Easy, 2-3 hours, 9kms
Cruise on a gravel trail along a spectacular stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline. Regular rises pop you above sand dunes for breath-taking panoramic views of the open ocean, of Moutohorā (Whale Island), Whakaari (White Island), and of the mighty Raukūmara Ranges of Eastland.
You’ll ride through native plantings protecting the fragile dune ecosystem. You’ll have access points along the way to hit the stunning, empty beach – for a rest, a picnic or a quick dip in the surf. You’ll ride boardwalks, cross bridges and see pou whenua (carved posts). You’ll soak up the feeling of peace, wide open space and freedom that is the eastern Bay of Plenty.

At the trail’s end, take a rest in the shelter then turn around and ride back. Or continue your adventure on the Motu Road Trail. The Dunes Trail can also be walked or run – and it’s an excellent family ride with its many, short, up-and-downs to offer challenge, and the ability to turn around at whatever distance you choose.

The ride is mapped on the Great Rides App (do download the map before you begin; mobile coverage is patchy on the Dunes Trail). The undulating trail begins at Ōpōtiki’s Pakowai ki Otutaopuku Bridge, Memorial Park, at the end of St John’s Street. This area has ample parking, a drinking fountain to fill up your water bottles, and toilets in the centre of the park.

Once you’ve crossed the soaring bridge (pause and take in the views of the ranges behind you), you’ll be riding the Otara River stop bank for 800 metres, before entering the wild coastal sand dunes. From there, 2 kilometres of spectacular coastal riding gets you to Hukuwai Beach. See the regenerative planting taking hold around you, and pause at the bench seats to soak up the panoramic views and sense of peace. At Hukuwai Beach there are toilets, picnic tables, and a parking area (perfect for someone to drive out and meet you with snacks).

Riding on, you’ll cross Tirohanga Stream bridge at the 5.5-kilometre mark, then ride along two sections of wooden decking over the beach. Two six-metre-high pou whenua, carved ‘poles of the land’, face the rising and setting sun, and there's a shelter here too.

At 6 kilometres, you'll pass the lovely Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park. The trail continues to a final epic panoramic view at the 9-kilometre mark, where there's a shelter to rest up in. The trail then drops down alongside State Highway 35. Many people turn around here, but if you’re riding on to the Motu Road Trailhead, pedal a kilometre alongside the highway, down Jackson Road, onto a 4WD track over the Waiaua Stream, and you’ll reach the first shelter of Motu Road.

The Dunes Trail is also popular for a short walk – you can begin from Hukuwai Beach or Tirohanga Beach. Both have car parking and can be accessed from State Highway 35 east of Ōpōtiki.

You are welcome to ride e-bikes on the Dunes Trail.
Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a leash.
A few places on the trail can be inundated by wind-blown sand, so be prepared to walk a few metres in these places.
You don’t need any special gear, but take adequate clothing and refreshments, and use sunblock in summer.
The trail has squeeze bars to block motorbikes. On most mountain bikes, you can ride through these with one hand on a squeeze bar. Or you may find it easier to walk through pushing your bike. With some children's bikes, bikes with drop bars, and bikes with carriers, you may have to dismount and lift the bike over.
If you wish to add distance to your Dunes Trail ride, when you get back to the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku bridge, turn upriver (east) on the 4km Otara Stopbank Trail. This is signposted. This flat trail goes up the Otara River to Te Rere Pa Road.
Alternatively, from Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku bridge, you can also ride the Otara Stopbank Trail downriver (west), past Ōpōtiki wharf, and on to the Waioeka Road bridge. The surface is about half packed gravel and half concrete.
You can also add distance to a Dunes Trail ride by adding on Taheke Road on the way to Whakaumu Track.
If you are riding a hand bike, please talk to Ōpōtiki i-SITE to arrange a key to the adjoining gates.