Cycling Must-Do's 2021

Page 53

MATAWAI to GISBORNE

RERE FALLS Trail

1-3 days

Y

ou can bump along one of New Zealand’s most remote regions year-round and in either direction, but the Matawai to Gisborne route enjoys longer stretches of descents, including the 4km Wharekopae Hill, whereas the opposite direction requires some serious effort. Either way, the trail presents hillside, fertile flats and high-country farmland, connected via gravel and sealed roads.

a welcoming lagoon. For shady respite, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a 135ha labyrinth of cool woodland, with both flat walkways and those that climb steeply to gain farstretching views.

As a 103km Grade 3 ride, experienced cyclists often like to complete this journey in one day, while others break it down into several. The trail is laced with swimming spots which are heavensent when you’ve worked up a sweat. Rere Rockslide is such a place: a 60m natural slide formed from polished rock. The embankments are perfect for leisurely picnics and nearby Rere Falls spills off a wide ledge into

Wharekopae Hill on Wharekopae Rd © Mead Norton Photography

Motu Trails

Poverty Bay Flats is home to Gisborne’s finest wineries, and the city, where this ride concludes, is just 7km further. Stunning eastern beaches are sure to warrant a celebratory dip in the sea. TOP TIP – This trail is all on road. You can use a mountain, gravel or touring bike with sturdy tyres. Certain sections (but not all) can be ridden on a road bike.

BEST FOR: ‘Yee-har’ descents through rural backroads and bucolic scenery.

MATAWAI

Te Wera Rd

Tahora Rd Rere Rockslide Rere Falls

© AA Traveller 2020

Waipaoa River Eastwoodhill Arboretum Ngatapa

MAP LEGEND open section

holiday park/camp

highway section

café/restaurant

start/finish point

toilets

point of interest

car park

i-SITE Visitor Centre

accommodation

town

state highway

Wharekopae Rd

Tiniroto Rd

TAIRĀWHITI GISBORNE

Poverty Bay

nzcycletrail.com for more Trail Detail... 1000m

Matawai

Rere Falls 50km

13km

Eastwoodhill Arboretum 36km

Gisborne

500m

0m

51

HEARTLAND RIDE • RERE FALLS TRAIL

Switching between wide open roads and countryside to natural landmarks that require closer inspection, time spent off the bike is just as rewarding as time spent on it.

103km


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Cycling Must-Do's 2021 by AA Traveller - Issuu