Driving Route : Auckland - Whakatane - Napier
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Coromandel
- Day 2 : Coromandel to Tauranga
- Day 3 : Tauranga to Whakatane
- Day 4 : Whakatane to Gisborne
- Day 5 : Gisborne to Napier
Featured Tourism Operators
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 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 kms 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 - 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. Māori culture is strong in this area—look for carved meeting houses and gateways.
The village of Te Araroa is rich in Māori history. It has a 600-year-old pohutukawa tree, the largest and oldest in New Zealand, and a camping ground with tent sites, cabins and motel units. 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
The village of Te Araroa is rich in Māori 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.
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 Māori 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.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Coromandel
- Day 2 : Coromandel to Tauranga
- Day 3 : Tauranga to Whakatane
- Day 4 : Whakatane to Gisborne
- Day 5 : Gisborne to Napier
View more Auckland driving routes.
Directory Information
Whakatane, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport
Opotiki, Eastland:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Visitor Information
Gisborne, Eastland:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information