TRIP 4 COROMANDEL, BAY OF PLENTY & EASTLAND Makorori Coastal Lookout, Gisborne © Strike Photography
T R IP 4
a journey through
Eastland
Ōpotiki to Ruatōria via SH 35 3hr 4min, 207km
SIDE TRIP
Ruatōria to Gisborne via SH 35 2hr 3min, 139km
Gisborne to Rere Falls via Wharekōpae Rd 43min, 46.3km
SIDE TRIP
Wairoa to Lake Waikaremoana via SH 38 1hr 5min, 58km
SIDE TRIP
Gisborne to Wairoa via SH 2 1hr 22min, 97.8km
Wairoa to Mahia Peninsula via SH 2 and Mahia East Coast 1hr 13min, 71.5km
T
ravelling around Eastland on the Pacific Coast Highway (SH 35), you’ll pass through some of New Zealand’s most isolated communities, all of them steeped in Māori culture. Most of the way the winding road hugs the coastline; along its rugged lengths you’ll find many treasures including historic churches and marae, picturesque lighthouses, wharves, spectacular headlands and unspoilt, isolated, beaches which you’ll often have to yourself. The township of Ruatōria is where your Eastland journey draws you south towards the region’s main city of Gisborne. Beyond, the road turns inland as you head due south towards the Mahia Peninsula then around the point to the riverside town of Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay’s northernmost town. Taking the road all the way to Napier will complete a varied and memorable adventure.
142 | M U S T D O ’ S • CO R OMA N DE L, B A Y OF PLE N TY & E A STLAND
