An impromptu ride in February 2020 to find an alternative (and more adventurous) route to Gisborne had me discovering Highway 38. Passing though Te Urewera and Whirinaki Forest Parks it is a slow but worthwhile drive. Soon after Murupara the road turns into to a metal road (gravel) and I started to believe the long journey times my GPS had showed me earlier.
Using highway 38 maybe the shortest way between Whakatane and Wairoa but it is for sure the longest! (See Map). Also on a heavy motorbike you need to take care and whatever your transport be mindful of previous and upcoming weather and the effects on the road.
Several hours of standing on the pegs, patchy rain and loads of great views the road sealed again near Wairoa. I passed by Mokau Falls which deserve a closer look and some wonderful views of Lake Waikaremoana. My wheels rims ended with a beautiful muddy dust that I could not resist writing my name in later. I arrived in Wairoa far later than planned so I headed back via Highway 2 not getting back home till well after dark.
Pepper my cat went a little crazy over my socks on return.
As this is the start of my Roads of NZ series I will return and cover more of the sights in detail and do some POV video.
Route in Google Maps (Whakatane to Wairoa)
Metal Roads: (How to drive on them?) – For car people!
Photos:
The Regional Manager 