Raukumara Traverse | Motu Trails
Suitable for year-round travel | Spectacular in autumn and spring | Grade 3 – Intermediate
This unforgettable four-day journey takes you deep into the heart of the Raukūmara Ranges, combining coastal beauty, forest adventure, and quiet backcountry roads. Starting with the Dunes Trail, you’ll ride alongside sweeping coastal dunes, before climbing the Motu Road Trail through magnificent native forest and rolling historic farmland. The Pakihi Track offers a unique off-road forest experience, and the Rere Falls Trail completes the adventure as a superb Heartland Ride on the New Zealand Cycle Trails network.
Over 175 km of peaceful rural roads and trails lead you toward Tairāwhiti Gisborne, revealing a landscape rich in natural wonders. Highlights include Motu Falls, the thrilling Rere Rockslide, and the picturesque Rere Falls. You’ll also explore the renowned Eastwoodhill Arboretum – the National Arboretum of New Zealand – before sampling some of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
With a slow-paced itinerary, there’s plenty of time to soak up the scenery, enjoy short walks, and truly connect with this remote and beautiful part of the country.
Choose your style of travel – fully supported, guided, or independent – and let the Raukūmara Ranges reveal their magic, one trail at a time.
Start and finish in vibrant Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Highlights
- Motu Road Trail is one of the great rides of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail
- Spectacular coastal views
- The majestic Motu Falls
- Rere Rockslide, where you can slide down a 60m-long natural slope
- Rere Falls – one of the most charming waterfalls in New Zealand, is surrounded by farmland located on the Wharekopae River. A perfect spot for a swim
- Overnight stay at Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the National Arboretum of New Zealand. This attraction offers 135 hectares of stunning exotic and native trees, fantastic walking routes, and vistas
- Fine Tairāwhiti Gisborne wineries and brewery
To view itinerary and pricing click here.
