This page provides a brief overview of the some of the many activities that are available to you as you travel the Pacific Coast Highway on either State Highway 35 or State Highway 2.
For a more details on the available activities, please check out our 'Locations' page.
For a more details on the available activities, please check out our 'Locations' page.
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kawerau - whakatane - OPOTIKI - SH2
KawerauKawerau i-Site
At the Bus Terminal, Plunket St. Permits to Tarawera Falls & trout fishing. Daily walking tours of town & parks. P: 07 323 6030 Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre
Cnr Glasgow & Plunket Sts. FREE heated pool complex. Ph 07 323 6109 Rangitaiki & Motu Jet Boat Tours
Adventure & excitement. Suitable for all ages. Ecological & Historical Commentary. Bookings Essential. Ph Mark 027 4707315. AwakeriAwakeri Rail Adventures
Several run times daily. Follow us on Facebook. Please book to avoid disappointment. P: 0800 KERI RAIL (0800 5374 7245) W: www.awakerirail.co.nz WhakataneCheddar Valley Pottery
1034 Wainui Rd. Domestic and garden ware. Tiles. NZ designs. Working studio. EFTPOS. Stuart & Margaret Slade. Open most days. P: 07-312 4583 Diveworks Charters
Dolphin & Seal Encounters. Whale Island Guided Walks. Fishing & Dive Trips. P: 0800 354 7737 Rangitaiki & Motu Jet Boat Tours
Adventure & excitement. Suitable for all ages. Ecological & Historical Commentary. Bookings Essential. Ph Mark 027 4707315. Moutohora Island Tours
4 hour guided tour of wildlife sanctuary. Departs from White Island Rendezvous. P: 0800 733 529 W: www.moutohora.co.nz OhopeNga Tapuwae o Tairongo - Ohiwa Harbour Heritage Trail
Take a journey of discovery of Ōhiwa’s past and present, its natural environment and human history, on Ngā Tapuwae o Tairongo, the Ōhiwa Harbour Heritage Trail. Whāia ngā tapuwae o Tairongo, mai tōna wā ki ināianei, ka kite ai e koutou he Ao mīharo, he Ao whakahirahira. 
OPOTIKI - te kaha - SH35
OpotikiHikutaia Honey
448 Woodlands Rd. Local honey and beeswax. Gate Sales. Please phone in advance. P: or Fx: 07-315 7650 Rangitaiki & Motu Jet Boat Tours
Adventure & excitement. Suitable for all ages. Ecological & Historical Commentary. Bookings Essential. Ph Mark 027 4707315. Opotiki Bait & Tackle
Fishing & Hunting supplies. Stoney Creek Clothing range. Open 7 days at 126 St John St. P: 07 315 6448 Opotiki Bowling Club
Eastern end of King Street. P: 07-315 7610 Opotiki DeLuxe Theatre
Movie theatre and full stage theatre first opened in 1926. 127 Church Street. Book movie tickets online. P: 07-315 6110 W: www.deluxetheatre.co.nz Opotiki Fishing Charters
Contact Michael Ruru. P: 027-268 6190 Opotiki’s Historic Heart
Incorporating the Opotiki Museum, Hiona St Stephen’s Church, The Deluxe Theatre and the Shalfoon & Francis Four Square Store Opotiki Museum
123 & 129 Church Street. P: 07-315 5193 Opotiki Superette & Internet Café
97 Church St. High speed wireless hotspot. P: 07-315 7632 The Honey Shop
Local Honey & Bee Products. Travel Shop
International & Domestic travel arrangements. 104 Church St. P: 07-315 8881 Taketakerau - The Millennium Tree
Award winning book Story of 2000 year old Burial Tree. Free audio online. Also available in bookstores & online. $35.00 MatawaiMotu Village & Motu Falls Side Trip Or return trip to Ōpōtiki via Motu Road Scenic Drive. Motu Village is 14km from Matawai. Motu is a very well established and productive farming community. Special Attractions include Motu Falls (5kms from Motu Village) and the Whinray Reserve Bush Walk which is an easy two hour walk along the old Military Track. This is not a loop track, but there is vehicle access from each end – the other end is on Marumoko Road – off the old Motu Road. Other activities are mountain biking (including Motu Trails, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail) and trout fishing.
Riverview Treks & Pinehollow Horse & Pony Rides Treks & lessons. 2224 Matawai Rd. P: 027 749 1629 TorereTorere Macadamias
Beachfront Orchard. Regular Field Days. M: 027 468 7588 Motu RiverRangitaiki & Motu River Jet Adventure & excitement. Suitable for all ages. Ecological & Historical Commentary. Bookings Essential. Ph Mark 027 4707 315. te kaha - Gisborne - SH35
Te KahaKereu River
Good fishing, picnicking and laz’n. Standfast Horse Treks
Beach, River or bush. All ages & riding abilities catered for. Based at the mouth of the Kereu River. Waikawa Point
Good fishing, picnicking, fossicking on the rocks, diving and laz’n. Whanarua BayPacific Coast Macadamias
Our sub-tropical plantation is open daily during the summer months for espresso coffee and macadamia products. P: 07-325 2960 W: www.macanuts.co.nz Waihau BayOruaiti Beach
A safe, sandy, swimming beach, this is considered by many to be the best beach on the East Coast road. Te AraroaEast Cape Manuka Visitors Centre & Cafe
Manuka Oil and Manuka Honey products available. Visitors welcome. Espresso, smoothies and food. P: 06-864 4826 or 0508 MANUKA (0508 626 852) W: www.eastcapemanuka.co.nz Te Waha o Rerekohu
The name of the school is the same as that of this great pohutukawa tree. Believed to be well in excess of 350 years old, it stands 21.2 metres tall and measures 40 metres at it’s widest point. It is also reputed to be the largest of its species in the world. The name according to Hatiwira Houkamau, Rerekohu had a Store House where the tree stands, this store house was called Te Waha o Rerekohu. When the house was no longer there the name remained with the tree. RuatoriaMaunga Hikurangi
Join us for a day experience where out Ngati Porou guides tell the stories of the nine whakairo (carvings). Book online. W: www.maungahikurangi.com Park and ride at Ruatōria Aerodrome and ride your bike up Tapuaeroa Valley Road, a 36 km return easy ride on a sealed rural road with beautiful views and plenty places to stop and picnic. For the less energetic, drive up the road.
Visit Tuparoa and walk along the beach to the landing on the south end, it’s a 2km easy walk where Colonel Whitmore arrived [160] years ago to work with local hapu. Free camping available on the beach, its quiet.
Swim in the beautiful waters of Waiapu River beneath the bridge. The locals will show you the best spots but you can also park on the River bed.
Visit the township of Ruatōria, grab some kai and take a short drive around town. See Ngata College, Whakarua Park and while you are filling up your waka, try a Ngāti Porou greeting “kei te aha”.
Tolaga BayTatapouri
Tatapouri is a fantastic base from which to explore the East Coast. Good fishing and diving may be enjoyed. Wild life mixture including penguins, seals, dolphins, whales and a wide variety of seabirds.Tatapouri is in close proximity to several top surfing beaches, is only 10 minutes from Gisborne City’s shops and attractions. Tatapouri is the home of Dive Tatapouri and Tatapouri Motor Camp. Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve The Marine Reserve has been established to protect marine habitat providing a safe haven for all manner of marine life to live and breed. Road access lies approx 39km Sth of Tolaga Bay (16km Nth of Gisborne) on State Highway 35 at Pouawa Beach Rd. The reserve covers 2450 hectares from Pouawa river to the Waimoko river mouths and up to 3.5km offshore. This reserve is special in that it contains an extensive selection of Marine Habitat and a wide variety of Marine Species that are representative of the sea in this East Cape region. gisborne - napier - SH2
GisborneCycle Gisborne
Cycle Hire. A range of cycle tours from easy family to more advanced rides. Ask at the i-Site. P: 06 927 7021 Dive Tatapouri
Reef Ecology Tour. Shark Cage Diving. P: 06 868 5153 E: [email protected] W: www.divetatapouri.com East Coast Museum of Technology
67 Main Rd, Makaraka. Open Sun to Fri 10am to 4pm. Sat 1pm to 4pm. Adults $10 Child $2 Toddlers Free. W: www.ecmot.org.nz Eastwoodhill Arboretum
2392 Wharekopae Road. Open Daily. Spectacular scenery, Walks, Guided Tours. P: 06 863 9003 Gisborne Astro Tours
Explore the Universe! Wednesday and Saturday nights. Booking Essential. P: 027 560 9287 W: www.gisborneastrotours.com Gisborne Farmers Market
Every Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Rain, Hail or Shine Cnr Stout & Fitzherbert Street. Direct from the grower to you. Gisborne's Vintage Steam Train
Excursions most holiday weekends. Adults $40 - Child $15 (under 15 years) - Family $90 (2Ad+2Ch). Depot open to public Thurs/Sat 9am to 12.00pm P: 06-868 6139 W: www.gcvr.org.nz Haurata High Country Retreat and Farm Walks
658 Makaretu Rd, Otoko. P: 06-867 8452 HB Williams Memorial Library
34 Bright St. 24/7 Free WiFi. Desktop PC’s. 7 Study & breakout rooms available. Mini Golf @ Gisborne i-Site Visitor Info Centre
Open daily 8.30am to 4pm. Only $6 per person! Family Fun. 209 Grey Street. P: 06-868 6139 Fx: 06 868-6138 MV Takitimu
Cruise the stunning Poverty Bay harbour on this Historic Vessel. Approx. 1.25hrs. Public Trips Adult/College Age $25 - Younger $15. Private Charter by appointment. 1 hour $460 - 2 hour $690. P: 0274 749 360 - Private trips by appointment. P: 0274 749 360 - for info on times. Rere Falls & Rere Rock Slide
By turning right at the roundabout onto Wharekopae Road, you are heading towards, Eastwoodhill Arboretum (25kms) & the picturesque Rere Falls (40kms), picnic area & swimming hole, & a bit past the falls is the Rere Rock Slide. This 60 metre natural waterslide is suitable for most age groups, but it is recommended you wear a wetsuit or use a boogie board or inner tube. Riverview Treks & Pinehollow Horse & Pony Rides
2424 Matawai Rd. 20 mins from town. Farm setting with established trees & tranquil river. P: 027-749 1629 Stone Studio
Specialising in Greenstone, Fudge & NZ themed gift & souvenirs. Watch the Carvers at work. 237 Stanley Rd. Tairawhiti Museum and Art Gallery
More than just a Museum! Changing exhibitions of regional history, fine and decorative arts, and a historic cottage and ship to explore. Short walk from city centre or Free Parking & Free WiFi. Tipuna Tours
Cultural & Heritage experiences. In Gisborne or around the Coast. Tailored Tours to meet your interests. P: 06 862 6118 M: 027 240 4493 Makaraka
A busy little village at the junction of Main Rd & SH2. Veer left onto SH2 where you will pass through the Poverty Bay flats. The opening of the Waipaoa River Flood Control Scheme in 1973 which protects 9,000 hectares has enabled the productive plains to belie their name, and produce excellent wine and horticultural crops. This is the home of Roseland Tavern. Matawhero
This area is rich in Early-European history and a nearby farm was started in 1839. Originally a school building, the Matawhero Historic Church was built in the 1860's. Matawhero is also the site of an infamous incident during the Maori Wars in 1868, when the warrior Te Kooti & his followers attacked the settlement, resulting in 54 deaths. Manutuke
Soon after turning left at the roundabout you will pass a side road leading to the village of Manutuke, the site of several interesting Maori marae. Te Poho o Rukupo is one of the oldest meeting houses in Poverty Bay, while Toko Toru Tapu, an Anglican church and the house Te Mana o Turanga on the Whakato Marae both have wonderful carvings. Please remember that marae are private property, if you are lucky you may find a friendly local to show you around. Young Nicks Head
As you travel south you will look over the Wherowhero Estuary towards this striking peninsula, named after the surgeon's boy, Nicholas Young who spotted it from the masthead of Cook's Endeavour on 6th October 1769. After Muriwai the road leaves the plains behind & starts climbing through rolling sheep farms, forestry plantations of Pinus Radiata, and then the Wharerata Hill Scenic Reserve. The rest area at the summit of the hill (488m) provides magnificent views of Young Nicks Head and Poverty Bay towards Gisborne. Morere
Stop and soak in the Morere Hot Springs a relaxing bathing and spa facility set in 364 Hectares of native bush. Morere Hot Springs Scenic Reserve is known for its stands of Nikau Palms and wide variety of birdlife. A beautiful natural environment giving a great wilderness experience on the walking tracks. Walks range from an easy 20 minute walk on the Nikau Loop Track to the more challenging 2 ½ hour walks like the Ridge Track or the Mangakawa Track (experienced trampers only should walk the Mangakawa). The high rainfall, a mild climate and fertile mudstone spoils have created an environment for a notable area of rainforest. A hotel featuring an International Spa Resort with gardens was once on-site but was destroyed by fire in 1994. Just across the road you will find the entrance to Morere Hot Springs Lodge and Morere Tearooms and Holiday Park. A popular day out for local people and a good base for travellers wishing to explore the surrounding area. Morere Hot Springs
Therapeutic Mineral Hot Springs. Check website for opening Hours. P: 06-837 8856 W: www.doc.govt.nz Mahia PeninsulaMahia Beach
Here you will find the main settlement on the peninsula. 7km south of the village on Kinikini Rd is the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve, with a 3.5km loop walk through coastal forest, including a picnic area & lookout. The unique position of the peninsula means it gathers swells from many directions and it is becoming internationally famous as a surfing location. Opoutama Lookout
Great views of the peninsula as you look over Opoutama beach towards Mahia Beach village. The peninsula was once an island but sand accumulation has formed New Zealand's largest tombolo landform. There was extensive whaling at nearby Waikokopu in the 1830's with the distinct fish-hook shape of the isthmus being a natural trap for whales, the uncontrolled plunder meant the industry was short-lived. Just after the Opoutama Village, continue straight ahead towards Mahanga Beach. Whakaki Lake
This 1500 acre body of water is owned and managed by the Whakaki Lake Trust, who are dedicated to the protection & enhancement of the wetland environment. It is the largest of a network of wetlands that stretch along the 35km coast from Nuhaka to Wairoa. In pre-European times there were a number of Maori villages strategically placed along this coastline to take advantage of the bounty of food from the sea and wetland sources. WairoaWaikaremoana & Te Urewera Park side trip
Tucked away in the backcountry, 40km north of Wairoa, is what many sometimes describe as "an inland fiord" - Lake Waikaremoana. To understand the geographic make-up of this elusive lake, and the settlement nearby, you should first learn the history of the place. Lake Waikaremoana was formed about 2200 years ago by a huge landslide caused by an earthquake that blocked the Waikaretaheke River. Along the gateway to Te Urewera, there is a huge selection of walks and tracks. There are short strolls to beautiful waterfalls, lakeside swimming spots, one of the biggest Rata trees in the country, cave exploring tracks, climbs to lookouts and multi-day hiking adventures. This is home to the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, one of the greatest nine walks of New Zealand. Tuai Hydo-Electric Power Station and Lake Whakamarino
The attractive hydro Lake Whakamarino, opened in 1929 and is renowned for its large sized brown and rainbow trout. Nearby Waikeretaheke is a popular white water kayaking venue. Onepoto
Onepoto at the entrance to Te Urewera has a wonderful view of Lake Waikaremoana. Mohaka Turn off
Just 5km from SH2 & steeped in history, featuring Rongo Mai Wahine, a uniquely constructed round hall built in 1885 of pit sawn timber stands beside the meeting house Te Kahi o te Rangi. The meeting house entrance is flanked by an impressive pair of whale jawbones. Raupaunga
Raupaunga is a small settlement on the highway with an interesting Marae & is a starting point for a detour on unsealed roads back to Wairoa that includes Putere Lakes, Waiau River & the Waihi Hydro Scheme & scenic reserve. Mohaka Bridge
Here this is a picnic area with a view of the spectacular Mohaka Railway Viaduct which was opened in 1937 & is constructed of steel & is 96 metres above river level with a span of 278 metres. Putorino
This is the midway point between Wairoa & Napier. It has a large sports complex and the Waikare Hotel with its friendly country service, has an interesting display of old photographs. Tutira
Delightful little settlement. A good base for scenic walks, fishing & picnicking. Whirinaki Whirinaki is a beach settlement offering good beach fishing, but is not suitable for swimming. On the right is the Whirinaki Gas Turbine Power Station which was originally commissioned in 1978. Just prior to the Power Station is the entrance to the Ken Ross Reserve, this hour long walk is well worth the effort. We would love to see your photos! Please feel free to send them in to us or feel free to upload them to our Facebook page.
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LocationsClick on a location below to view information about accomodation and things to do.
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