Pakihi Track

Icon

Pakihi Track

  • GradeAdvanced
  • Time 3-6 hrs
  • Distance 20kms
The Pakihi Track is downhill magic – it sweeps through a historic stock route in the magnificent Urutawa Forest, a journey surrounded by fern-filled forest and alongside pristine river pools. This is an advanced (grade 4) mountain biking adventure, suiting mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills and considerable riding experience. Be sure to read the safety information below, before making a decision to ride Pakihi Track.

The Pakihi Track was first opened around 1906 as part of a rough track connecting Motu to Opotiki via the Otara Valley. From the early-1990s, it slowly gained a reputation as an epic mountain bike ride. After a massive restoration, the Pakihi Track reopened in 2012 as part of the Motu Trails. Today it's a beautiful journey through lush forest. 

 

Pakihi Track starts from high on the Motu Road, 17 kilometres from Motu and 38 kilometres from the Ōpōtiki coast. The track is one-way for cycling, from Motu Road to Pakihi Road.

There are no significant uphills and the surface is generally well-formed. However, in places, Pakihi Track is very narrow, with near-vertical drop-offs to the side. There are often fallen trees to lift your bike over. Especially on the lower section, in places, there is almost always rock debris on the track.

You need to have the skills to manage accurate line choice and to control braking on loose surfaces. Respect the track, ride within your abilities. All riders will need to walk some bits.

Pakihi is a back-country track in challenging terrain. 

  • You need sound bike skills and to take care. At all times, stay focused and your keep speed down. At any stage, if in doubt, get off and walk a section.
  • You need to have the skills to manage accurate line choice and to control braking on loose surfaces.
  • E-bikers and those with panniers, in several places, you must be able to lift or push your bike.
  • Respect the track, ride within your abilities. All riders will need to walk some bits.

Do not ride Pakihi Track during/soon after a storm.

Follow all safety signs and carry a distress beacon

  • Signs along the track show hazards and recommended walk zones.
  • There are often new slips, fallen rocks and fallen trees, which won’t have signs.
  • There is no mobile phone coverage on Pakihi Track, so carry a distress beacon (personal locator beacon).

If you do not have appropriate skills and experience for an advanced (grade 4) track, you may wish to consider riding the Motu Road Trail instead or do the Pakihi as a walk. 

 

Loading...

Recommendations

      Selected filters shows no results.
    Cover Image

    Proudly supported by

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