Queenstown (more)
High: 21 Low: 7 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 |
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 Maori churches in New Zealand.
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.
159 km (99 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
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.
Maori 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.
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 Maori 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 Maori historical sites. In summer, dolphin swimming is the thing to do.
View more Queenstown driving routes.
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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