Driving Route : Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland

Day 7 : Napier to Gisborne

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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)
Napier - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)	2.25 hrs	181	113
Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) - Gisborne	2 hrs	161	101
Totals for Day	4.25 hrs	342	214

Napier - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)

181 km (113 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke's Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

The first leg of your journey takes you past pretty Lake Tutira and the turn off to Waipatiki Beach. Then you'll cross the Mohaka River, known for its fishing, kayaking and rafting adventures.

When you reach Wairoa, memorable for the lighthouse in its main street, you'll have the chance to stock up with supplies before you head for the wilds of the Urewera National Park. Wairoa also has an interesting museum.

Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand's most beautiful wilderness lakes. Walking tracks around the lake are well maintained and clearly signposted. The Onepoto Caves are a highlight. Near the shores of the lake is Aniwaniwa, which has a visitor centre. Also on the lake shore is a motor camp with motels and tent-sites.

Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) - Gisborne

161 km (101 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Waikaremoana is one of the North Island's most beautiful wilderness lakes, and the gateway to the Urewera National Park. Walking tracks around the lake are well maintained and clearly signposted. The Onepoto Caves are a highlight.

Near the shores of the lake is the settlement of Aniwaniwa, where a visitor centre is located. Also on the lake shore is a motor camp with motels, cabins and tent-sites.

There are two routes to Gisborne—inland, via State Highway 36, or along the coast on State Highway 2. The inland route gives you the chance to visit Hackfalls Arboratum, one of the largest private collections of trees in New Zealand. Te Reinga Falls is another local attraction. The coastal route provides access to the fabulous beaches of the Mahia Peninsula and Morere Hot Springs.

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.