Auckland - Wellington - Auckland

Day 4: Rotorua to Gisborne

On this page: 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 - Opotiki - Gisborne

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

Scenic Highlights

Whakarewarewa Forest
Mountain bike, run or hike on purpose-built trails in a century-old experimental forest with more than 170 different tree species.

Crater Lakes
Eleven beautiful lakes surround the geothermal town of Rotorua, which is great if you like to hike, bike, fish or kayak.

Government Gardens
Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.

Kuirau Park
Take a walk and discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity in this informal public park located right next to Rotorua's city centre.

Geothermal activity
Explore a landscape that has been shaped and coloured by extraordinary volcanic and geothermal forces.

Mount Tarawera
Gaze in awe at Mount Tarawera and imagine the frightening night of June 10 1886, when the mountain's summit split open in a violent eruption.

Lake Rotorua
In the centre of Lake Rotorua is Mokoia Island, the setting for one of New Zealand's most famous love stories.

Lakeside Trail
Walk, run or ride along a scenic lakeside trail on the front porch of downtown Rotorua. Learn about the local birdlife and geothermal activity.

Ohinemutu
View an intricately carved Maori meeting house and enter a 1901 Tudor-style church set amidst steaming geothermal vents at the edge of Lake Rotorua.

Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour
Luxuriate in the sun, sea and sand on beautiful Ohope Beach or paddle a kayak around the bird nesting sites of Ohiwa Harbour.

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
Explore forest walks that lead to a series of beautiful waterfalls, the Tutea Caves and Hinemoa's Steps.

Rainbow Mountain tracks
Explore an active geothermal mountain with coloured rocks and native plants that are unique to geothermal environments. Climb to the summit for a huge view of this fascinating part of the world.

Activities

Bay of Plenty
Boat Cruises (4), Volcanic/Geothermal (6)

Rotorua
Rafting (5), Spas/Health Resorts and Thermal Bathing Pools (7), Theme/Leisure Park (1)

Rotorua - Whakatane - Opotiki - Gisborne

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 Maori 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 Maori 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.

Scenic Highlights

Whinray Reserve
Walk just 30 minutes into the Whinray Reserve and you'll find yourself surrounded by forest giants, some over 40 metres tall.

Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve
Enjoy the great outdoors at the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve, a peaceful forest paradise between Opotiki and Gisborne.

Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour
Luxuriate in the sun, sea and sand on beautiful Ohope Beach or paddle a kayak around the bird nesting sites of Ohiwa Harbour.

Activities

Bay of Plenty
Boat Cruises (4), Dolphins (6)

Eastland
Horse Treks (1)

Rotorua - Whakatane - Opotiki - Gisborne

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.

Scenic Highlights

Tolaga Bay Wharf
Extending far into the deep water of Tolaga Bay, this wharf is a legendary place to dangle a fishing line.

Captain Cook's Landing Site and Young Nick's Head
When the HMS Endeavour appeared in Poverty Bay in October 1769, the course of New Zealand history changed forever.

Cook's Cove Walkway
Picnic in Cook's Cove and try to imagine the HMS Endeavour at anchor. This is where Captain Cook restocked and repaired his ship.

Whinray Reserve
Walk just 30 minutes into the Whinray Reserve and you'll find yourself surrounded by forest giants, some over 40 metres tall.

Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve
Enjoy the great outdoors at the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve, a peaceful forest paradise between Opotiki and Gisborne.

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve
Stretch your legs along the four kilometre sandy beach of Te Tapuwae O Tongokako, then explore the rocky intertidal platforms.

Activities

Eastland
Walking/Trekking (2), Wineries (2)