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<h3>From an easy oceanfront cruise to a multi-day coast-to-coast adventure, the Motu Trails trio are a series of uniquely wild rides that have something for everyone. Take on just one trail, or combine all three to create an unforgettable 90km loop. No matter which journey you choose, escape the daily ritual to a place steeped in history and natural beauty - where you can ride, walk, run and be set free.</h3>

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Motu Trails

The&nbsp;Pakihi&nbsp;Track was first opened around 1906 as part of a rough track connecting Motu to Opotiki via the Otara Valley. From the early-1990s, it&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;gained a reputation as an epic mountain bike ride.&nbsp;After a massive restoration, the&nbsp;Pakihi&nbsp;Track reopened in 2012 as part of the Motu Trails. Today&nbsp;it's&nbsp;a beautiful journey through&nbsp;lush&nbsp;forest.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://motutrails.co.nz/backoffice//assets/Elevations/Elevation-Pakihi-for-Journeys__ResizedImageWzYwMCwxODBd.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="180" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image"><img src="https://motutrails.co.nz/backoffice//assets/Pakihi-Track-image__ResizedImageWzYwMCwxNjQ2XQ.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="1646" class="center ss-htmleditorfield-file image">

The Pakihi Track is downhill magic – it sweeps through a historic stock route in the magnificent Urutawa Forest, a journey surrounded by fern-filled forest and alongside pristine river pools. This is an advanced (grade 4) mountain biking adventure, suiting mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills and considerable riding experience. Be sure to read the safety information below, before making a decision to ride Pakihi Track.




Pakihi Track

Riding&nbsp;the&nbsp;Rere&nbsp;Falls Trail&nbsp;from&nbsp;Gisborne&nbsp;to&nbsp;Matawai&nbsp;also allows you to&nbsp;link&nbsp;to the&nbsp;Motu Trails&nbsp;Great Ride.&nbsp;Because&nbsp;the&nbsp;Rere&nbsp;Falls Trail is mostly on-road, you can ride a mountain bike, gravel bike, or touring bike with robust tyres. While you are in Tairāwhiti / Gisborne, <a title="Tairawhiti Trails" href="https://tairawhititrails.nz/">https://tairawhititrails.nz/</a> will help you find an adventure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rere Falls Trail is an impressive ride through heartland New Zealand. Picture out-of-the-way sealed and gravel roads, and a section of riverside trail, traversing fertile plains, high-country farmland and native forest. You'll discover the amazing Eastwoodhill Arboretum, Rere Falls, Rere Rockslide, and Gisborne vineyards. 

Rere Falls Trail

The Motu Road is graded Intermediate/Grade 3. It is spectacular, extremely hilly, and remote. The road is open for vehicles, but there are usually very few. Motu Road was part of the first&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;road between Gisborne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with the first car making the journey in 1915. In the 1980s and 90s it was a&nbsp;famed&nbsp;annual feature of the World Championship Rally of New Zealand event. On a bicycle, it’s a brilliant, beautiful, and challenging.Please ensure you are well prepared and read all the information. After storms, the road can have slips and windfalls. During and immediately after heavy rain, the ford at Toatoa may be impassable for a few hours.&nbsp;<img src="https://motutrails.co.nz/backoffice//assets/Elevations/Elevation-Motu-for-Journeys__ResizedImageWzYwMCwxODBd.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="180" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image">

Welcome to epic backcountry! Taking you through remote bush country, historic farmland, and hills that demand good fitness, the Motu Road is a genuine adventure.

Motu Road Trail

The Dunes Trail is an Easy/Grade 2 trail for cycling, walking and running. You’ll&nbsp;ride close to the ocean and through many areas of native tree plantings. Along the way, in many places you can access the beach (please use formed tracks).The Dunes Trail is two-way and can get busy at times, so please always keep left and be respectful to other trail users. Being coastal, in some places there can at times be windblown sand on the trail. Be ready to walk any places with sand.At the 9km point, take a rest in the shelter then turn around and ride back. Or continue your adventure on the Motu Road Trail.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Dunes Trail is an excellent family ride with its many, short, up-and-downs to offer challenge, and the ability to turn around at whatever distance you choose.&nbsp;<img src="https://motutrails.co.nz/backoffice//assets/Elevations/Elevation-Dunes-for-Journeys__ResizedImageWzYwMCwxODBd.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="180" class="leftAlone ss-htmleditorfield-file image">

Cruise a gravel trail along a spectacular stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline. Regular rises pop you up onto the sand dunes for panoramic views of the open ocean, of Moutohorā (Whale Island), Whakaari (White Island), and of the mighty Raukūmara Ranges of Eastland.

Dunes Trail

<h3 class="text-center">Dive into the diverse range of tracks and discover how to explore them by bike or on foot. Download or request a physical copy of our handy maps and guides to help plan and pack for your adventure, and keep up to date with the latest trail conditions and closures before you hit the pedals.</h3>

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Experience! From an easy coastal cruise to a multi-day coast-to-coast adventure, Motu Trails offers a wide range of options. Ride, walk, run & be set free.

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Motu Trails

Pakihi Track

Dive into the diverse range of tracks and discover how to explore them by bike or on foot. Download or request a physical copy of our handy maps and guides to help plan and pack for your adventure, and keep up to date with the latest trail conditions and closures before you hit the pedals.

Discover The Trails

FAQs

Explore The Trails

Trail Maps & Brochures

Safe & Sure

Trail Conditions

FAQs

Explore The Trails

"It is such a unique and fantastic ride, whether that is just the dunes track or the whole loop, it is just amazing. The track, scenery, signs, the way it has been maintained"

"The main reason for visiting was the Pakihi Track, this is an amazing experience though ancient rain forests, one of the best rides I've ever done … Well done the Motu Trust, you have a jewel in the crown in the Pakihi. "

"We cycled the Dunes, Old Motu Road through to Motu village. There were lots of kamahi [trees] flowering along the road side. Beautiful bush and scenery. Great ride. "

"Just being able to hop on my bike and ride is great. The freedom of being out there. We are so fortunate to be able to do this. All of this, in an amazing environment. "

"Loved the whole journey from Rere falls , the rockslide and Motu/Pakihi to Opotiki. "

"We love this trail and do it reasonably regularly. On this day the weather was perfect, the sea was as well and we stopped for a swim and a picnic in the middle of the trail. The environment that we ride through is always the highlight - no matter the weather. "

"The track was very well built and maintained in a challenging landscape. A beautiful part of the country I wouldn’t have seen if not for the bike and local shuttle service. "

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