Gisborne to Opotiki - via SH 2 The Waioeke Gorge

 

 

Opotiki via Waioeka Gorge SH2 - 147km

Gisborne to Matawai [From Gisborne 72km | From Opotiki 75km] This is the fastest, State Highway 2, option for driving between Gisborne and Opotiki, yet it is a seriously scenic route in its own right.  Take the right hand branch of SH2 at Makaraka and head out across the Poverty Bay plains, then drive steadily uphill to the high country village of Matawai which is the last stop for food and petrol. There is a historic, country hotel.

Motu [14km from Matawai] Motu is an old sawmilling settlement with attractions and activities including the Whinray Scenic Bush Walk, Motu Falls and dry fly trout fishing in the Motu River. Motu River rafting trips start from here. Return to Matawai or take the adventurous, unsealed, magnificently scenic Old Motu Road option for 64km through wild bush country and farmland to reach the coast 11km northeast of Opotiki.

Waioeka Gorge [60km of highway through gorge] Beyond Matawai SH2 climbs Traffords Hill to reach a saddle in the Raukumara Ranges and then descends towards Opotiki following first the Wairata and then the Waioeka River gorges. The highway follows the winding route of clear, rushing high country rivers through native bush clad hills and regenerating farmland. Much of the route is through the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve. There are several places where travellers can stop to swim in the rivers and there are several scenic walks that can be enjoyed along the way.  The rivers can be fished for trout.