The Motu Trails is one of 22 great rides under Ngā Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail. The trail stretches between Ōpōtiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, and Matawai, on the way to Gisborne. Your riding options include the spectacular Dunes Trail along the Pacific Coast, the magnificent Motu Road Trail through bush and historic farmland to/from Matawai, and the awesome adventure of the Pakihi Track.
With three trails to choose from - and the option of combining them all - the Motu Trails offer a range of cycling itineraries depending on age, fitness level and riding ability.
These include an easy but spectacular "there and back" ride along the coast, a longer point-to-point ride from Matawai to Ōpōtiki, and a stunning loop ride from Ōpōtiki that includes a challenging section for mountain bikers.
Visit the Motu Trails website for more detailed information including maps, elevation profiles and trail conditions.
Dunes Trail
Distance: 10 km each way
Access: Multiple access points between Memorial Park, Tirohanga and Waiaua.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Whakaari (White Island) and towards East Cape. Meandering over Ōpōtiki’s dunes and beach, it’s just as good for walking and running as it is for biking. With no hills above 15 metres, and plenty of places to access the sand, children love it!
Pakihi Track
Distance: 21 km of single track, plus gravel and sealed road (various options)
Access: One-way for cyclists, from Motu Rd to Pakihi Rd. Walkers can go either way. Be prepared to stop and let walkers past.
Note: There is no mobile phone coverage in this area, so make sure you're well prepared.
The Pakihi Track was constructed by hundreds of workers over a century ago, as a proposed stock route. In the 1990s, the Pakihi Track became one of New Zealand’s landmark backcountry biking trails. However, the Pakihi Track only became fully rideable with the creation of the Motu Trails in 2011-2012. Today, the Pakihi Track has 24 wooden bridges, plus a 32-metre swing bridge and some incredible track work.
Most people take about two to four hours to ride. It’s technically straightforward, but because there are steep drop-offs below the track, care must be taken at all times. The track is rated ‘advanced’. Be aware that there can be slip damage and, if in doubt, walk sections that worry you.
Motu Road Trail
Distance: 67 km from Matawai to the coast.
Access: At Waiaua from the Dunes Trail and SH35; at Matawai from SH2.
Ride through massive forests and remote farmland. The Motu Road was once the original access between the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. In the 1980s and 1990s, this section was a famed stage of the Rally of New Zealand. Now the Motu Road trail is an exhilarating journey by bike (it still carries the occasional vehicle).
The easiest cycling direction is south to north. Get a drop off at Matawai (altitude 550 metres), or even the Gisborne/Ōpōtiki district boundary (nearly 800 metres). There’s a stiff climb out of Mōtū, but after that, it’s mostly (not all!) downhill to the coast.
