Motu Trails cycleway

The Motu Trails offers 2 routes from Matawai either via the Old Coach Road and through the Tirohanga dune conservation area, or the Pakihi Track takes a more direct route through a spectacular gorge in Department of Conservation reserve.  A loop option would start and finish at Opotiki and take in the Tirohanga dunes, the Old Coach Road and the Pakihi Track. 

Motu Trails website

Media releases

21 May 2012 - Motu trails blessed in dawn service

A clear, crisp morning welcomed over a 100 guests gathered in Matawai on Sunday 20 May  to bless the start of the Motu Trails – the seventh trail to open as part of the Government’s Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail initiative... Read more

20 May 2012 - Motu Trails Grand Opening

After 2 years of construction, one of New Zealand's most picturesque and untouched cycling destinations will be unveiled. Breath-taking scenery, panoramic views of the East Cape and magnificent native bush. Come and discover why so many people are talking about our backyard...

7am Dawn Blessing led by Te Aitanga a Mahiki - Matawahi Bridge, corner of Matawai Road and Motu Road, Matawai

10.30am Grant Opening led by Whakatohea - Memorial Park Reserve, Albert Street, Opotiki
Optional 19km return cycle or a 5km return walk on the Dunes Trail.

19 March 2012 - Mad Australians hit the Pakihi Track

Take 4 over-excited Australian riders, 7 days, 4 destinations, a film crew and you have the ingredients to showcase New Zealand's top mountain biking trails ... Read more

17 September 2011 - Motu Trails new brand a local affair

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust has reached a significant milestone, with the development of a brand cementing the Motu Trails identity... Read more...

27 May 2011 - Pakihi cycle track almost finished

The formation of the Pakihi Track section of the Motu Cycle Trail is almost complete. A new major swing bridge across the Pakihi River will be finished by the end of August.  Read more...

15 September 2010 - Motu Trails moves into promotion mode

A community-based charitable trust is to be established to promote and market the $2.12 million Motu Trails cycleway and the business opportunities it will create. Read more...

12 August 2010 - Motu Trails Cycleway agreement signed

The Department of Conservation, Gisborne District Council and Opotiki District Council signed off the $1.74 million funding agreement to develop the Motu Trails Cycleway in the Opotiki-Motu-Matawai area... Read more...

9 July 2010 - Motu Trails cycleway funding approved

News that a bid for government funding to develop the Old Motu Coach Road has been successful is exciting for the Gisborne and Opotiki districts. It is one of 8 cycle trails ...  Read more

12 February 2010 - Old Motu Coach Trail one of 13 new cycle routes planned

A joint proposal to have the old Motu Coach Trail developed as a part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project has been approved for feasibility studies... Read more...

18 December 2009 - Motu Coach Road proposed "Great Ride"

A bid to have Eastland included in a national cycleway network has been launched by Gisborne District Council, the Department of Conservation and Opotiki District Council... Read more...

Documents

The Tairawhiti Great Rides Proposal