The night before your ride, stay in the Ōpōtiki area at one of the many accommodation partners who support Motu Trails. For example, Ōhiwa Beach Holiday Park has a family-friendly feel right on a stunning beach, or Eastland Pacific Motor Lodge is a welcoming, comfortable motel. Close to the track end, Weka Wilds and Bushaven are great options.

The next morning, in Ōpōtiki, sit down for a hearty cooked-to-order breakfast at the Hot Bread Shop café, which opens early. Be sure to buy snacks and lunch for the trail, and fill up your drink bottle, as you’re going into remote country! 

Take a shuttle from Ōpōtiki, with Motu Trails Limited or Motu Trails Hire & Shuttle/Bushaven. Confirm the drop-off point, if you will start riding from the hilltop above Motu it's an easier ride; whereas starting in from the Ōpōtiki coast is much hillier.  

Either way, you ride some of Motu Road to get to the start of the Pakihi Track, then down the singletrack at your own pace. Enjoy the lush wilderness of the forest, river and birdsong, and the sense of remoteness, stopping at the Pakihi Hut or the riverside for lunch. Pakihi Track is not especially technical, but there are some steep drop-offs to the side so it is rated advanced (grade 4). The ride takes 2-5 hours. 

Upon completing the track, ride back to Ōpōtiki, or to Bushaven in Te Waiti valley if staying there. 

Back in Ōpōtiki, fuel up with delicious baked goods at Kafe Friends, relaxing in their garden settings if the weather is fine. 

If you want more to do, why not take an evening spin on the Dunes Trail, or the new Waioeka trail round the riverside of Ōpōtiki. See the Opotiki Trails brochure map.