Havelock North to Gisborne

I did my morning workout by hiking up to 399m-high Te Mata Peak, which – as it turned out – was a very popular activity for tourists and locals alike on this particular morning. And it seems to be Mountain Bike Heaven. There are a number of trails for legs and wheels, all of which get to the summit at one point. From there one has a phenomenal view of Hawke’s Bay to the north and the inland to the west.

After the hill climb, a refreshing swim in the sea at Clifton Beach near Cape Kidnapper at the base of Te Mata would have been ideal. But there was a strong wind and the water was too lively for my taste. So I just enjoyed the sea breeze. Sadly, the foot access to the gannet colony at the cape was closed because the birds were currently nesting.

Thus I went on my way from Hastings to Gisborne, past Napier and through the heart of the Hawke’s Bay region, which is famous wine country. The route took me through scenic and rugged land- and seascapes. It is safe to say that I got my fill of hill country terrain and winding roads today! I crossed several notable ranges and valleys – the Tutira area, the Mangaone Valley, and the Wharerata Range – came through coastlines, forests, rolling hills and farmland, native bushland. Up and down and up again, it sometimes felt like a big roller coaster.

I got to Gisborne deservedly tired. My evening visit to the beach then was only to wet my feet and enjoy the sun set. It was too windy for swimming.