Rere Falls Trail

This trail is a richly rewarding cycle link from the Motu Trails in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, through to the sunny city of Gisborne.

Meandering along mostly quiet country roads, the trail undulates through hill country to the fertile flats of Tairāwhiti. Highlights include Eastwoodhill Arboretum, stunning Rere Falls and Rere Rockslide, and the wineries around Gisborne.

The trail can be ridden in either direction – though you’ll get much more downhill by starting from the historic village of Matawai (linking to the Motu Trails) and ending your ride in Gisborne.

From Matawai, you have 7km riding on SH2 before turning off onto a quiet, rolling country road, peaking at an altitude of 600 metres. After another 7km, the road becomes gravel for the next 27km and features some solid climbs. The spectacular scenery is a mix of high country farms, forested reserves, and peaks.

At Te Wera Station, approximately midway between Matawai and Eastwoodhill Arboretum, there is farm stay accommodation available.

The sealed road resumes soon before you reach Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls. A little further, Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand with a stunning display of exotic and native trees. Walking tracks offer an opportunity to see many rare and unique species; accommodation is available.

The trail carries on down to the fertile Poverty Bay plains, home to some of Gisborne’s finest wineries. From there it’s easy going on flat roads to central Gisborne and stunning beaches.

Follow the Pacific Coast south to reach Hawke’s Bay and the Hawke’s Bay Trails.

Source: The New Zealand Cycle Trail