GISBORNE – NAPIER

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel distance is approximately 213kms (133 miles).
Allow at least 2.75 hours drive time (not including stops).
Part of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Enjoy as much time as possible in Gisborne, taking in the many sights and activities before ‘hitting the road’ on route to Napier, the Art Deco Capital of the World!

Following the coastal route from Gisborne to Napier provides plenty of opportunities to visit hot springs and indulge in some more fabulous beaches.

Some notable stops along the route to Napier include:

MORERE HOT SPRINGS
Located amidst 364 hectares of a native rain forest reserve, the springs offer beautiful walks, thermal pools and swimming pools! Public and private pools of different temperatures but all rich in therapeutic minerals are available. The hot springs are located on State Highway 2, Morere.

MAHIA PENINSULA
Welcome to the surfing, diving and fishing Mecca of the North Island! This popular holiday location has some great shopping and cafes. Check out the Sunset Point Bar & Bistro for freshly caught crayfish… on the menu everyday!

LAKE TUTIRA
Nestled between the hills on the Napier-Wairoa highway, this is a lovely and serene sanctuary for birds and a magical mecca for keen anglers of all ages and abilities. Birdlife at the lake includes scaup, grey ducks, black swans, little white-throated shags, black shags, white-face herons, pukeko, fantails, New Zealand wood pigeons, swallows, kingfishers and much more.

NAPIER
Internationally renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture and picturesque seaside location, Napier enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine and ocean breezes, making it a popular year-round visitor destination. Enjoy a stroll along Marine Parade, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Napier is also home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony, Ocean Spa Hot Pools and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Upmarket cafes, restaurants and established wineries and vineyards are also major draw cards for the area, along with fabulous shopping.

There is a great selection of accommodation options as well as superior inner city shopping, however we do suggest that when travelling in the busy summer period you pre-book your accommodation.

Highly recommended Napier tourist attractions include…

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve – The Plateau and Saddle Colonies can be viewed by taking an easy 20 minute walk from the Department of Conservation Rest Shelter. We recommend you take a guided tour that includes informative commentary.

National Aquarium of New Zealand – Spend a couple of hours or an entire day! Very ‘family friendly’, everyone will enjoy a tour of the National Aquarium, which can include handling of some animals. Watch the divers feed the fish in the Oceanarium, dive with the sharks or buy some cool stuff in the gift shop.

Napier Wineries – Take a visit to one of the many award winning vineyards and wineries located in the sunny Hawke’s Bay. Alternatively, arrange a Wine Tasting Tour with one of the local tour guides

Art Deco Walks – Take a daily guided Art Deco Walk with an accredited guide. Enjoy an easy stroll through the Art Deco Quarter and learn more about the fascinating architecture of the area. All walkers receive an informative Art Deco Walk booklet. Complimentary refreshments and a video screening are available afterwards.

Hawke’s Bay Museum – This is where you can experience the best of Culture, Heritage and Art in the Hawke’s Bay region. From fascinating collections to excellent exhibitions and displays of New Zealand treasures. This is a must do.
New Zealand Itineraries: North Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua and Rotorua – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Dargaville, Dargaville – Kaitaia, Kaitaia – Paihia, Paihia – Whangarei and Whangarei – Auckland
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Napier and Napier – Wellington
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Wellington, Wellington – Masterton, Masterton – Wellington, Wellington – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim and Blenheim – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier – Taupo, Taupo – Rotorua, Rotorua – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Whangarei, Whangarei – Paihia, Paihia – Hokianga, Hokianga – Auckland, Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier Taupo Napier, Napier – Wellington, Wellington – New Plymouth, New Plymouth – Waitomo and Waitomo Caves – Auckland