This is the easy bit of the deservedly famous Motu Trails. An article by Pamela Wade, first first published via Stuff.co.nz
This is the easy bit of the deservedly famous Motu Trails, a combination of three separately doable tracks in Tairāwhiti.
Together, they’re a challenging 121km of pedalling or walking, but the Dunes Trail is just 18km return, a pleasant three-hour outing with little in the way of gradients to get you puffing. It takes you from Ōpōtiki along the coast on a wide, well-made track with a sand bridge that prevents you from getting bogged down in the soft stuff.
The route delivers plenty of scenery, vegetation and birdlife; and, if you read the information boards you’ll come across, about 800 years of history too. You’ll get spectacular panoramic views towards Whakaari/White Island, Moutohorā/Whale Island, and the cliffs and peaks of Eastland.
There’s plenty of easy access to the beach for a dip to cool off.
Why go?
Because you just can’t beat the simple fun of walking or biking over a long suspension bridge. Beside the Memorial Park, the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku Bridge is a great way to start (and end) the trail, crossing the Otara River.
You’ll find attractively carved and decorated pouwhenua at the entrance to the bridge, which was built in 2011. The trail firstly follows the stop bank along the river before winding through grassy dunes towards the coast at Hikuwai Beach.
You’ll come across a picnic spot with tables and toilets, and then continue towards Tirohanga Beach, with another bridge across the stream there, and two more tall carved pou to admire.
"The route delivers plenty of scenery, vegetation and birdlife; and, if you read the information boards you’ll come across, about 800 years of history too."
If you’re cycling, you’ll also discover the fun challenge of the squeeze gate, built to block motorbikes from the track. The bars are easy to walk your bike between, but cool people pedal right on through, their angles judged to a nicety.
At the end of the track, if you can resist continuing on along the Motu Road Trail, you turn to retrace your route, enjoying the views from the other direction.
Once back in town, there are plenty of places to enjoy a reward: Hot Bread Shop Café is especially good.
Insider tip
Watch out for pūkeko and weka along the track. Under alert level 1, you can hire a bike from Motu Cycle Trails, and trampers too can use their shuttle service and accommodation.
Wander round Ōpōtiki to admire the heritage buildings and pouwhenua, and visit the museum in the old bus station. Get more fresh air, exercise and fun hiring a kayak or doing a tour with KG Kayaks, who will even escort you out to Moutuhorā/Whale Island. Fish, surf, swim, golf, jet boat.