ROAD TRIP - Opotiki to Wairoa

A journey through Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Ōpōtiki to Ruatōria via SH 35 3hr 4min, 207km

Ruatōria to Gisborne via SH 35 2hr 3min, 139km

Gisborne to Wairoa via SH 2 1hr 22min, 97.8km

SIDE TRIP - Gisborne to Rere Falls via Wharekōpae Rd

SIDE TRIP - Wairoa to Lake Waikaremoana via SH 38 1hr 5min, 58km

SIDE TRIP - Peninsula via SH 2 and Mahia East Coast 1hr 13min, 71.5km

Travelling around Tairāwhiti Gisborne 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 toyourself. The township of Ruatōria is where your Tairāwhiti Gisborne 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 memorableadventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

MT HIKURANGI This sacred mountain is the first place in the world to see the sunrise. Take a tour to view the nine impressive carvings at the summit which tell the legends of Maui.

Mt Hikurangi, Gisborne

© Eric Hanson

TE KAHA This pretty place has glorious bays and beaches perfect for swimming. There is very good fishing to be had here, too.

EAST CAPE LIGHTHOUSE, TE ARAROA Straddling Otiki Hill above East Cape, this is the North Island’s easternmost point, Sitting 154m above sea level, climb 700 steps to get here.

ST MARY’S CHURCH, TIKITIKI This beautiful Māori church is home to some of New Zealand’s finest examples of woven tukutuku panels and wooden carvings. Built in the 1920s, entry is by gold coin donation.

HICKS BAY This remote bay is etched with the remains of several pā and steeped in Māori history. Visit the old wharf at nearby Onepoto Bay for a stunning lick of sand and inviting water.

THE BURIAL TREE Estimated to be more than 2000 years old and found in Hukutaia Domain, 10 minutes south of Ōpōtiki, the pūriri tree is hollow and was once used by the Ūpokorehe iwi to store the bones of the dead.

QUALITY BEACHES There are plenty of swimming spots along the East Cape; just outside of Ōpōtiki you’ll find Waiotahi Beach. Others include Oruaiti Beach and Lottin Point for snorkelling

ANAURA BAY WALKWAY On this relatively easy 4.5km loop track, you’ll encounter native bush, grassy paddocks, coastal forest and valleys of pine, alongside non-stop panoramic views of the coast.

OKITU BUSH SCENIC RESERVE WALK Pack a picnic and head to this scenic reserve on the outskirts of Gisborne for a half-hour loop through the reserve, home to kererū, tūī, bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers .

GRAY’S BUSH SCENIC RESERVE, GISBORNE Visit a small but significant example of tall kahikatea trees aged between 400-500 years old. You’ll also see a wealth of birdlife. There are two tracks to choose from: 15-20 minutes and 40-60 minutes.

TOLAGA BAY Home to a 660m pier and the second-longest in New Zealand. Walk to Cook’s Cove from Tolaga Bay for stunning views and a lovely swimming spot. It takes about 2.5 hours return, covering 5.8km.

Pied shag, Te Kaha

© Adobe Stock

STINGRAY ENCOUNTERS Feed, snorkel, swim and say hello to stingrays. For close encounters with these fascinating reef dwellers, book a memory-making experience with Dive Tatapouri, don your waders and get acquainted.

Dive Tatapouri, Gisborne

© Brook Sabin

GISBORNE

Aoteroa’s most easterly city, the town’s slogan is ‘First to see the light’ a nod to seeing the sun rise ahead of everyone else in the world. Māori culture and heritage are the anchors of this attractive city, which is also known as Tairāwhiti – ‘the coast upon which the sun shines across the water’.

A walk up Titirangi (Kaitī) Hill is perfect for getting your bearings. This highpoint is famous for being where the first Māori explorers settled while down at the base, at Kaitī Beach, this is where Captain James Cook came ashore when he first made landfall in 1769. With spectacular views from the top of the hill, admire the region from four lookouts. Get a taste of the region’s rich history at Tairāwhiti Museum. A combination of art and culture as well as Wyllie Cottage, the oldest European style house in Gisborne. The city is well known for its excellent wine, notably chardonnay and there are numerous wineries to explore. Gisborne is also the ideal base for unique activities such as the Rere Rockslide.

Gisborne beach

© Strike Photography

SIDE TRIP - RERE FALLS

Northwest of Gisborne on Wharekōpae Rd, you’ll find the Rere Falls with a picnic area and swimming hole on the Wharekōpae River. The falls themselves are just a minute from the car park. Proceed a little further up the road and you’ll reach the turn off for Rere Rock Slide, a 60m natural waterslide. Wear a wetsuit or use a boogie board or inner tube to skid down its slippery length. And watch the locals first to ensure you find the safest way to slide. A side trip to Eastwoodhill Arboretum is highly recommended when driving this route.

Rere Falls Trail

© Ray Sheldrake

SIDE TRIP - LAKE WAIKAREMOANA

A visit to this part of Te Urewera Forest will linger long in your memory – you can’t help but get swept up in its spiritual power, and feel as though you’ve been transported back in time to a New Zealand of another era. This area is incredibly important to Ngāi Tūhoe people who have occupied Te Urewera for hundreds of years and you’ll feel their connection with every waterway, mountain and forest. The lake’s Great Walk, best done over four days, starts near Wairoa and passes through prehistoric rainforest and wetlands, via waterfalls and rivers and through valleys of mist. Along the way are several campsites and five Department of Conservation huts, all of which must be booked in advance. At journey’s end, arrange transport back to Wairoa, either by shuttle bus or water taxi.

Lake Waikaremoana

© Hawke’s Bay Tourism

SIDE TRIP - MAHIA PENINSULA

Make a detour east off SH 2 at Nūhaka and wind your way to Mahia Peninsula, home to pioneering space enthusiasts Rocket Lab and gorgeous seaside markets. Secluded sandy beaches and rock pools at Coronation Reserve allow for idyllic swims, and Mōrere Springs has hot pools.

Mahia Peninsula

© Adobe Stock