Hukutaia Domain
Hukutaia Domain is 4.5 hectares of native bush remnant, featuring ancient Puriri trees, mighty Tawa, and many varieties of ferns, moses and fungi. It provides a glimpse of how the local area looked before culitvation of the land changed the landscape.
A highlight is the magnificent Taketakerau burial tree, a 2000-year-old puriri used in ancient times by the Upokorehe iwi.
Easy to find with plenty of parking and also has Restrooms. Just a short drive from Opotiki. An easy walk so take your time, listen to the birds and stop and have a good look at the huge puriri tree and enjoy this lovely peaceful spot to be in.
Hukutaia is also a collection of native plants and trees, gathered from all parts of New Zealand and its off-shore islands. There are an estimated 1500 different varieties in amongst the 700 specimens, many of them labelled.
Cost: Free!
The Dunes Trail
The Dunes Trail is situated right in front of the park, jump on your bike, start riding, walking or jogging from here. The western end of the trail begins at the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku Bridge in Opotiki and continues on out to our park here at Tirohanga (7 km). From Tirohanga the Dunes Trail finishes at Jackons Road which is a further 4 km to the east.
This entire Dunes Trail section meanders along a spectacular stretch of coast where there are many panoramic views of the sparkling Pacific ocean, including White Island (Whakaari) and the East Cape ranges (Raukumara Ranges)
This is an easy (grade 2) trail that caters for cyclists, walkers and runners. It's great for children, with many places to access the beach. The trail is undulating with easy gradients. A return trip to Opotiki for a coffee plus time to stop for a swim and a picnic along the way is a nice half day trip for the family.
Ride the Pakihi Section of the Motu Trails
It has quickly become apparent that the Pakihi Section of the Motu Trails is THE section to ride. Everybody wants to do it but it becomes expensive when travel, accommodation, transport and equipment are taken into consideration.
Motu Cycle Trails can be contacted Ngaio on 0275052120 they drive is towards Gisbourne via Statehighway2 and cut in to the beautiful Pakahi track. The drive takes about 2 hours and is 100ks.By car you can drive the loop which is a beautiful drive and is about 160ks.
