Gisborne to Wairoa
Heading south out of Gisborne you can choose between 2 routes both of which will inevitably pass by the numerous farms which characterise the region. Heading inland on the SH 36 is a longer route with little traffic and no bus service and the SH2 is a coastal route covered by public transport. The SH2 will take you through vineyards and farms before passing through the Wharerata State Forest. At Morere you can relax travel sore muscles at the Morere Hot Springs which have pools of water rich in iron with high salinity in which you can bathe. There are various walks which you can take in the last vestiges of native bush in the area through rimu, matai, and totara. There's a 10 minute walk to the Nikau Plung Pools where you can have a soak amidst the nikau palms. The longest walk is 2 hours. Various accommodation is available. If you're camping or want a cabin try the Morere Springs Tearooms & Camping Ground which is idyllically located by a river in a lovely setting. A little further down SH2 will take you to Nuhaka, 8km south of Morere. If you've got the time, take a detour eastwards at Nuhaka to the Mahia Peninsula. This peninsula offers good swimming on long beaches on the leeward side and good surfing on the other. The peninsula was formerly an island but is now linked to the mainland by a sandy isthmus which is the largest of kind in the country. Wairoa is 30km from Nuhaka. Your alternative, longer route is the inland SH36. You'll wind upwards slowly to Gentle Annie Hill (360m) and onto the Te Reinga Falls. There's a great view from a lookout here which you can see after 4km walk along a loop track which will take you about an hour and a half. There's also a 10minute walk which will take you to a viewing point but its not as good. The land is private and you'll need to ask for permission at the local marae. You'll find everything you need to know in the carpark. Continuing south will get you to Frasertown after another 25km. The detour to Lake Waikaremoana (the Sea of Rippling Waters) which lies within the Te Urewera National Park is well-worth it if you can afford the time.
WAIROA
There are few reasons to stay in Wairoa unless you're planning to venture into Te Urewera National Park. The town lies on the banks of Wairoa River which is shaded by willow trees. There's a kauri lighthouse which dates from 1877. It was once operated on the Portland Island just on the tip of the Mahia Peninsula before it was relocated in 1958.