This is a stunning 20 km journey through the lush and green Eastland forest, in the Õpõtaki area of the East Coast region. Popular with hikers, runners, bikers and hunters, the track was first formed over 100 years ago by early settlers. It has earned a reputation for being an epic mountain biking trail and for safety reasons bikers must attempt it only in the direction of Motu Road junction to Pakihi Road end. Hikers and runners have no such restrictions. The Pakihi hut is roughly halfway along the trail and has six bunks with mattresses, heating, non flush loos and water (untreated). No booking required, first come first served. Around 3000 people a year use this trail which is graded as intermediate and will take around 6 to 7 hours to complete although caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Dogs are permitted with a DOC permit. Be aware that although well formed, the track is often narrow with steep drop offs. It is also prone to small rock falls and washouts after periods of heavy rainfall.Photo Credit : David FinnDepartment of Conservation (NZ)
