The Motu Trails offer something for everyone...
*** The Dunes Trail is a 10km trail (20km round trip) along the Pacific coast starting and ending in Opotiki. It's an easy trail suitable for all the family, with unspoilt views of Pacific Ocean and the rugged hills of the ranges. Those hills are home to the remaining trails in the system.
*** The Motu Road Trail is a 67km trail that starts at the top of the ranges at the town of Matawai. The road descends 535 metres to the coast where it comes out at the end of the Dunes Trail. It's generally easy riding on a gravel road through back country but it's not all downhill!
*** The Pakihi Track is a 44km trail that starts part way along the Motu Road and sidles around steep bush clad hill sides. It's rugged and remote but the gradient is very well controlled and goes steadly down to the coastal plain where it follows sealed roads back to Opotiki.
*** The Motu Loop simply combines some the other three trails to start and finish in Opotiki. You go out on the Dunes Trail, ride part way up the Motu Road Trail then down the Pakihi Track. All up its 91 kms with an altitude gain and loss of 660 metres not counting undulations. You can split it over two days by staying at the Totatoa Farm Stay.
The town of Opotiki is well set up to look after bikers. Accommodation, shopping, bike hire and shuttle services are all available. There are operators who offer guided and supported tours. The information centre is very informed and helpful. They're here... http://www.opotikinz.com/
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