This is a true wilderness experience with wonderful views and scenery. Otipi Road was built in the 1950s to allow exploration of the hydroelectric potential of the Motu River. No dams were built, but the road has been restored by the Department of Conservation.

Riders and walkers generally drive to Whitikau where there is a DOC campsite. If you want to ride from Ōpōtiki, plan for more than one day.

From Whitikau, the rough 4WD road climbs steeply through bush to 960m altitude, follows the ridgeline, then descends steeply to the Motu Road at about 250m. It’s a 20km trip and you return the same way. The riding is not especially technical, but fitness is essential, and year round, you must prepare for the extremes of mountain weather.

> Get there: Take SH35, then the Motu Road to Toatoa. Turn onto Takaputahe Road, to Whitikau. In total, there is around 30km of winding, unsealed road to get to the start of Otipi Road.