Tauranga to Ōpōtiki

Tauranga to Whakatāne #

Although 90 kilometres may seem a bit of a stretch, this ride is almost completely flat and, with a tail wind, can be completed in a single day. The first leg of this trip takes you along state highway 2; busy, but safe enough, with mostly wide road margins through to Te Puke (a pleasant service town with camping, supermarket & cafés).

Soon after Te Puke the Tauranga/Rotorua traffic turns off onto highway 33 while you continue along the now considerably quieter highway 2. Here you wind your way a further 20 or so kilometres through farm land till you reach the coast. There are several camping options along the coast, at Pikowai, Kohioawa, Matata (store, café) and Thornton.

Whakatāne is a large-ish town and has everything you need. The campground here (there is only one) is very pleasant indeed - set in a reserve along the banks of the Whakatāne River and just a few minutes from town.

From Whakatāne you have the opportunity to take a boat excursion to White Island, one of New Zealand's most active volcanos. The island is visible right along the cape, often covered in a plume of smoke.

Whakatāne to Ōpōtiki #

This day starts with a climb over the hill to Ōhope. The main road over is fairly steep and busy, so instead take the river cycleway as far as the Information Centre and from there find your way to Hillcrest Road. This quieter, suburban street winds slowly up, eventually joining the main road just before the summit.

Ōhope (camping, stores, cafés) is a long, white-sand beach and a popular holiday destination in its own right. Once through Ōhope you follow the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, joining SH2 just before Kutarere, then through Waiotahe (service station) to Ōpōtiki.

Just past Kutarere there is the option to take a left into Ruatuna Road and follow the slightly longer but more scenic loop road towards Ohiwa (campground), rejoining the main road at the delta of the Waiotahe River. This will add about 5 km to the trip.