East Cape Escape

[Maha]

End of September we will take 10 days off work and do an Eastside/Cape Escape. Starting in Masterton (we have a 80th party to attend...um yay!) heading up and around the East Cape leaving Masterton on Sunday the 21st.
Point of thread is....who has done the East Cape and where are the places to stay? Must see places? Food stops? I really want to pootle around the Cape and take in as much as I can. I have never been right around, part way up both sides, but many years ago.

I found this link with some cool pics in another thread ....http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298296

[Patrick]

Friends did this a couple of years ago, about the same time of year too. Awesome. Most of the small town pubs (which consist of the pub and nothing else...) have accommodation and lockups for the bikes all at reasonable rates etc.

[Blackbird]

In September, you can stay anywhere as there are lots of cabins, B&B all the way round - no need to pre-book. The top 10 at Ohope and Waikanae Beach Camp, Gisborne are fantastic. The beach camp at Tolaga Bay is also nice.

Click here: http://www.flyingferrets.eclipse.co.uk/ffcalendar.htm and scroll down to East Cape Extravaganza for our ride last November. We went via Rotorua, Murapara, Matahina and Whakatane to get in some extra good roads. The people referred to in the article are KB'ers Jimmy B, Hammer, Bykey Cop, Freebird and myself.

You'll love it!

[Maha]

In September, you can stay anywhere as there are lots of cabins, B&B all the way round - no need to pre-book. The top 10 at Ohope and Waikanae Beach Camp, Gisborne are fantastic. The beach camp at Tolaga Bay is also nice.

Click here: http://www.flyingferrets.eclipse.co.uk/ffcalendar.htm and scroll down to East Cape Extravaganza for our ride last November. We went via Rotorua, Murapara, Matahina and Whakatane to get in some extra good roads. The people referred to in the article are KB'ers Jimmy B, Hammer, Bykey Cop, Freebird and myself.

You'll love it!


Cheers for that Blackbird.....found it no worries and will have a read of it, a quick scroll and I remember that wharf, think we as far as that when I was a kid.

[CookMySock]

TEN DAYS!?!

Are you going around it four times ?

Theres a grrrreat pub at Tolaga Bay. Food is very good. Accomodation is cheap, and they are very helpful with offroad parking for bikers. The garage owner there is a great bloke and keen to help anyone in distress - definitely a planned fuel stop. Tolaga Bay - Very highly recommended.

As Blackbird says, the road through Murupara is great fun also - its kinda our backyard go-for-a-burn 2.5 hour loop. edit: don't go over the matahina dam though - turn left onto Tahuna road - twisties galore!! Comes out at TeTeko.


DB

[Maha]

TEN DAYS!?!

Are you going around it four times ?

Theres a grrrreat pub at Tolaga Bay. Food is very good. Accomodation is cheap, and they are very helpful with offroad parking for bikers. The garage owner there is a great bloke and keen to help anyone in distress - definitely a planned fuel stop. Tolaga Bay - Very highly recommended.

As Blackbird says, the road through Murupara is great fun also - its kinda our backyard go-for-a-burn 2.5 hour loop.


DB

I was going to point out that the 10 days was not needed for the East cape, but didn't think I needed to. 10 Days include....Leaving Warkworth, riding to Materton, leaving Marsterton, riding to Napier and places in between, then up around the Cape making our way back to Warkworth.
Tolaga bay looks a cool spot.

[CookMySock]

I was going to point out that the 10 days was not needed for the East cape, but didn't think I needed to.Sorry mate. Was just tryn to make a funny. Ended up being a cunt. Again.

[yungatart]

I was going to point out that the 10 days was not needed for the East cape, but didn't think I needed to. 10 Days include....Leaving Warkworth, riding to Materton, leaving Marsterton, riding to Napier and places in between, then up around the Cape making our way back to Warkworth.
Tolaga bay looks a cool spot.

Ya going the wrong way!!!!
You need to do the Cape clockwise for best effects.
Should I book your Napier accomodation?....I hear Kennedy Park does a good deal for smelly bikers:Pokey:

[Maha]

Sorry mate. Was just tryn to make a funny.

The upside is......its now clear for everyone that I am not a chain dragger.


Ya going the wrong way!!!!
You need to do the Cape clockwise for best effects.
Should I book your Napier accomodation?....I hear Kennedy Park does a good deal for smelly bikers:Pokey:

I end up going the wrong most of the time anyway..........:bleh:
And I/we dont smell....'parps' are a natural occurance....:rolleyes:

[yod]

Sorry mate. Was just tryn to make a funny. Ended up being a cunt. Again.

:laugh:

we're doing palmy, round east cape and up to ngatea in one day for the four points

bet my house i have a sore arse by opotiki

[MSTRS]

:laugh:

we're doing palmy, round east cape and up to ngatea in one day for the four points

bet my house i have a sore arse by opotiki

...long before...
Use a bigger scale map to get a better idea of how far it really is ;)

[Patrick]

:laugh:

we're doing palmy, round east cape and up to ngatea in one day for the four points

bet my house i have a sore arse by opotiki

Choose your travel mates more carefully then...:Oops:

[yod]

...long before...
Use a bigger scale map to get a better idea of how far it really is ;)
it's usually about the 650km mark, total is about 960 i think


Choose your travel mates more carefully then...:Oops:

nah it's all good - an adventure isn't an adventure if it you don't ache for days afterwards :laugh:

[idleidolidyll]

Did the East Cape only a few weeks ago; bloody wonderful even with the rain, road works and freezing cold.

We stayed in a motel in Ohope Beach, right on the beach and frankly it was perfect. One of the rooms slept up to 6 and the other slept 3. We mumbered just 6 in 2 rooms and only paid $33 a night.

Ask Big Dave for the name of the motel if you're keen. Not the Aussie one, the 'ex' Triumph Rat one

[idleidolidyll]

Opotiki down the Cape toward Gisborne is a very long stop between gas stations. Most bikes won't make it if ridden the least bit fast. If your tank looks a little low, there's a gas station at Te Araroa (i think that's where it was) but you have to turn left at the T junction to get there instead of right toward Gisborne.

It's close to 300km between drinks otherwise (BWwobbleU country)

[yod]

i'll be right

24 litres in the bluebird:rockon:

[ynot slow]

i'll be right

24 litres in the bluebird:rockon:

21 litres 91 octane plus 3 litres J.Daniels fuel.

[idleidolidyll]

My old XJR had 21 litres but it wouldn't have made it around the way i tend to ride.

dry on the side of the road 50kms short of Gisborne is a pain in the arse for your riding buddies and crawling along just to reach the end aint my style.

You'll each have to decide yourselves whether you'll make it: we all get quite different mileage from the same amount of fuel.

BTW: That ride up from Gisborne to Opotiki through the inland route is one of NZ's best rides when the weather is fine.

[Cr1MiNaL]

just find some "maori owned" land camp on it catch their eels and burn their wood then get told off by them and almost threatned ... take a tarp. Its the way to do it !

[MaxB]

just find some "maori owned" land camp on it catch their eels and burn their wood then get told off by them and almost threatned ... take a tarp. Its the way to do it !

I usually find asking first helps. Never had any trouble with the locals. Quite the opposite. If you take the time to introduce yourself then no worries.

The only problem I have ever had is the fuckwit that runs the Mobil pump at Te Araroa. He used to run the general store (not sure if he still does) but either way he has no idea how to run a business.

[MaxB]

i'll be right

24 litres in the bluebird:rockon:

If your bike gets better economy with higher octane fuel then one trick is to fill with 96/98 instead of 91.

I have 24 litres in the Kwak same as you. If I get a bit carried away I get less than 300ks before reserve but that reserve gives me over 100ks so its not a problem.

[MSTRS]

The only problem I have ever had is the fuckwit that runs the Mobil pump at Te Araroa. He used to run the general store (not sure if he still does) but either way he has no idea how to run a business.

You may very well be right...of course, you are welcome to shop next door.:pinch:

[BiK3RChiK]

If anyone going around the Cape wants a pit stop, we are about 5 mins off the main road from Thornton, just out of Whakatane. You'd be most welcome...

[yod]

If anyone going around the Cape wants a pit stop, we are about 5 mins off the main road from Thornton, just out of Whakatane. You'd be most welcome...

cheers - will keep it in mind

[banditrider]

A great bit of road alright. The locals are definitely helpful - I got helped out with a puncture by the people at the store in Hicks Bay (beware, no pumps there anymore). They took a brand new foot pump off the shelf to help pump my tyre up.

Petrol at Te Araroa can be a pain but at least it's available. Last time I went around (07) there was gas at Tolaga Bay and I think at Te Puia Springs. Never been into Ruatoria but they may have it. Used to be gas at Te Kaha but I think the pumps are long gone now.

Have fun & watch out for emu's!

http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2007/06/great-rides-east-cape.html

[P38]

Good on ya Maha.

East Cape is awesome

Oslers Bakery in Wairoa has the best pies on the coast, trust me :drool:

Sunset Lodge out on Mahia Peninsular is alway good for a stop over and a meal.

Cooks memorial on the hill in Gisborne is a pretty good place to survey the surrounding area from.

Tologa Bay Wharf is a must see, good Fish n Chips in town too.

The Fishing and Diving at Lottin Point Rocks, charter boats are avalible here so no need to lug any gear.

Stop at the Pub at Te Araroa and Ride/Walk up to the Eastcape lighthouse.

Te Araroa is also home to "Te Waha-o-Rerekohu". New Zealand's oldest and largest pohutukawa tree. It's around 600 years old.

Brace yourself when buying fuel at Te Araroa too. Price per litre is almost at highway robbery levels and he rounds the final sale up to the nearest dollar.

Awakeri Hot pools is always nice for a relaxing evening, good place to stay overnight too.

Plan ya fuel stops carefully cos there isn't many pumps between Tologa Bay and Opotiki and what there is closes at 5pm.

Hope this helps

Have fun.

[Maha]

A great bit of road alright. The locals are definitely helpful - I got helped out with a puncture by the people at the store in Hicks Bay (beware, no pumps there anymore). They took a brand new foot pump off the shelf to help pump my tyre up.

Petrol at Te Araroa can be a pain but at least it's available. Last time I went around (07) there was gas at Tolaga Bay and I think at Te Puia Springs. Never been into Ruatoria but they may have it. Used to be gas at Te Kaha but I think the pumps are long gone now.

Have fun & watch out for emu's!

http://banditrider.blogspot.com/2007/06/great-rides-east-cape.html

Cheers Bandit, seems the rule of thumb here is, fill up when ya can?
Should get me a Jasons book...but I like the idea of winging it.



Good on ya Maha.

East Cape is awesome

Oslers Bakery in Wairoa has the best pies on the coast, trust me :drool:

Sunset Lodge out on Mahia Peninsular is alway good for a stop over and a meal.

Cooks memorial on the hill in Gisborne is a pretty good place to survey the surrounding area from.

Tologa Bay Wharf is a must see, good Fish n Chips in town too.

The Fishing and Diving at Lottin Point Rocks, charter boats are avalible here so no need to lug any gear.

Stop at the Pub at Te Araroa and Ride/Walk up to the Eastcape lighthouse.

Te Araroa is also home to "Te Waha-o-Rerekohu". New Zealand's oldest and largest pohutukawa tree. It's around 600 years old.

Brace yourself when buying fuel at Te Araroa too. Price per litre is almost at highway robbery levels and he rounds the final sale up to the nearest dollar.

Awakeri Hot pools is always nice for a relaxing evening, good place to stay overnight too.

Plan ya fuel stops carefully cos there isn't many pumps between Tologa Bay and Opotiki and what there is closes at 5pm.

Hope this helps

Have fun.

Helps heaps p38.....really good post with just the sort of thing I was after. Is there no pump at Waihau Bay?

[P38]

I'm not sure if there is fuel at Waihau Bay.

Things change all the time up that way.

I always fill up in Tolaga Bay and carry 2 litres just in case.

My C50T only has a 300km range.

[Mom]

I'm not sure if there is fuel at Waihau Bay.

Things change all the time up that way.

I always fill up in Tolaga Bay and carry 2 litres just in case.

My C50T only has a 300km range.

If we carry extra fuel I wont be able to pack my lippy :baby:

p/t incase you missed it.

Fuel is an issue if we "explore" too much.

[BiK3RChiK]

And from what I understand fuel is only available up around the cape on weekdays...

[doc]

:laugh:

we're doing palmy, round east cape and up to ngatea in one day for the four points

bet my house i have a sore arse by opotiki


I usually travel the same way. Trouble with riding is you want to experience the best ride thru the twisties between refuelling stops nonstop. But.... 10 days round the East Cape ferk imagine all the twisties and the stops where you got pics and saw things that were interesting, but never stopped at.... but always wanted too. :weep:

[MaxB]

I go up to the Cape as much as I can. It is one of my favourite north island trips. April was the last time I was up there.

As far as I know there is still fuel at Waihau Bay, Te Araroa, Ruatoria, Te Puia Springs, Tokomaru Bay and Tolaga Bay. They are usually attached to general stores so they tend to keep shop hours.

There used to be pumps at Te Kaha and Hicks Bay but are long gone.

As an aside I was told today that the Mobil at Te Araroa is now owned by a lady who has done some good things with the store. Maybe it is time for another look.

[Blackbird]

And from what I understand fuel is only available up around the cape on weekdays...

Not unless it's changed since last November, we got fuel with no problem.

[Rosie]

We had no problems getting fuel in Te Araroa on a Saturday when we went around the cape in December.
The ladies in the general store were very helpful, and one came across the road to the petrol pump, unlocked it and offered to fill the bike for me.
I didn't look at what the price was per litre, I only needed 6 litres, and I'm happy to pay a bit extra sometimes to support out-of-the-way petrol stations.

[pritch]

Parts of East Cape are a bit "seasonal". What is available over the holiday season may not all be available mid-winter. So long as you realise you're a long way from Queen St and plan accordingly you should be OK.

I've done the ride both ways now, I was told North to South gives some better views and think in retrospect that is correct.

The ride is on my "to do" list again but this time instead of a quick blat I'd like to stop and stay at maybe Hicks bay or Te Araroa.

If the Blue Boar was still operating at Ruatoria that would've been a draw but that's now in the past apparently.

[Highlander]

:laugh:

we're doing palmy, round east cape and up to ngatea in one day for the four points

Did Tauranga, round the East Cape down to Wellington in one day on the Southern Cross, touch over 1000Km for the day. Not hugely dis similar to what you are planning.



bet my house i have a sore arse by opotiki

I gaurantee it.

Mr Maha, East cape is an awesome ride.
An alternate route from Wairoa to Gisborne is to head for Frasertown then go right and through the Tiniroto rd (well it was 20 yeras ago when I lived in the area), either road is a great ride, Tiniroto rd is a bit tighter and twistier though.

Echo the other comments re topping up your tanks: Do it when you can so when you can't you don't have to! (words to live by).

Also vouch for a night at Awakeri, we go camping there (but they have cabins & motel units) on a regular basis.

[paulmac]

I've taken runs around the east cape twice in two years, had no problem with fuel. Te araoha is open 10 til 12 on sundays, opotiki to gisborne is a sweet day run around the cape. Try and do the direct route thru the gorge too if you can.

[banditrider]

An alternate route from Wairoa to Gisborne is to head for Frasertown then go right and through the Tiniroto rd (well it was 20 yeras ago when I lived in the area), either road is a great ride, Tiniroto rd is a bit tighter and twistier though.

Went though there about 3 years ago. Tight & twisty is right and you'll come just about every type of four legged critter known to man on the road. A good road to take it easy on - also watch out for the usual metal & crap all over the road in places. Quite nice scenery though...

[shafty]

Don't spend too much time looking for the pub at Te Araroa - it burn't down a few years ago, hence the RSA is used for 4 Points Check-ins now...........Have a blast, and expect to find gravel/roadworks without signage

[Maha]

Good on ya Maha.

East Cape is awesome

Oslers Bakery in Wairoa has the best pies on the coast, trust me :drool:

Sunset Lodge out on Mahia Peninsular is alway good for a stop over and a meal.

Cooks memorial on the hill in Gisborne is a pretty good place to survey the surrounding area from.

Tologa Bay Wharf is a must see, good Fish n Chips in town too.

The Fishing and Diving at Lottin Point Rocks, charter boats are avalible here so no need to lug any gear.

Stop at the Pub at Te Araroa and Ride/Walk up to the Eastcape lighthouse.

Te Araroa is also home to "Te Waha-o-Rerekohu". New Zealand's oldest and largest pohutukawa tree. It's around 600 years old.

Brace yourself when buying fuel at Te Araroa too. Price per litre is almost at highway robbery levels and he rounds the final sale up to the nearest dollar.

Awakeri Hot pools is always nice for a relaxing evening, good place to stay overnight too.

Plan ya fuel stops carefully cos there isn't many pumps between Tologa Bay and Opotiki and what there is closes at 5pm.

Hope this helps

Have fun.

Hey p38.....the pub at Te Araroa?....any rooms there?
We want to say at Tolaga and Te Araroa is close enough.

[yungatart]

Don't you go upsetting the locals up there, dude. They're a shit load bigger than your wimpy white arse!
Not sure about accomodation there, but someone will be able to help you.
You could try Hicks Bay..backpackers there.

[CookMySock]

Hey p38.....the pub at Te Araroa?....any rooms there?
We want to say at Tolaga and Te Araroa is close enough.The pub at Tolaga bay is really good. Safe parking for bikes, great food, quiet place to sleep, great country pub atmosphere.


Don't you go upsetting the locals up there, dude. They're a shit load bigger than your wimpy white arse!They won't hurt you. They take great delight in frightening itinerant whities. Just compliment them and eat a bit of humble pie and they go away grumbling but satisfied.

Steve

[Maha]

Don't you go upsetting the locals up there, dude. They're a shit load bigger than your wimpy white arse!
Not sure about accomodation there, but someone will be able to help you.
You could try Hicks Bay..backpackers there.

Whimpy? White Arse??.....:crybaby:
Spoke to a mate the other night about Hicks Bay, hes from that way and said its a cool pub. We have a B and B to stop at in Waihau (crayfish on the menu yum yum) which reminds me, whitebait will be sent to you asap.

PS: Cant bling you but love the little msg.....:lol:


The pub at Tolaga bay is really good. Safe parking for bikes, great food, quiet place to sleep, great country pub atmosphere.
Steve

Cheers Steve, sounds like a bit of me. See you on our way back.

Get pumping I hear you say?....:sweatdrop

[P38]

Hey p38.....the pub at Te Araroa?....any rooms there?
We want to say at Tolaga and Te Araroa is close enough.

Not sure about the pub mate,

But there is a Holiday camp there too They got cabins, a bunkroom, tent sites etc.

check it out.

http://www.jasons.com/New-Zealand/Te-Araroa/Te-Araroa-Holiday-Park

[Matt Bleck]

The pub at Te Araroa burnt down a couple of years ago and as far as I know it hasn't been rebuilt.

[Rosie]

But there is a Holiday camp there too They got cabins, a bunkroom, tent sites etc.

And they sell beer :D

[Mom]

Packing for a week away for 2 with a only a ventura pack is going to be fun!

Where do I put my hairdryer? Lucky my lippy is easy fit anywhere is all I can say..:lol: Cant wait for tomorrow to rock around. Look out, we are on our way!

[MadDuck]

Where do I put my hairdryer?

:shutup: the things I could suggest.

Hope you two have an awesome trip.

[BiK3RChiK]

Safe travels and see you when you get here...:soon:

[Maha]

Safe travels and see you when you get here...:soon:


OMG!..have you seen this???
The black tank bag (rear spoiler) will be left down the line, taking it to its new owner...:yes:

[BiK3RChiK]

OMG!..have you seen this???
The black tank bag (rear spoiler) will be left down the line, taking it to its new owner...:yes:

Could you get anymore on that bike? Hmmm... Ride safe now!

[yungatart]

OMG!..have you seen this???
The black tank bag (rear spoiler) will be left down the line, taking it to its new owner...:yes:

Looks like you fitted that hair dryer in eh, Mom? Along with the bathroom scales, the kitchen sink and the dishwasher....
Ride safe...

[MSTRS]

Where do I put my hairdryer? Lucky my lippy is easy fit anywhere is all I can say..


]...I could suggest,...

Sorry lass...the lippy is already there...