Touring North Island Feb 2016
 

Hi,

Having ridden a lot in Australia (and driven a bit of N and S Islands in NZ) I have arranged a bike and will be in NZ (Auckland) on Monday 15th Feb 2016. Riding N Island only. Heading around Coromandel and down the north/east coast first then to Gisborne, Napier. Weather looks a bit patchy for the first week.

I have camping gear etc but wondering if it is worth going from Whakatane to Gisborne via East cape or going from Opotiki direct to Gisborne. What is accommodation and fuel like if going via East Cape?

Thankyou for any help you are able to give.

East cape is a great ride. Going direct Opotiki - Gisborne is pretty good too though. If you want to do it all & don't mind some rough gravel head up the Waioeka to Matawai, then back down the old Motu road, then continue on around the cape.

Last time I went through there was fuel at Te Araroa, douple check that though if you are short on range. Getting a camping spot won't be a big deal but otherwise there isn't a huge range of accommodation around the cape so it would pay to check it out & call ahead if you want a roof. Have fun!

Cheers
Clint

Clintz,
Thankyou for your reply. Bit late getting back to you but your info was correct. Not much accom. Weather was really windy and rainy so went from opotiki to Gisbourne. Good ride on that road.
Thankyou