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Trail Conditions
Trail Conditions
Before you ride, be sure you know what to expectCheck 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 18 April 2026]
Dunes Trail is in good condition.
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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. We clear these as soon as possible. Sand was last cleared on 20 March.
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 24 April 2026]...
Pakihi Track had maintenance on the lower 9km on Tuesday 21. On Wednesday 22/Thursday 23 there has been maintenance on the top 11km. The full length of Pakihi Track is in good condition, all cyclone windfall cleared. 3km from Pakihi road end there is one fresh slip with a narrow track cut across it. The upper half of Pakihi Track is wet and slippery in places.
Note Motu Road Northern end is currently closed due to a slip on Papamoa hill. To access the top of Pakihi Track you need to go via Matawai and Motu village.
Note Waioweka gorge SH2 has road works so there are delays.
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Pakihi is in very dynamic terrain and it is back-country. Track conditions change by the day.
You must have appropriate skills and experience for an Advanced Grade (Grade 4) track. Be sure to read the safety information about the track before deciding whether to ride.
Treat the track with respect at all times.
Track conditions on Pakihi change dramatically as soon as there is bad weather.
[updated 20 March 2026]
Motu Road is CLOSED between Papamoa hill and Whitikau due to a major slip. This means no through route from Opotiki coast (Meremere hill, Toatoa etc) to top of Pakihi. To get to top of Pakihi you will have to go via Matawai/Motu village.
Note also SH2 Waioweka Gorge has traffic light delays as road crews repair the road. Check NZTA road closures or contact us for the latest.
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Motu 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. After very heavy rain the ford at Toatoa 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 20 Feb 2026]
Check the Gisborne council web site for latest road closure information around the district
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The roads and trails making up Rere Falls Trail are open.
Rere Falls Trail includes 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) are open, 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.
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.
