Magnificent Adventures

Stretching from Opotiki into the heart of Eastland, Motu Trails is a collection of truly diverse cycle trails, from a stunning coastal ride to an epic forest journey. Motu Trails is one of 23 Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, Great Rides of New Zealand, and links with Rere Falls  Trail to Gisborne.

The Dunes Trail section of Motu Trails is an easy 10km ride, run or walk along the Opotiki coastline, offering breath-taking Pacific  Ocean panoramas. The trail is well-formed and mostly gravel, best taken at a relaxed pace. You’ll find lots of bench seats and  shelters to pause and enjoy the sweeping views.

Inland of the Dunes Trail, the mighty Motu Road cuts through remote hills to the tiny settlements of Motu and Matawai. Motu Road  has 48km of gravel and peaks out at almost 800 metres, so it requires good fitness, or an ebike, or shuttle drop-off to the road’s  highpoint (shuttles are available from several operators, see www.motutrails.co.nz).

At Matawai, Motu Road connects with the on-road Rere Falls Trail, a ride (or drive) past high-country farms and pockets of forest,  and taking in Rere Rockslide and Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the remarkable National Arboretum of New Zealand.

From midway on Motu Road, Pakihi Track is the singletrack section of Motu Trails. This 20km trail twists through lush forest, half the  distance hugging the endlessly picturesque Pakihi stream.

Thirty years ago, Pakihi Track was famed as an extreme adventure ride. Restored 10 years ago, it remains iconic, and while it’s  relatively easy riding it is rated advanced, due to steep drop-offs to the side. If that isn’t your kind of cycling, Pakihi Track makes a  fabulous walk.

Dunes Trail, Motu Road, Pakihi Track and Rere Falls Trail each offer multiple options, so you can match Motu Trails to the experience you’re after. Guided and supported rides are available with Cycle Gisborne. www.cyclegisborne.com

To know more about Motu Trails, visit motutrails.co.nz or go on Facebook and like ‘Motu Trails Cycleway’.