Page 58 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

OPOTIKI TO GISBORNE VIA WAIOEKA GORGE

ŌPŌTIKI to GISBORNE via Waioeka Gorge
For STATE HIGHWAY 35 ROUTE TO GISBORNE – SEE PAGES 60 TO 85.
KILOMETRES FROM ŌPŌTIKI KILOMETRES FROM GISBORNE
NIL 144km
The Waioeka Journey – Te Awa a Tamatea is situated on State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki
and Gisborne. The highway follows a route carved by rivers through the steep forested hills
of the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve. The trip from Ōpōtiki 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. To start follow State Highway 2 south along St John
Street, past the cemetery, continue to the right then you come
out onto the Waioeka Flats. This straight road continues until
the settlement of Waioeka and the entry into Waioeka Gorge
Scenic Reserve (New Zealand’s largest scenic reserve). The
gorge has many idyllic picnic spots and can be a fisherman’s
paradise when the fish are biting.
‘The Waioeka Journey – Te Awa a
Tamatea’, is a multi-agency project where
seven rest areas have been established
at sites through the gorge to encourage
travellers to stop, rest and reduce driver
fatigue, a significant contributor to
Waioeka accidents. Information panels
at each site tell of the history, culture,
geology and ecology of the gorge. Stories of the Waioeka Gorge show it is not a place to be taken
for granted, but has hidden depths that will delight and challenge people for generations to come.
A place with tales of hardship, ingenuity and adaption. Each of the sites has its own story to tell.
The two main agencies have been The New Zealand Transport Agency www.nzta.govt.nz and the
Department of Conservation. www.doc.govt.nz.
25km Tauranga Track see Walks Page 16 119km
Tauranga Bridge has recently been
carefully restored. Just five minutes walk
from the carpark, the historic Tauranga
Bridge – a single span harp suspension
bridge spanning 60 metres, is one of only
two remaining in New Zealand. The bridge
stands as a monument to the commitment
of settlers determined to make a living off
the land of Waioeka. For those who enjoy
light adventure, the 2-3 hour walk up the
valley from the bridge is beautiful, and
takes in one of the first areas farmed in
the Ōpōtiki district. Please note: two creek
crossings are required to complete the loop
track.
The gorge continues through Oponae and
58 Wairata. Tauranga Bridge – Barbara Collett