Last updated June 2026
Nestled 50 km north-west of Gisborne, the Otoko Walkway follows a 5 km section of the former Gisborne to Moutohora railway line through farmland and alongside the Waihuka River. This unmaintained track in the Tairāwhiti region blends scenic rural views with visible remnants of early 20th-century rail infrastructure. Visitors can enjoy native kōwhai blooms in spring and a small waterfall near the Otoko Scenic Reserve edge. The walkway is not a loop, so transport arrangements are needed for the two ends. It is closed each year during lambing season.
Practical Information
| Location | 50 km north-west of Gisborne off SH2 |
| Length | 5 km one way |
| Time | Approximately 2.5 hours one way |
| Difficulty | Moderate; unmaintained track |
| Access points | Mahaki tunnel rest area and opposite Otoko Hall |
| Seasonal closure | 1 August to start of Labour Weekend (late October) |
| Facilities | Parking, picnic tables and bins at Mahaki rest area; none along track |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
About Otoko Walkway
The Otoko Walkway traverses the formation of the historic Gisborne to Moutohora railway line, which served timber and agricultural interests in the early 1900s. The first train reached Ormond in 1902, Te Karaka in 1905, and the full line to Moutohora opened in 1917. The last train ran on 14 March 1959, after which the tracks were removed.
Today the route offers an easy gradient originally designed for trains, passing through open farmland, hill cuttings made by hand, and light bush. Walkers cross the Waihuka River beside old concrete bridge piers and can detour briefly for views of a small waterfall in native bush near the Otoko Scenic Reserve.
Spring brings vibrant yellow kōwhai flowers along the edges of the reserve. The track is not maintained, so conditions vary with weather and stock movement on the private farmland it crosses.
Access and Getting There
The walkway lies off State Highway 2 (Matawai Road) approximately 50 km north-west of Gisborne. Two entry points exist: the recommended starting point at the Mahaki railway tunnel rest area (9 km east of Otoko School) and the opposite end near Otoko Hall. A car park, picnic tables and rubbish bins are available at the Mahaki rest area. The track is not a loop, so arrange transport between ends or walk out and back.
Trail Features and Terrain
From the Mahaki tunnel entrance, steps lead down to the old formation. The path follows the visible railway alignment for about 2 km across farmland before the river crossing. Further sections pass through cuttings and benchings, with remnants such as wooden culverts, concrete sumps, fish plates and spikes still visible. After light bush near the scenic reserve, the route leaves the formation and follows a farm track beside the river to the Otoko Hall end. The track is overgrown in places and lacks clear markings.
History of the Railway Line
The Moutohora Branch was Gisborne’s first railway. Progressive construction brought the line to key settlements in the early 1900s, supporting local industries until competition from road transport and the completion of the East Coast main line reduced its viability. The Railways Department took over in 1943, but services declined and the final train operated on 14 March 1959. The Otoko Walkway now preserves a short section of this heritage route for public use.
Safety and Seasonal Considerations
The track crosses private farmland; leave gates as found and be aware of stock, which may include bulls. The Waihuka River crossing has no bridge, so avoid it after heavy rain. The surface can be slippery and muddy when wet, and the old Mahaki tunnel structure is unsound, so do not enter it. The walkway closes annually from 1 August until the start of Labour Weekend (late October) for lambing. Always check current conditions with the Department of Conservation before visiting.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers appreciate the peaceful rural setting and the tangible reminders of the old railway, including cuttings and bridge piers. Many note the easy gradient and spring kōwhai flowers but caution that the unmaintained track can be overgrown and the river crossing requires care.
Visitors often describe the route as a pleasant half-day outing with interesting historical features, though they recommend sturdy footwear and checking weather and closure dates in advance.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official page with track description, access details and seasonal alerts.
Gisborne District Council: Local recreation page listing Otoko Walkway and linking to DOC information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the Otoko Walkway?
The walkway is 5 km one way along the old railway formation.
When is the Otoko Walkway closed?
It closes each year from 1 August until the start of Labour Weekend (late October) for lambing season.
Are dogs allowed on the Otoko Walkway?
Dogs are not permitted on the walkway.
Is the Otoko Walkway maintained?
No, the track is unmaintained and can be overgrown with faint markings in places.
Do I need to cross a river on the Otoko Walkway?
Yes, walkers cross the Waihuka River beside old bridge piers; there is no bridge and crossings should be avoided after heavy rain.
Are there toilets on the Otoko Walkway?
There are no toilets or shelters along the track; basic facilities are available only at the Mahaki rest area.
Is the Mahaki tunnel safe to enter?
No, the old concrete tunnel structure is unsound and entry is not advised.
Can I do a return trip on the Otoko Walkway?
The track is not a loop; most visitors arrange transport between the two ends or walk out and back.
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