I headed to Opotiki last Christmas with the aim of heading out to sea and catching fish. It didn't take long to learn, however, that there's much more to Opotiki than action out on the ocean.
On windy days when the sea was up and fishing was off, we headed
to the Two Fish Cafe for our coffee fix, ate at the Bay's best sushi shop and trawled for gems in the retro shops. There are also plenty of walks around the town's hinterland to explore; but why walk if you can ride? Thanks to the development of the Motu Trails (an extension of the NZ cycling trail) more people are visiting Opotiki than ever, and visitors on bikes is the new normal for the pretty township.
Due to our great experience at Christmas, Opotiki has become my favourite small town and we went back recently to try out one of the Motu cycle trails. Our sights were set on the Dunes Trail: graded easy, it suits people with kids and is an 11km ride (one way) along the dunes of pristine coastline.
You can start the ride at Memorial Park at the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku Bridge. We weren't going to let overcast, windy weather spoil the ride - once your legs get pumping, things start to warm up and top layers were ripped off. There are lots of small bumps and downhill grades over the dunes, but nothing too hard. If your kids are fit and confident on their bikes, it's an excellent ride and the views out on to the ocean, over to White Island, and further down to the East Cape ranges are beaut.
If the weather and wind were on our side, we would have stopped for a swim and a picnic on the beach. We eventually stopped for an ice cream at the 5km mark at the Tirohanga Dairy. This stop is essential on hot days, as is the purchase of pies and cold drinks from the bakery. Not many cyclists know a dairy is located here as it's hidden behind scrub. Make a note of it before you start the trail because if you're in need of a rest and refuel - this is where to do it.
All sorts were out on the trail the day we rode. Lycra-clad lads going lightning fast, university graduates from Europe who wanted to see the world before starting real jobs and, of course, Bay locals, like us, grabbing the chance to see what's in their own backyard.