Home⁄
Trail Conditions
Trail Conditions
Before you ride, be sure you know what to expect.Check the latest trail conditions here. If you want further detail, email jim@motutrails.co.nz. That way you'll know what to expect, as much as possible. Check the weather forecast too. If heavy rain or high wind is on the way, be prepared to delay — Pakihi Track especially is volatile terrain in a storm.
[Updated 13 November 2023]
Dunes Trail is open and in good condition.
Always remember, Dunes Trail is a two-way trail. Please keep left on all corners.
Being dunes, there are places that get wind blown sand. Take care crossing any sand piles. If in doubt, walk!
The Dunes Trail traverses an area of cultural and environmental significance. Please do not use unmarked tracks through the dunes. Your respect is appreciated.
[Updated 13 November 2023]
Pakihi Track is CLOSED for cycling. The track may be used for tramping, running etc.
The track overall is in good condition. It was last maintained 11 November.
There are several windfall trunks.
Pakihi is in very dynamic terrain. There are almost always some slips /rockfall.
Be prepared with warm clothes and a PLB.
Treat the track with respect and it’s a wonderful experience but please, that respect factor is essential to stay safe.
Track conditions on Pakihi change dramatically as soon as there is bad weather.
[updated 13 November 2023]
**
Motu Road is open and in good condition.
The road always rough in places (it is no ordinary gravel road!)
You may meet vehicles at any stage on Motu Road. Take care at all times. Most importantly, going downhill, stay left on blind corners. Share the road with care.
For driving, the Motu Road is always advised as for 4WD vehicles only. The ford at Toatoa can get a heavy water flow. After very heavy rain, the ford may be impassable for a few hours.
Take a shuttle if you can, or do a dropoff at the top of Meremere hill or Onukuroa above Motu.
[Updated 13 November 2023]
Check the Gisborne council web site for latest road closure information around the district
>>
Rere Falls Trail has 27km of back-country gravel road, which can get loose in dry weather.
Rere Falls Trail carries some traffic including farm trucks. Always keep left.
If riding from/to Matawai, take care on the 7km of SH2. Ride single file and stay left. The highway is narrow and there can be a fair amount of traffic at times.
Near Gisborne, the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail is open. Take Centennial Marine Drive then the Waipaoa trail to get from Gisborne to Wharekopae road, before heading inland.
Waiotahe Trail and Waioweka Trail (from the Dunes Trail to the coast west of Opotiki) is open and signage is up, a neat ride. Start from Memorial Park (Dunes Trail start), or, Waiotahe beach (by the surf club), or, Te Ahiaua/The Pipi beds.
Rawhiti Mountain Bike Park (near Ōhope) is permanently CLOSED. Onepu Mountain Bike Park between Whakātane and Kawerau is recommended.
Whataupoko Reserve / Fox Street MTB area (Gisborne) offers awesome riding. Check the Gisborne MTB club Facebook for latest park status.
Te Waiti Track (south of Opotiki) is about 70% rideable. It is in extremely rough condition. You need to dismount a lot to pass short obstacles. There are windfall trunks that are tricky to pass. The track is now rough even for walking or running.
Whakaumu Track is in walking-only condition for the first 4km.
Taheke Road (Block Access Rd) which accesses Whakaumu Track is in good condition. Take care for cars or forestry traffic.
Mangakirikiri valley Please note that the valley is currently under harvest. Please don't ride into any area where there are signs/banners saying access is prohibited. Remember, Mangakirikiri is private land.
Otipi Road — is fine for skilled/prepared riders with suitable cycles or motorbikes, but access to the Motu River by car is not possible.
Otipi road is massively isolated and very hilly. The riding is not especially technical but due to the isolation and elevation up to 900m, it needs treating with respect.
