Motu Road only suitable for 4x4 vehicles

Motorists are reminded that the unsealed Motu Road between Matawai and State Highway 35 north of Opotiki is suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. Trucks and small cars should not attempt to use this road at all.

With the Waioeka Gorge between Gisborne and Opotiki closed by a large slip, motorists are looking for alternative routes north. Better options are State Highway 35 around the East Coast or State Highway 5 south via Napier and Taupo. Both routes add two-three hours to the journey.

The Motu Road is an unsealed road with several rivers to ford. At places it is quite narrow and with the recent rain care will be needed. It with forms part of the newly formed Motu Cycle trails and is a picturesque mountain biking track.

Motorists using the East Coast road are reminded that there are limited fuel supplies and they should refuel in Gisborne or Opotiki. Road works on Maraenui Hill South of Te Kaha could also cause delays of up to 15 minutes while earthworks progress.

Check out www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/ for updates on the Waioeka Gorge.