• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Opotiki to Gisborne via Waioeka Gorge

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The trip from Opotiki to Gisborne can probably take about two and a half hours but by picnicking or generally messing around anywhere in the delightful bush setting of the gorge the trip can profitably be made to last many hours longer.
Tauranga Track

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 25km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 119km

Tauranga Track is on the right side of the road. This is a 2 – 3 hour walk up one of the first farmed areas in our district. It involves two creek crossings so you will get your feet wet. For those who prefer dry feet however at the start of the walk is the recently restored historic and picturesque Tauranga Bridge and is well worth a visit. The gorge continues through Oponae and Wairata, where the Waioeka River turns south and the main road follows the Opato Stream.

Manganuku Bridge

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 47km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 97km

Keep an eye out for the Manganuku Bridge, just over it on the left is an honesty camping ground administered by D.O.C. that has toilets, barbecues and rubbish disposal. The charge is $7 per night per group. At the eastern end of the camp is the old main highway bridge which was replaced when the highway was realigned many years ago. Soon after the road starts to climb out of the gorge and wind its way up and over Traffords Hill, at 725 metres the high point in the trip, you are now in sheep and cattle country and cross the head waters of the Motu River, a right turn just after the bridge would take you through even more scenic back roads, to Wharekopae, Rere Falls & Rock Slide then onto Eastwoodhill Arboretum, joining SH2 again south of Gisborne. Or continue on the main road to Matawai.

Matawai

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 72km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 72km

Matawai is a small rural settlement with store/restaurant, cafe and service station.
Before you leave the area turn left in the village and visit Motu and the falls.

Motu Road
MOTU VILLAGE, once a thriving centre of the surrounding district is nestled in the scenic Motu River Valley. Originally seven sawmills provided local industry and employment. Now Motu is a very well established and productive farming community.

Special attractions include the Motu Falls and the Whinray Reserve Bush Walkwhich 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 of the track).

Or continue on the drive down “Old Motu Coach Road”, the original coach road through Motu and Toa Toa (the valley of the clouds), is an unforgettable experience. The rewards are many with wonderful views and the sense of passing back in time and travelling over what was at one time a major New Zealand highway.

The “Old Motu Coach Road” takes you 64km from Motu to the sea. It is still the same as it was over 40 years ago. This trip down can make an interesting days outing from Opotiki by travelling from Opotiki through the gorge to Matawai, thence on to Motuhora and Motu. A little detour here to the Motu Falls is well worth while and provides an ideal picnic spot. Then drive on to Toa Toa and back to Opotiki. Allow a whole day – it’s worth it, but please drive carefully as it is a road that demands respect.

Otoko

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 91km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 53km

Near the Otoko Hall you will find the western end of a Heritage Trail Walkway. (The eastern end of this walkway is at Mahaki). This walkway is 5kms in length, follows part of the old Gisborne to Motuhora Railway, taking 2 – 3 hours to complete and is suitable for all age groups. there is a 500m detour to view a picturesque waterfall set amongst native bush that is noted for the kowhai blossom in spring. The walkway is cloased during lambing season (1 August to 23 October).

On the right you will come across Makaretu Road where you will find Haurata High Country Retreat and Farm Walks. As you emerge out of the hill country, with its sheep and cattle stations you enter the fertile Poverty Bay Flats where horticulture, vineyards, orchards and maize growing are the main rural activities.

Ormond

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 122km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 17km

You will see Eastern Star Orchard on the left just before the village of Ormond.

Makaraka

  • Kilometres from Opotiki: 139km
  • Kilometres from Gisborne: 5km

Turn left on SH35 to Gisborne & East Cape or right to Wairoa and Napier.

At the intersection with SH2 you will find Roseland Tavern and heading towards Gisborne East Coast Museum of Technology and Showgrounds Park Motor Camp.

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