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Motu Road
20.3 km
6 hours 30 minutes
579 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true "middle-of-nowhere" experience that combines rugged history with the lush, emerald beauty of the East Coast, the Pākihi Track is calling your name. Tucked away in the majestic Urutawa Forest, this 20.3-kilometre trail is one of the crown jewels of the Motu Trails. While it is famously known as a thrilling downhill ride for mountain bikers, it is arguably even more rewarding for trampers and trail runners who want to slow down and soak in the ancient atmosphere of the New Zealand bush.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend escape or a tourist wanting to see the "real" New Zealand away from the crowds, the Pākihi offers a profound sense of isolation and natural wonder.
The Pākihi Track is a point-to-point journey that feels like stepping back in time. Most people choose to start at the upper end on Motu Road, sitting at about 600 metres above sea level. Starting here turns the journey into a long, steady descent toward the coast, though don't let the "downhill" label fool you—there are still plenty of gentle undulations and short climbs that will get your heart rate up, totalling an elevation gain of about 579 metres over the course of the day.
The first half of the walk is an immersive dive into dense, primary native forest. You’ll find yourself walking under a massive canopy of tawa, tōtara, rimu, and rewarewa. The air here is cool and smells of damp earth and moss. The track itself is well-formed, but it has a rugged edge; in some sections, the path is narrow with steep drop-offs into the valley below. You can see why mountain bikers rate this as an "Advanced" Grade 4 trail, but for a tramper with a steady foot, it’s a manageable and exciting challenge.
As you descend, the sound of the Pākihi Stream begins to rise from the valley floor. About halfway through, you’ll reach the Pākihi Hut, a classic six-bunk DOC hut that serves as the perfect spot for a lunch break. Past the hut, the scenery shifts as the trail begins to hug the stream. This lower section is arguably the most beautiful, as you cross twenty-five wooden bridges and navigate sections where the track has been literally blasted or hand-cut into the rock faces. The trail winds alongside the crystal-clear water, with small waterfalls cascading down the banks, especially after a bit of Kiwi rain.
Parking and basic toilet facilities are available at both ends of the track. The Motu Road trailhead (upper end) has a small shelter and car park. The Pākihi Road end (lower, northern entrance) has ample parking and toilets, located at the end of the unsealed Pākihi Road, approximately 25 km and a 33-minute drive from Ōpōtiki.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Gallirallus australis greyi
A large, flightless, and curious brown rail, the Weka is known for its bold personality and scavenging habits, often investigating campsites.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Right at the Pākihi Road end, Weka Wilds provides accommodation and is known for making 'wicked pizza' for groups, a perfect hearty meal after your tramp.
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Point to point
Because this is a 20.3km walk taking roughly 6.5 hours, it is a significant day out. It is important to note that while your four-legged friends are welcome (dogs are allowed), the track is not recommended for young children due to the distance, the narrow sections, and those aforementioned steep drop-offs.
The Pākihi Track is a photographer’s dream, but there are a few specific spots you’ll want to keep your camera ready for:
Logistics are the most important part of planning a trip to the Pākihi Track because it is a point-to-point trail.
The Upper Entrance (Motu Road): The trail starts high up on Motu Road. This is a remote gravel road, and the trailhead has a small shelter and a car park. Most walkers arrange a shuttle to drop them off here so they can walk "down" to their car at the other end.
The Lower Entrance (Pākihi Road): The northern end of the track is at the end of Pākihi Road, about 25km (a 33-minute drive) from Ōpōtiki. The road is unsealed but generally well-maintained. There is ample parking here and basic toilet facilities.
Because the two ends are so far apart by road, we highly recommend booking a shuttle through Motu Trails Hire & Shuttle in Ōpōtiki. They can drop you at the top, allowing you to walk back to your vehicle at the Pākihi Road end.
The Urutawa Forest is a haven for native birdlife. Because the forest is so dense and remote, the bird song can be quite deafening at times—in the best way possible!
The Pākihi Track isn't just a path through the woods; it’s a corridor through history. Long before the settlers arrived, the general route followed the Te Kowhai track, a historic Māori pathway used to navigate between the coast and the inland valleys.
In 1906, the track was formalised as a stock route to connect the farming community of Motu with the port at Ōpōtiki. It was a massive feat of engineering for the time, carved into steep hillsides to allow sheep and cattle to be driven through the rugged terrain. Standing on the track today, it’s humbling to imagine the grit of the workers and farmers who traversed this route in all weathers. Today, the area is part of a significant conservation effort to protect the Urutawa Forest, one of the largest remaining tracts of native bush in the region.
After 20 kilometres on your feet, you’ll be ready for some serious refueling. Luckily, there are some great local spots:
The Pākihi Track is more than just a hike; it’s a deep-tissue massage for the soul. It’s remote, it’s historic, and it’s undeniably beautiful. If you’re ready to lace up your boots and disappear into the wild for a day, the Urutawa Forest is waiting for you.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round
10km away
Positioned approximately 10km from the Pākihi Road end, Bushaven offers accommodation, camping, shuttles, and bike hire. It's an ideal spot for pre- or post-hike refreshments and supplies.
25km away
Located in Ōpōtiki, this is a hub for trail users, offering bike hire, shuttle services to the trailheads, secure parking, and basic backpacker accommodation. They can help with pre-hike coffee and snacks.