Driving Route : Auckland - Wellington - Auckland

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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 - Whakatane	1 hr	86	54
Whakatane - Opotiki	0.75 hr	58	36
Opotiki - Gisborne	1.75 hrs	143	89
Totals for Day	3.5 hrs	287	179

Rotorua - Whakatane

86 km (54 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
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 Māori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.

The drive to Whakatane has many interesting features. First up is the wilderness of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, a trout fisherman's paradise. Lake Rotoehu is next, followed by Lake Rotoma—home to a hybrid ‘Tiger’ trout.

The pulp and paper mill town of Kawerau is a possible detour. To finish, you'll discover Awakeri Hot Springs, which has indoor spas filled with natural, unfiltered mineral water.

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 Māori historical sites. In summer, dolphin swimming is the thing to do.

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 Māori 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 Māori 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 - Gisborne

143 km (89 miles)
Approximately 1.75 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 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.