Climb gently on a well-maintained track to a 1960s hut nestled in dense forest.

The Pakihi Track is a shared walkway and mountain-bike track, so look out for Opotiki-bound cyclists. 

Ignore the bridge near the car park as it leads to private property, and follow the DOC signs to remain on the true left of Pakihi Stream.

Head south along the benched trail beside the stream. There are multiple options for cooling off, and eel and trout may be spotted in the clear waters. 

Many minor watercourses cross the trail, sometimes with small waterfalls, and the forest is lush with ferns and nīkau palms. Native birds abound, including kārearea, toutouwai, kererū and whio.

After 8km the 32m Pakihi Stream suspension bridge provides airy views of the river below. Pakihi Hut is about 1km further on. 

The compact six-bunker is maintained by Nga Tapuwae o Taneatua Tramping Club. It has a covered verandah, picnic tables and a grassy space for tents. It’s just a short walk to the stream.

Return the way you came for a simple out-and-back trip, or climb a further 11km to Motu Road to walk the full length of Pakihi Track. Trampers can also make use of cycle shuttles to or from Motu Road.  

Construction of Pakihi Track started in the early 1900s to provide settlers with a route for stock movement between Motu and Ōpōtiki, but an intense storm in 1918 destroyed the bridge and trail. By then Motu Road offered a better option for transport, and it became the preferred route. The construction of the hut in the 1960s brought more visitors to the area, and DOC restored the track between 2010 and 2012 as part of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails. Motu Trails Charitable Trust has maintained the track for the past five years.

Due to the steep and loose terrain, Pakihi Track often experiences rockfall, particularly after periods of rain or in very dry conditions. It is checked and maintained regularly and updates can be found on the Motu Trails Cycleway Facebook page. Pakihi Track is a one-way advanced/grade 4 trail for cyclists, who will always be heading downhill.