ON
YOUR
BIKENZ
STAY, EAT & DO ●
●
Base your adventure here, right on the Dune Trail. A selection of accommodation + powered & nonpowered sites. www.tirohangabeach motorcamp.co.nz, 073157942, 743 State Highway 35, Tirohanga Beach, Opotiki ...................................................................................
●
Motu Trails
C
YCLING along Opotiki’s Dunes Trail, you can’t help but be impressed by the huge sweep of the coastline. On a fine day, you look out over the ocean to Moutohora (Whale island) and Whakaari (White Island). The East Cape ranges fade back, layer by hazy layer. You have up to 10km of coastal riding — plus 10km return. The trail is gravel, rising up and down the dunes almost the whole way. In the summer peak, it’s busy, but much of the year, there’s ample space to take in the natural splendor. The Dunes Trail is one of three sections making up the Motu Trails, one of the 22 Great Rides on Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail. The other two sections are very different. The Motu Road Trail starts from the top end of the Dunes Trail, heading inland 65km to Matawai and reaching a highpoint of almost 800m. This is a challenging, fantastic ride with a century of history — the original road to link between Opotiki and Gisborne, and for many years the highlight stage of the Rally of New Zealand. Many cycle groups start at Matawai (altitude 500m) or Motu settlement and head down to Opotiki, often splitting their trip for the night at Toatoa Farmstay (toatoaaccommodation.co.nz). At Motu, Motu-vation Cafe´ and Store is in the settlement’s original store and post office, while round the corner there’s friendly accommodation ideal for groups at Motu Community House (both listed at motutrails.co.nz/service-providers). From Motu, it’s well worth making the short side trip to Whinray Scenic Reserve and Motu Falls, where the first bridge over the Motu River was built in 1876. The third section of the Motu Trails is the Pakihi Track, which starts high in the forested Motu Rd. This is a remarkable 21km single-track journey through
FINU N T OPO I KI
Cycle or walk the beautiful new MotuTrail network which starts at the wharf next to our Holiday Park, and continues round the stopbank and across the new Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku bridge to Snell beach, where you can stop for a dip, or walk a little further for an Ice Cream atTheTirohanga General Store. Alternatively follow the easy Dunes trail, which leads on to the old Motu Coach road and Pakihi track (for the more experienced riders andTrampers).
Opotiki Holiday Park
39 Potts Ave, Opotiki, New Zealand
Phone: 07 315 6050
Email: opotiki.holidays@xtra.co.nz www.opotikiholidaypark.com
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
sensational wilderness and alongside the Pakihi stream, followed by gravel and country road back to Opotiki. Many groups get a shuttle drop-off to the highpoint of the Motu Rd, from where it’s almost all downhill to the top of the Pakihi (600m altitude) and the track-end (less than 100m altitude). The track is not particularly technical, but it’s rated advanced due to steep drop-offs beside the track. It’s definitely not a ride to rush anyway, a remarkable, lush environment with a good chance of encountering birds from kereru to weka, and if you’re lucky, whio (blue duck) and karearea (New Zealand falcon). If you’re fit and game, you can ride the 90km Motu Trails Loop in one day — Dunes Trail, up the Motu Rd to the Pakihi Track, and back down the Pakihi. That’s a big day though! Many riders take two days, stopping overnight at Toatoa Farmstay. At Matawai, the southern entrance of Motu Trails links to Rere Falls Trail, which is an excellent New Zealand Cycle Trail ‘Heartland Ride’ stretching on to Gisborne (see Eastland page). From Opotiki, two companies offer experienced shuttle transport and bike hire: Motu Trails Hire & Shuttle (hireandshuttle.co.nz) and Motu Trails Limited (motucycletrails.com). Both are quality providers and can help you enjoy the best Motu Trails experience. From Gisborne, Cycle Gisborne offers bike hire and tours. If you’re seeking a full-service guided group tour, on Motu Trails or around Eastland, talk to Cycle Gisborne. ■ Visit motutrails.co.nz for maps, trail updates and all Motu Trails official partner services. Email jim@motutrails.co.nz to get trail maps posted free, nationwide. For Opotiki visitor information and bookings, visit opotikinz.com or call Opotiki i-SITE on 07 315 3031.
Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
With fabulous views of the ocean, we offer a wide range of accommodation, from self-contained beachfront apartments, motel units and cabins through to classic kiwi-style campsites. Only 10 minutes from f bike trails or a 35 minute drive to the Motu trails. 0800 264 673, 367 Harbour Rd, Ohope. 3121, https://www.ohopebeach.co.nz/ ...................................................................................
●
Motu Trails Hire and Shuttle
Two modern 11 seater shuttle vans, purpose built trailers, the best Pakihi track set off point, self contained accommodation and camping at Bushaven, right in the bush, just 15 minutes ride from the Pakihi track. 0800 motutrails, 75/7 Church street and Bushaven, TeWaiti stream road, Urutawa forest, Opotiki, 0800motutrails.nz ................................................................................... IMPRESSIVE: Opotiki’s Dunes Trail.
NEIL ROBERT HUTTON
●
Whakatane Holiday Camp
A 5 minute walk along the river will have you in the town centre. You can continue along the walkway down to the Heads to see the Lady on the Rock statue or to view the boats going over the bar. Come in, park up your camper van and avoid the worry of finding a parking space in town. 07-308 8694 Mcgarvey Rd, Whakatane 3120 www.whakataneholidaypark.co.nz