wangamamona Passports of this “Independent Republic” can be purchased, entitling citizens to vote for the President of the Republic each year. Previous presidents have included a goat, gumboot and a few humans as well. Wanganui River Adventures: canoe, kayak adventures of up to 4 days on the river are rapidly becoming popular and a local jet boat company offers the longest jet boat ride in the southern hemisphere along this river. Nevlea Alpaca Farm: at NZ’s largest alpaca farm, 10 minutes away, you can feed baby alpaca and buy alpaca wool products. Omaru Falls: spectacular 60 metre drop to the fern floor