Roadtrip Nation's New Zealand journey

Day 5: Gisborne to Napier

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Gisborne - Napier 2.75 hrs  213/133   Totals for Day 2.75 hrs  213/133

Gisborne - Napier

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 are two ways to approach the trip to Napier. The inland route gives you the chance to visit Hackfalls Arboratum, one of the largest private collections of trees in New Zealand. The coastal route provides access to Morere Hot Springs and the fabulous beaches of the Mahia Peninsula. Both roads bring you to the town of Wairoa, memorable for the lighthouse in its main street. As you near Napier, Waipatiki Beach and pretty Lake Tutira are attractive diversions.

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.

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.

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.

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
Diving (1), Surfing (1), Wineries (2)

Hawkes Bay
Wineries (5)

Tour and Sightseeing

Hawkes Bay
Wineries (12)