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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 4 October 2024]
On 2 / 3 October there was a storm with high wind. This has left a lot of sand on the Tirohanga beach boardwalk section. You will need to walk about 50 metres on the sand.
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.
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 4 October 2024]
On 2 / 3 October there was a storm. Pakihi valley had 100mm of rain. The track remains mostly in good condition overall however please note the following cautions.
There is a fresh slip about 5m across, 5.5km from Pakihi road end. A narrow bench has been cut across the slip however you need to cross with care.
Similarly, with a recent slip 2km above the hut, a safe bench has been cut across this, but care is advised.
Also note, the 30m-long 'Boulders' section near Pakihi road end requires carrying the bike over river rocks and up a steep rise.
There are some small debris piles on the lower track.
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Pakihi is in very dynamic terrain and it is backcountry. There are always some slips /rockfall and 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 2 June 2024]
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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. 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 4 April 2024]
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 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.
