Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland

Day 7: Napier to Gisborne

On this page: 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) - Gisborne

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.

Scenic Highlights

Te Urewera National Park
The largest national park in the North Island, Te Urewera invites you to vanish into a vast world of forest, lakes and mountains.

Napier - Art Deco Architecture
Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference.

Lake Tutira
Lake Tutira is an idyllic place to have a picnic or pitch a tent. Hike the walkway or see how many bird species you can count.

Lake Waikaremoana Walk
Escape from technology, traffic and towns. This track promises a pure wilderness experience in a world of rich green and blue.

Activities

Eastland
Walking/Trekking (2)

Hawkes Bay
Hunting (1), Theme/Leisure Park (2), Wineries (27)

Napier - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) - Gisborne

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.

Scenic Highlights

Te Urewera National Park
The largest national park in the North Island, Te Urewera invites you to vanish into a vast world of forest, lakes and mountains.

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.

Lake Waikaremoana Walk
Escape from technology, traffic and towns. This track promises a pure wilderness experience in a world of rich green and blue.

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