We’re working on something special at the start of the Timber Trail — a project that connects the trail’s incredible riding experience with the stories of the land and the people who shaped it.
The proposed D7 Project will see the relocation and installation of a historic Caterpillar D7 bulldozer and logging arch to the Pureora trailhead, within Pureora Forest Park. These machines played a significant role in the development of the central North Island’s forestry and transport networks — shaping the very landscapes that riders travel through today.
Rather than letting that history fade, we want to bring it to life.
The vision is to create a thoughtfully designed display that welcomes visitors at the trail entrance — offering a sense of place, a moment to pause, and a deeper understanding of the whenua before the journey begins. Alongside the machinery, interpretive signage will share stories of the timber industry, the people involved, and the transformation of this landscape over time.
This project is being developed in partnership with DOC, iwi, and key stakeholders, ensuring the design respects both the natural environment and the cultural significance of the area.
The D7 Project is about more than machinery — it’s about storytelling, connection, and enriching the Timber Trail experience from the very first moment.
We’re excited about what this could become — and we look forward to sharing more as the project develops.
Expressions of interest are welcome from those who’d like to support or be part of bringing this project to life.
