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2-Day Motu Trails loop with Motu village

This stunning 120km+ adventure takes in the Dunes Trail, Motu Road and Pakihi Track. It’s a journey including panoramic seascapes, fabulous high-country forest and farmland, and a beautiful river valley. It is very hilly!

Stay the night beforehand at one of many accommodation partners in Ōpōtiki. Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park is right beside the Dunes Trail, a fantastic spot to let you soak up the local environment before you ride it. Ōpōtiki Holiday Park, Eastland Pacific Motor Lodge and Oasis Central Backpackers are all handy to the Dunes Trail too, while Weka Wilds and Bushaven put you near to the finish of Pakihi Track. 

If you're staying in Ōpōtiki, have a hearty breakfast at the Hot Bread Shop Café, and grab a sweet treat and snacks for the trails before you leave.  

Cycle the Dunes Trail, an undulating 9km trail with incredible views out to sea, loads of regenerative plantings by volunteers, and chances to explore the wild and free beaches that the area is famous for. From the eastern end of the Dunes Trail, ride on to the Motu Road. From here, you’ll be riding spectacular, remote, road into the hills. It’s 55km to Motu village, with 48km of gravel road and a high point of almost 800m elevation.

Again: Motu Road is very hilly!

At Motu village, stay in comfort at the Weka Nest or at Motu Community House, then on day two, return back via Motu Road to the top of Pakihi Track. Drop onto this amazing single-track, riding at your own pace, making sure to walk in any places you are unsure of. Pakihi Track is rated Advanced (grade 4), so you do need sound cycling skills to ride safely. Soak up the lush wilderness, the birdsong, and stop to eat lunch at the Pakihi Hut or beside the river. 

From the end of Pakihi Track, there’s 23km of gravel and sealed road riding back to Opotiki.

That night, grab dinner at one of Opotiki's eateries, before heading off to the De Luxe Theatre https://www.deluxetheatre.co.nz/ to watch a film!

If you don't fancy riding the Pakihi, you could return the same way down Motu Road. Or, get a shuttle to or from Matawai or Motu. For instance, on day one, get the shuttle to Matawai, ride to Motu and Motu Falls, go for a walk in Whinray Scenic Reserve, and stay the night in Motu village. On day two, ride Motu Road and Dunes Trail back to Ōpōtiki.

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Proudly supported by

  • Department of Conservation
  • Tairawhiti Gisborne
  • Opotiki Coast
  • The New Zealand Cycle Trail
  • Whakatohea