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Day 4 : Rotorua to Gisborne

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

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Rotorua - Opotiki	1.75 hrs	132	83
Opotiki - Gisborne	1.75 hrs	143	89
Totals for Day	3.5 hrs	275	172

Rotorua - Opotiki

132 km (83 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.

Your drive towards the coast begins with the wilderness of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, a fisherman's paradise. Lake Rotoehu is next, followed by Lake Rotoma—home to a hybrid ‘Tiger’ trout. The paper mill town of Kawerau is a possible side trip.

At Awakeri Hot Springs (a place for a hot soak) you can decide to loop past Whakatane, the largest town in the region, or head straight for Opotiki.

The final leg of your journey passes through the foothills of the Urewera Ranges—look for Maori meeting houses and churches.

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.

Opotiki - Gisborne

143 km (89 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

There's a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of East Cape. Have fun jetboating or rafting on the Motu River, then browse the tranquil seaside settlements that lead up to Te Araroa, where you can walk to the East Cape lighthouse.

At Tikitiki you'll see an amazing church. 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.

View more Auckland driving routes.