Motupipi HillBeginner

Description

Superb soft trail running through the shady Motupipi forest - perfect during hot Golden Bay summer days, away from the crowded beaches. Please obey all signs where applicable and try not to shortcut the hairpins.

Park at the big Rototai bend. Start along the cycle trail then over a narrow road bridge and turn left up Burnside Rd. Follow the farm road, then right through gate to enter Motupipi Hill Reserve. The single trail starts at the edge of the forest - follow the "blue circuit" signage (white arrow in a blue circle).

The main anticlockwise loop begins at "donation box tree"- just keep following the arrows. At the skid site turn right to follow the arrow signs. The next part of the trail has the most vertical, and at about 5k, there are nice sea and estuary views. Back at the skid site, cross it and look for the arrow sign on the right. The trail now loops back to "donation box tree". Turn sharp right to follow a blue arrow exit sign.

However, just before the final exit you need to turn sharp left and complete one lap of the Easy Peasy loop (sign posted on tree). After one lap, exit following the light blue sign (dark blue is a steeper exit) and retrace the same way you came in, down to the edge of forest, and back to the car park.

Features of interest

Motupipi Hill is a conservation area, managed for native forest restoration, bio-diversity and human-powered recreation (mountain biking and walking). It is managed by the Rata-Tui Restoration Trust (RTRT), which was set up by Beth Burdett and Phil Castle. The entrance to Motupipi Hill is from the end of Burnside Road (half way between Takaka and Pohara). There is no drive-on access to MH and no parking in Burnside Road. Please park on Abel Tasman Drive at the small car park at the intersection of Rototai Road. Some historical photos can be found here

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 75%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 10%

Gravel Road: 10%

Sealed Road: 5%

Route Data