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North Island

Start: Gisborne
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 4 hours
Distance: 35 kms
Difficulty: 2

Explore the Eastwoodhill Express: From Garden Trails to Vineyard Rides

Start your supported adventure in Tairāwhiti Gisborne with a scenic shuttle ride to Eastwoodhill Arboretum, a stunning 131-hectare wonderland of native and exotic flora. Known as the largest Northern Hemisphere tree collection south of the equator, Eastwoodhill is a botanical paradise. Whether you're meandering along flat, leafy trails or tackling the climb to Mt Arateitei, there's a walk for every pace.

Once you've soaked in the views, it’s time to switch gears—literally. Grab your bike and coast down Ngatapa Hill, an epic descent that leads to the vibrant Poverty Bay Flats. With easy riding and around 35 kilometres of ground to cover, the route wraps up with a well-earned vineyard platter and a local wine tasting at a charming Gisborne cellar door.

  • Complimentary pick-up & drop-off within Gisborne city limits
  • Our friendly local experienced driver/guide
  • Entry into Eastwoodhill Arboretum
  • Vineyard platter or similar & wine tasting

Optional Add-Ons:

  • A guide for the day
  • Upgrade to an e-Bike
  • Jeep or walking tour
  • Transfer
  • Comfortable riding clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • A fleece jacket
  • Water bottle

Changes to a booking that reduce its value will incur an administration fee of up to $50 per person per trip change. This fee applies to each subsequent change. Changes that increase the booking's value will not incur this fee.

  • 61 days or more: An alteration fee of up to $50 per person may apply to cover additional admin time.
  • 15 – 60 days: An alteration fee of up to $100 per person may apply. Additional cancellation or change fees may apply for third-party services (e.g., accommodation).
  • 1 – 14 days: No refund is available for changes or cancellations.
  • After trip start: No refund is available.

Cancel Entire Booking & Re-book at a later date

  • 31 days or more: A booking transfer fee of up to $100 per person applies, with the remainder transferred to an Experience Gisborne or Cycle Gisborne tour of your choice at a later date.
  • 15 – 30 days: 40% of the booking total is forfeited, with the remainder transferred.
  • 1 – 14 days: 100% of the booking total is forfeited, and no booking transfer is available.
  • After trip start: No refund is available.
    Transferred amounts must be used for a booking within 12 months of the original trip date.

Cancel Entire Booking & Refund

(Also applies if one or more people cancel out of a group booking)

  • 61 days or more: A cancellation fee of $150 per person or 15% of the booking total (whichever is greater) is forfeited.
  • 31 – 60 days: A cancellation fee of $150 per person or 30% of the booking total (whichever is greater) is forfeited.
  • 15 – 30 days: 60% of the booking total is forfeited.
  • 1 – 14 days: 100% of the booking total is forfeited.
  • After trip start: No refund is available.
    If one person in a group booking changes or cancels their part of the booking, it may affect the pricing for the rest of the group, especially regarding accommodation or custom shuttles.

Frequently asked questions

The Motu Cycle Trails are in the eastern Bay of Plenty and Eastland region of New Zealand’s North Island. The trails start from the coastal town of Ōpōtiki, stretching inland to Motu and Matawai, and even linking toward Gisborne. It’s a remote, rugged area known for its beautiful coastlines, native bush and rich Māori culture.

Absolutely! The Dunes Trail is perfect for families, beginners, and even walkers, with its coastal views, gentle gradients and wide gravel path. While the other Motu Cycle Trails are more challenging, experienced teens or active families may enjoy the Motu Road Trail with support. The Pakihi Track is not suitable for children or less confident riders due to its narrow and technical nature.

There are three main trails:

  • The Dunes Trail – a stunning coastal ride on smooth gravel paths (Grade 2, easy).
  • The Motu Road Trail – an historic backcountry road winding through hills and valleys (Grade 3, intermediate).
  • The Pakihi Track – a technical, remote bush trail for advanced riders (Grade 4, advanced).
    These trails can be linked into a full loop ride or enjoyed individually depending on your time and skill level.
  • Dunes Trail (Grade 2 – Easy): Ideal for families, casual riders and anyone new to trail riding.
  • Motu Road Trail (Grade 3 – Intermediate): Undulating, gravel-surfaced rural road with climbs and descents.
  • Pakihi Track (Grade 4 – Advanced): A more technical, single-track bush ride with drop-offs, bridges and narrow sections — best suited to experienced riders.

Mobile reception on the Motu Cycle Trails is patchy to non-existent on much of the Motu Road and Pakihi sections. Riders should not rely on being able to contact anyone while out there. It’s highly recommended to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or ride in groups, especially if you're doing the Pakihi Track solo or during poor weather.

Yes — a handful of local tour operators and bike-friendly accommodation providers offer shuttles, bike hire, gear transport and guided rides. Services are based mainly in Ōpōtiki or Gisborne, and it’s best to book in advance, especially during summer and weekends. This is especially helpful for one-way rides or if you're tackling the full loop of the Motu Cycle Trail.

A mountain bike or gravel bike is recommended for all parts of the Motu Cycle Trail. The Dunes Trail is rideable on most bikes with good tyres, but the Motu Road and Pakihi require durable tyres and good brakes. E-bikes are permitted and becoming increasingly popular — just ensure they have enough battery range for your chosen ride.

The region typically has mild coastal weather, but inland and higher parts of the trail, especially around Motu and Matawai, can get cold, misty or even snowy in winter, so riders on the Motu Cycle Trail should carry suitable clothing for changing conditions.

The full loop of the Motu Cycle Trails are around 91 km and is usually done over 1 or 2 days, depending on fitness and riding style. Each section has its own character and length:

  • Dunes Trail: 10 km (20 km return)
  • Motu Road Trail: approx. 48 km
  • Pakihi Track: 21 km
    Riders often combine the trails into a loop using connecting roads or shuttles.

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