Motu river access
The Otipi road access to the Motu river is once again open to 4wd vehicles after slips blocked it a few years ago. A digger and a bulldozer spent 2 weeks clearing the road through to the river. Conservation workers have removed the remains of the old hut and plans are underway to tidy the Otipi landing up a bit by cutting gorse and building a couple of fireplaces.
The access road meets the river below the upper gorge, but above the lower gorge, allowing river users to skip the difficult upper gorge and make a shorter run down to SH35 with only one overnight stop or even do the whole lot (about 50km) in one single long day on the water, or run just the upper gorge from Motu falls and take out at Otipi.
I understand that over the winter a locked gate may be placed on the road to limit access but currently it's open to anyone. The road has been opened up by DOC with a view to use by rafters/kayakers and mountain bikers.
Given the recent attention over plans for hydro development on the wild and scenic Motu, river users should get in there and float this river. The more our rivers are used, the stronger the case becomes for conservation of our rivers for recreational users. Hydro plans were thwarted in the 1980's due in no small part to a concerted effort by rafters, kayakers and tubies to get as many people down the river as possible.
Even if you don't have a lot of time, the Motu now has two top quality easy weekend trips, so make the most of the opportunity while it exists.
John- some serious consideration has been given to reviving hydro plans for the motu- check this link.
http://rivers.org.nz/forum/conservation/5615
Thanks for all the work you guys are doing improving the access, the otipi road is a real asset
Hello all, I am the Programme manager for Visitor assets, Gisborne/Whakatane, Department of Conservation. Otipi Road update. Firstly, the Otipi road was put in back in the 1960's when the government of the day was investigating damming the Motu for Hydro. It was considered not viable then and as far as I know has never been discussed since then. Some confusion may occur as it is still sometimes referred to as the hydro road. The road is now part of the Raukumara forest park and over the last 10 years has deteriorated. We spent a couple weeks in there at the start of the year and reopened the road to four wheel vehicles so that access for groups such as yourself can get in there again. This winter a few large slips have again closed the road and we will be in there before xmas putting in culverts and reopening. We are also drawing up plans for an open sided shelter to be placed where the old MOW huts were at the Motu end. We have put a forestry gate at the start and will be locking it each winter to four wheel drives but still retain access to quads. Hope this clears up a few items and I can be contacted at the DOC office in Gisborne. Cheers John
Heard that there's a gate on the otipi road now and that access is restricted over winter to preserve the track surface. Best bet is to ring Opotiki DOC and check the status before you go.
I spoke to a local iwi leader - I suspect they all are leaders of some part of the local scene - but he said development "over his dead body".
Hugh
We did a trip last week from the top, Well worth the effort getting in there as it is one of the best multi day trips around.... also can confirm that there was road access to Otipi as there was 4x4 vehicles down by the river.
There is some talk amongst the local Iwi regarding the proposed power scheme, had a talk to some of the elders down at the main road.
Donald Calder 021343980