Dunes Trail

The Dunes Trail is one of the highlights of the Motu Trails, one of 20+ Great Rides on the New Zealand Cycle Trail. The Dunes Trail was purpose built in 2010 and meanders along the sand dunes east of Opotiki. It's wide, easy shared-use trail so ideal for stuff like mixing a family walk and picnic with a jog, or running while the kids ride bikes.

Opotiki has two shuttle companies that may be able to do group pickups from places like Rotorua and Tauranga. Contact Motu Trails Hire & Shuttle or/and Motu Trails Limited. The Motu Trails Limited HQ is a two-minute jog from the start of the Dunes Trail. They offer secure parking as well as bike hire (including children's bikes).

1 km

2 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Just look ahead for markers, follow the trail rather than detouring onto gravel beach access roads. The only section that's a bit tricky is Hikuwai Beach, where you briefly go onto the beach-side sealed access road. Follow the markers, the route sweeps in a couple of big arcs to get round drainage channels (late-2016, these may be bridged soon). Please if you are accessing the beach do not just run through the spinifax, follow access trails.

Patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

There's the drinking fountain at Memorial Park. After that, carry your own, or buy drink from the petrol station store at Tirohanga.

In the summer peak, the Dunes Trail does get busy, but not overly so. It's a huge shared-use success, with all ages of people riding, walking, running, or doing exercise on the bench tables overlooking the sea. Off -peak, you'll be lucky to see a couple of other people. If the trail is busy, keep up the vibe with a smile or greeting.

No real hazards here unless there's a heavy storm, in which case it would be massively hazardous to use the Tirohanga Beach section of trail. Obviously, if there's a major earthquake, the trail will face tsunami risk. Keep an eye for cyclists and step aside to let them pass.

Opotiki i-SITE
70 Bridge St, Opotiki
http://www.opotikinz.com
The folks at Opotiki i-SITE can give you info and ideas, and a Motu Trails map marking the Dunes Trail. There's also info here: http://www.opotikinz.com/visit-opotiki/what-do/superb-biking-walking-running

Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
743 State Highway 35 Tirohanga Beach Opotiki
http://www.tirohangabeachmotorcamp.co.nz
Excellent motor camp, 50 metres from the trail and beach, and close to other local trails like Whakaumu. Plus, they are official partners to Motu Trails, by supporting them, you support the trails.

Opotiki Holiday Park
39 Potts Avenue, Opotiki 3122
http://www.opotikiholidaypark.co.nz
Opotiki Holiday Park is 800m from the start of the Dunes Trail. A super handy spot, close to town. Plus, they are official partners to Motu Trails, by supporting them, you support the trails.