Wairoa - Motu - Opotiki
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Route Overview
General Overview
This Adventure was created and personally logged by Ross Bowden. Ross is a keen adventure rider with extensive knowledge of the remote North Island track network.
The Wairoa - Motu - Opotiki Adventure is a full day trip that includes some of the best public gravel roads in the area.
While the route has to include some tarmac to link everything up, the majority of this route is made up of gravel roads that are great fun. If you are looking for a full day trip departing from Wairoa, then this Adventure route is a perfect option.
This Adventure is best traveled in good weather as the views on a clear day are superb.
Start/Finish Point
This is an A to B trip. Starting at Wairoa and ending at Opotiki. The GPX files are in this direction. It can be traveled in either direction.
Terrain includes
This route aims to have as many gravel roads as possible and while there are still a reasonable number of tarmac stretches, nice and windy, the number of gravel roads will please any gravel seeker. All the gravel roads included in this route are Grade 1 and 2 in dry conditions.
Distance
256 km.
Max Fuel Leg
79 km into the route you will reach Matawai where fuel is available.
Travel Time
This is a full day trip. The actual time taken will depend on how long you spend at some of the natural stopping points such as the lookouts, lakes, rivers etc. The average seat time for the entire route is 5 hours. It is recommended to start this route early in the morning so that you are not rushing later in the day.
Accommodation
We normally stay at this motel which provides basic and convenient accommodation at reasonable prices:
Vista Motor Lodge.
2 Bridge Street, Wairoa.
Ph 06-838 8279.
https://www.vistamotorlodge.co.nz/
Magnolia Court Motel.
63 Bridge Street, ÅŒpÅtiki.
Ph. 07-315 8490.
Access Permission
All roads within this Adventure are publicly accessible so access permission is not required.
Access Limitations
This Adventure is recommended for fine weather. While it is possible to travel this route all year round, if there has been recent heavy rain there can be slippery, muddy sections.
Safety
While this is not considered a technical route it does include a few semi-remote areas so it is recommended to travel as a group with typical equipment including tools, spares and a PLB or emergency beacon.
