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.
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 known for 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
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.
The Tairāwhiti river plains are 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.
Cycling by Rere Falls © Mead Norton Photography
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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
