Running off The Motu Road, Takaputahi Rd is a well groomed gravel road with several small fords towards it’s end. Takaputahi Road is a dead end road but otherwise in itself not neccesarily memorable.
Otipi Track however which runs off Takaputahi Road starts with a river crossing and then heads upwards with rocky step ups, greasy red clay (very slippy if wet), and lots of corners. Once the track levels out there is a good solid base and at the 14.6 km point there is a very overgrown narrow track branching off to the right, which leads to a helicopter pad cut into the end of the ridge.
Carrying on straight past the helicopter track Otipi track starts heading downhill and gets rougher with a couple of slips to negotiate. Shortly after the slips you reach the Motu River where you can have a paddle and an explore before turning round and heading back.
There is a campsite at the beginning of the Otipi Track, a very basic DOC site with the only facility being a long drop toilet.
Otipi Track is a shared use road popular with 4wd’s and mountain bikers so be cautious and considerate of other track users.
There are 2 separate GPS tracks in the download, one for Takaputahi Road and one for Otipi Track.
Contributed by: @brainflex
Track type: Gravel
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Undulating
Slippery when wet?: Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? Yes
Stayed at the free Doc camp ground, nice and secluded with two fire pits and a river by your feet to enjoy. Just remember to bring loo paper as was none in the long drop. Near the end of Takaputahi Rd well past the campground is a water crossing that could be good for practice. I didn’t cross the river to Otipi track as was by myself and there was certainly some current and depth to it.
Water crossing near end of Takaputahi Rd
End of public access on Takaputahi Rd
Water crossing to Otipi Track
Whitikau Campsite
A group of 3 of us on Wednesday 2 January did what must have been the Otipi Track.
Crossed the river to the right of the bridge. Reasonably technical in spots, a couple of slips across the track.
Lunch in the long grass beside the Motu River.
Great ride though !