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 sealed roads and
easy gravel trails. 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 known for 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
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.
The Tairāwhiti river plains are home to Gisborne’s finest wineries, and the city, near where this ride concludes on the coast, is not far. Eastern beaches are sure to warrant a celebratory dip in the sea.
Cycling by Rere Falls © Mead Norton Photography
BEST FOR: ‘Yee-har’ descents through rural back roads and bucolic scenery.
© AA Traveller 2022
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
shelter
state highway
nzcycletrail.com for more Trail Detail... 1000m
Matawai
Rere Falls 50km
13km
Eastwoodhill Arboretum 36km
Gisborne
500m
0m
49
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
