Page 14 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

RECREATIONAL INDIGENOUS FORESTS
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN OUR REGION
Recreational opportunites include hunting, tramping, fishing, rafting, kayaking,
jetboating, mountain biking, nature study & photography.
The Raukumara Conservation Area covers 115,000 hectares of semi coastal to alpine
forest. Is is one of the few large tracts of native forest left in the North Island. Designated a
“wilderness area” the terrain is generally rugged.
The Urutawa Conservation Area is 14km South of Ōpōtiki and covers 22,000
hectares. There are a wide variety of tracks and huts. Walks ranging from easy to more
demanding. The Te Waiti and Pakihi Huts are easy access. There is a campground at
“The Boulders” in Te Waiti Valley also 2kms further on is Bushaven – see advert page 36
providing camping and parking.
The Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve is 1800 hectares of forest and regenerating
farmland. The Ōpōtiki to Gisborne highway (SH2) runs through the reserve for 50km
See The Waioeka Journey – Te Awa A Tamatea pages 56 & 57. There is a popular
campground at Manganuku Stream. Worth visiting are the historic Tauranga &
Manganuku Bridges. There are also tracks and on-site interpretation of these features.
45 minutes drive west of Ōpōtiki is the sprawling Te Urewera. Great habitat for birds
including endangered species and providing great hunting opportunities. From Ōpōtiki
access is through the Waimana Valley. Also accessible from Lake Waikaremoana – see
page 110.
The Department of Conservation administers all the above areas. Enquiries to Ōpōtiki
Office or i-Site at 70 Bridge Street, Ph 07-315 3031 or Whakatāne area office 07-307 2774.

SCENIC DRIVES

State Highway 35 around East Cape
A great drive around the East Cape (“The Coast”)
Ōpōtiki to Gisborne. (See Pages 60 to 85) Then
on to SH 35 and back through the Waioeka Gorge
on SH 2 (See Pages 56 to 58). It is a round trip
of 490 km. You will encounter some of the most
breathtaking scenery in New Zealand and a
glimpse of what rural life was like in the past. A
great road trip – allow some time, 2 or even 3 days
is ideal.
Hukuwai Beach
3km from Ōpōtiki on State Highway 35. This is
a popular and safe swimming beach. See page 60.
Motu Road
Motu Road Scenic Round Trip from Ōpōtiki
through the Waioeka Gorge. Reverse of trip Pg
61. The round trip is approx 150km. Allow most
of the day for the round trip. Travel through the Hukuwai Beach Sign
Waioeka Gorge to Matawai a trip of 73km. A good
coffee stop is available at Living Water Bush Cafe - Photo by Barbara Collett
at Wairata after 43km. The Gorge is a picturesque
drive with ample photo opportunities and any of the number of picnic area’s. See pages 56
& 57 of this guide for The Waioeka Journey. At Matawai turn left down the Motu Road
travelling 14km to Motu Village where you will find Motu-vation Cafe. See Motu Trails
Pg. 5 to 7 for services available. From Motu Village the road continues on to Toa Toa and
left down the Motu Road to SHW 35, a drive of approx 50km. Turn left on SHW 35 and
travel 11km back to Ōpōtiki. The road from Toa Toa is narrow and winding but the journey
14 provides some wonderful scenery.