| Motu Trails Bike hire and Shuttle only| 
Accommodation and Camping NOW CLOSED

Level: Intermediate - See km below

The Motu Trails Motu Road Trail follows the historic Motu coach road from Matawai (high on the ranges, midway between Opotiki and Gisborne) to the coast and on to Opotiki.

 

This trail is challenging with a number of moderate climbs and longer descents through beautiful bush-clad hill country, interspersed with isolated farmland. A good fitness level is required and although the Trail can be ridden from either direction, starting at the Matawai end (600asl) will reduce the length of the climbs and provide more opportunities to take in the views!

 

A moderate fitness level is required and although this wonderful Motu Trails ride can be completed in a day (by fit cyclists) we offer accommodation en-route.

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WE RECOMEND MOTU VILLAGE AS THE BEST START POINT, WITH THE OPTION TO RIDE THE 8km RETURN TO MOTU FALLS. 

 

SHUTTLE PRICES

 

Motu Village Drop-off (recommended)

Pickup from Opotiki i-SITE

1 - 3  =  $400

4 - 7 =  $100 per person     78km to Opotiki

8 - 11 =  $90 per person  (as a group booking/payment)

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Top of Motu Hill Drop-off  = 1.75 to 2hrs

Pickup from Opotiki i-SITE

1-3  =  $480

4-7 =  $120 per person      55km back to Opotiki

8-11 = $110 per person (as a group booking/payment)

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ENQUIRE NOW - WE MAY HAVE OTHERS ALREADY BOOKED! 

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RIDE DETAILS

Starting at Motu village

 

After crossing the bridge, by the toilets at Motu Village, the moderate grade Motu hill awaits you, Motu Hill, approximately 3km long but there's a false top, another 1.5km odd of climb gets you to the boundary sign (a shuttle drop option for this and the Pakihi Track).

 

This climb is by far the hardest on the Motu Road Trail, the views along the way are spectacular and diverse.  From here it's easy going with plenty of free-wheeling to the Motu Trails Pakihi Track entrance. Continuing on down the Motu Road Trail, a series of inclines and descends awaits you over the next 37km, but the isolation, bush country wilderness will leave you wanting more!  (maybe for the Mighty Motu Trails Pakihi Track).

The last leg before Opotiki is the 9.5km Motu Trails Dunes Trail with coffee available at the Tirohanga Beach Shop / Takeaway.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Te Kowahi Track (Motu Coach Road) was first documented by missionary William Williams in 1840.

It took 60 men using pick and shovel, five years to develop the Motu Coach Road wide enough for a coach to pass through.

Motu Coach Road was officially opened in 1918.

The Gisborne to Motu railway line opened in 1917 and by 1920 business was booming, averaging 724  weekly passengers, with 1115 sheep and pigs and many tonnes of timber and metal.  The line was finally closed in 1959.

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EN-ROUTE ACCOMMODATION OPTION AT TOATOA - CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, SORRY.

 

FROM MOTU VILLAGE
Day 1 = 33km, Day 2 = 39km   (from Motu, Motu falls to Opotiki)

Accommodation en-route which includes evening meal, bed, breakfast and a packed lunch. Add $115 per person  
(minimum 2 or $ value, maximum 6)

Secure parking in Opotiki.

Bag transfer to Toatoa and return included.

see PACKAGES

 

ENQUIRE NOW!