Driving Route : Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland

Day 8 : Gisborne to Whakatane

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Route Summary

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

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

Gisborne - Te Araroa

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

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.

There's a lot to see and do as you drive up the edge of East Cape. At Tolaga Bay you can walk along the historic 660 metre wharf. Te Puia Springs is a place for a hot soak in mineral water.

As well as a fabulous beach, Waipiro Bay has three historical marae. At Tikitiki you'll see one of the most marvellously ornate Māori churches in New Zealand.

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.

Te Araroa - Opotiki

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

There's a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of East Cape. Browse the picturesque seaside settlements of Hicks Bay, Waihau Bay, Te Kaha and Omaio, where swimming, horse riding, fishing and diving are favourite local pastimes.

Māori culture is prevalent—look for carved meeting houses and gateways. Balance the sun-soaked tranquillity with an exciting burst of jetboating, kayaking or white-water rafting on the Motu River.

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 - Whakatane

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

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.

The short trip to Whakatane takes you 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. Last stop before Whakatane is Ohope, a friendly coastal town with 11 kilometres of uninterrupted beach for swimming, walking, surfing and fishing.

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.

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Directory Information

Gisborne, Eastland:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Whakatane, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Visitor Information

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