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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -38.23957, 177.59791. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 6.3 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Whinray and Mōtū Scenic Reserves
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
View the spectacular Mōtū Falls from the car park and picnic area, or walk along an old coach road through native forest - suitable for all ages.
This DOC directory entry covers Whinray Scenic Reserve Track in Gisborne, within Whinray and Mōtū Scenic Reserves. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 6.3 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Shorter option
Time: 30 min
From the car park on Mōtū Falls Road, cross the swingbridge and walk as far as you wish along an old coach road. The track passes through native forest and over numerous small streams.
Longer option
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Walk through the reserve from either the Marumoko Road car park or the Mōtū Falls car park. Starting from Marumoko Road, the track is an easy downhill walk suitable for all ages. The walk can be completed as a return trip from both ends.
Getting there
Whinray Scenic Reserve is 87 km from Gisborne, halfway between Opotiki and Gisborne. The car park on Mōtū Falls Road is 5 km past the Mōtū township. The reserve can also be accessed from Marumoko Road.
Know before you go
The track is well benched but you may see triangles of various colours off to the side of the track. These indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks, don't follow these.
Note: the track is one-way, it's not a loop track. Return the way you came.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
