Motu Trails - Motu Road Trail

Point to point

The Raukumara Ranges Lookout: As you crest the high ridges of the trail, stop to take in the breathtaking, layered vistas of the Raukumara Ranges*. On a clear day, the endless waves of green ridges stretching to the horizon are nothing short of spiritual. Motu Falls Detour: A short, highly recommended detour takes you to the picturesque Motu Falls*. It is the perfect spot to unlace your boots, rest your feet, and listen to the thunderous rush of water over the rocks. * Meremere Hill: While the 6-kilometre climb is a physical challenge, reaching the summit offers an immense sense of achievement and some of the most dramatic, photo-worthy views of the entire trip. * The Historic Coach Road: There is a unique thrill in knowing you are walking the same path as the pioneers. Keep an eye out for old fence lines, historic farm remnants, and the hand-carved cuttings of the original road. * Backcountry Hut Experiences: Spending a night at the rustic Pākihi Hut or pitching a tent at the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Whitikau Campsite lets you experience the absolute silence and star-filled night skies of the New Zealand bush.

Getting There

The Motu Road Trail is a point-to-point route, usually walked from the inland settlement of Motu (near Matawai, off State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki) down to the coastal town of Ōpōtiki.

To get to the starting point, drive to Motu village. Safe parking is available near the Motu Community House, which offers secure on-site parking and overnight bike storage if you are staying there. Alternatively, you can park at the coastal end in Ōpōtiki.

Because of the trail's remote, point-to-point nature, we highly recommend booking a local shuttle service. Shuttles are a popular and stress-free way to arrange drop-offs at the Motu trailhead or pick-ups at the Ōpōtiki end, saving you from having to coordinate a complex two-car drop.

Wildlife Spotting

As you traverse the deep native forests of the Gisborne backcountry, you will be treated to an absolute symphony of native birdlife. The ancient canopy of tawa, podocarp, and beech trees provides a thriving habitat for some of New Zealand’s most beloved species.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for: * Tūī (Common): You will hear their complex, metallic chiming and throat-clearing calls throughout the day. Look for their distinctive white throat tufts flashing in the canopy. * Kererū (Common): These heavy, iridescent green-and-white native wood pigeons are easy to spot. You will often hear the loud, distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see them. * Fantail / Pīwakawaka (Common): These cheeky little birds will likely flutter right alongside you on the trail, using your footsteps to stir up delicious insects from the gravel. * Bellbird / Korimako (Occasional): Listen for their clear, bell-like notes ringing through the deeper forested valleys. Morepork / Ruru (Occasional): If you are camping overnight at the Whitikau Campsite or staying at Pākihi Hut, listen out after dusk for their iconic, haunting "ruru"* call echoing through the dark. * Kākāriki (Rare): If you are exceptionally lucky, you might catch a flash of bright green and a chattering call from these rare native parakeets high in the forest ceiling.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Motu Road Trail is open year-round, but your experience will vary greatly depending on when you choose to go:

* Summer & Autumn: These are the most popular seasons. The weather is generally warmer and more stable, the gravel underfoot is drier, and the daylight hours are long. * Spring & Winter: While beautiful, the high-altitude sections (approaching 800 metres) can become bitterly cold, wet, and shrouded in mist. Winter conditions demand expert-level cold-weather gear, alpine preparation, and careful monitoring of weather forecasts.

Practical Tips for Your Journey: * Start Early: No matter which section you are tackling for the day, start at first light. This ensures you aren't racing the sun to your campsite or hut. * Self-Sufficiency is Key: There are absolutely no shops, drinking water stations, or services between Motu village and Ōpōtiki. You must carry all your food, water purification tablets, and emergency supplies. * No Mobile Coverage: The valley is extremely remote with little to no mobile signal. Carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is an absolute must. * Watch for Traffic: Though remote, this is still a public road. Keep left and stay highly vigilant for local traffic, farm vehicles, and occasional heavy logging trucks, particularly when navigating blind corners.

Local & Regional Context

The land you are walking through is steeped in rich history and cultural significance. The route traces an ancient pathway through the rugged Raukumara Ranges, a area of immense spiritual and physical importance to local iwi (tribes).

In the colonial era, this route was carved out as a historic coach road, serving as the primary, incredibly isolated overland link between the Gisborne district and the Bay of Plenty. In 1914, the very first motorcar braved this steep, narrow, and winding track. The intrepid driver famously described it as “the most dangerous trip in New Zealand.”

While modern road grading has made it far safer today, the sense of pioneering adventure remains. Walking the trail feels like stepping back into a bygone era, where the sheer power of the New Zealand landscape dictated the terms of travel. Today, the trail is preserved as part of the Motu Trails network, one of the premier Great Rides of New Zealand, celebrated for its unique blend of wilderness, heritage, and physical challenge.

After the Walk

After 67 kilometres of pure backcountry exertion, your body will be screaming for a hot drink, a comfortable chair, and some hearty local food.

Before you head out of the hills, make a beeline for the Motu-Vation Café, located just 0.1km from the trail start in Motu village. This charming, cozy local spot is the ultimate oasis for weary hikers. Known for its warm hospitality, it serves up fantastic hot coffee, cold drinks, and delicious, energy-packed cabinet food and meals. Sitting amongst local farmers and fellow adventurers, sharing stories of your journey over a warm slice of homemade cake, is the absolute perfect way to celebrate your completion of the legendary Motu Road Trail.