Auckland - Gisborne - Auckland

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Day 4 : Whakatane to Gisborne

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Whakatane - Opotiki	0.75 hr	58	36
Opotiki - Te Araroa	2 hrs	159	99
Te Araroa - Gisborne	2.25 hrs	169	106
Totals for Day	5 hrs	386	241

Whakatane - Opotiki

58 km (36 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial

The main centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just offshore is White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter.

Other Whakatane attractions include the museum, an observatory and Maori historical sites. In summer, dolphin swimming is the thing to do.

The short trip to Opotiki takes you past Ohope, a friendly coastal town with 11 kilometres of uninterrupted beach for swimming, walking, surfing and fishing.

You'll drive through gently rolling hill country—the foothills of the Urewera Ranges. Small settlements appear regularly. Local Maori culture is strong in this region, so look for carved meeting houses and unique churches.

Opotiki is an ideal base for explorations of Eastland. It has a good range of accommodation and shops. Eco-tourism activities make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and forest environment—horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.

Opotiki - Te Araroa

159 km (99 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Opotiki has a good range of accommodation and shops. Eco-tourism activities make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and forest environment—horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.

There's a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of East Cape. Have fun jetboating, kayaking or white-water rafting on the Motu River, then browse the tranquil seaside settlements of Omaio, Te Kaha, Waihau Bay and Hicks Bay.

Swimming, horse riding, fishing and diving are favourite local pastimes. Maori culture is strong in this area – look for carved meeting houses and gateways.

The village of Te Araroa is rich in Maori history. It has a 600-year-old pohutukawa tree, the largest and oldest in New Zealand, and a hotel that serves delicious meals. If you need to stretch your legs, there's a walkway to the East Cape lighthouse.

Te Araroa - Gisborne

169 km (106 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

There's a lot to see and do as you drive down the edge of East Cape. At Tikitiki you'll see one of the most marvellously ornate Maori churches in New Zealand.

Further south is Waipiro Bay, which has three historical marae. Te Puia Springs is a place for a hot soak in mineral water. Then at Tolaga Bay you can walk along the historic 660 metre wharf.

Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine and fantastic surf beaches. There are more than 20 vineyards in the area—the emphasis is on Chardonnay. Kaiti Beach was the first European landing place in New Zealand.