Rotorua
- Gisborne
274 km (171 miles)
Approximately 4.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The drive from Rotorua to Gisborne is full of fantastic scenery. First highlight is the wilderness of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, a trout fisherman’s paradise. Lake Rotoehu is next, followed by Lake Rotoma.
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.
The short trip to Opotiki takes you past Ohope, a friendly coastal town with 11 kilometres of uninterrupted beach for swimming, walking, surfing and fishing. Local Maori culture is strong in this region, so look for carved meeting houses and unique churches.
Opotiki has eco-tourism activities that make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and forest environment - horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.
State Highway 2 cuts inland at Opotiki, taking you through the Waioeka Gorge. This road is relatively challenging, however it’s seriously picturesque. Take your time and enjoy the forest and river scenery.
Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine, strong Maori culture and fantastic surf beaches. There are more than 20 vineyards in the area – the emphasis is on chardonnay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Rotorua
Heritage Attractions (2),
Horse Treks (1),
Rafting (5),
Volcanic/Geothermal (6)
Tour and Sightseeing
Rotorua
Volcanic/Geothermal (4)
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