MATAWAI to GISBORNE
RERE FALLS Trail
1-3 days
Y
ou can bump along one of New Zealand’s most remote regions year-round and in either direction, but the Matawai to Gisborne route enjoys longer stretches of descents, including the 4km Wharekopae Hill, whereas the opposite direction requires some serious effort. Either way, the trail presents hillside, fertile flats and high-country farmland, connected via gravel and sealed roads.
a welcoming lagoon. For shady respite, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a 135ha labyrinth of cool woodland, with both flat walkways and those that climb steeply to gain farstretching views.
As a 103km Grade 3 ride, experienced cyclists often like to complete this journey in one day, while others break it down into several. The trail is laced with swimming spots which are heavensent when you’ve worked up a sweat. Rere Rockslide is such a place: a 60m natural slide formed from polished rock. The embankments are perfect for leisurely picnics and nearby Rere Falls spills off a wide ledge into
Wharekopae Hill on Wharekopae Rd © Mead Norton Photography
Motu Trails
Poverty Bay Flats is home to Gisborne’s finest wineries, and the city, where this ride concludes, is just 7km further. Stunning eastern beaches are sure to warrant a celebratory dip in the sea. TOP TIP – This trail is all on road. You can use a mountain, gravel or touring bike with sturdy tyres. Certain sections (but not all) can be ridden on a road bike.
BEST FOR: ‘Yee-har’ descents through rural backroads and bucolic scenery.
MATAWAI
Te Wera Rd
Tahora Rd Rere Rockslide Rere Falls
© AA Traveller 2020
Waipaoa River Eastwoodhill Arboretum Ngatapa
MAP LEGEND open section
holiday park/camp
highway section
café/restaurant
start/finish point
toilets
point of interest
car park
i-SITE Visitor Centre
accommodation
town
state highway
Wharekopae Rd
Tiniroto Rd
TAIRĀWHITI GISBORNE
Poverty Bay
nzcycletrail.com for more Trail Detail... 1000m
Matawai
Rere Falls 50km
13km
Eastwoodhill Arboretum 36km
Gisborne
500m
0m
51
HEARTLAND RIDE • RERE FALLS TRAIL
Switching between wide open roads and countryside to natural landmarks that require closer inspection, time spent off the bike is just as rewarding as time spent on it.
103km
