East Cape Road (via Hicks Bay);is it sealed?

[Anonymous]

#3553

We're considering a trip round East Cape (Opotiki-Hicks Bay-Gisborne) at the  end of summer.  What condition is the road?  Sealed, or what?  Any recommendations/warnings?

[Murray]

#14649

SH 35 is the only significant road around the cape and connects the significant settlements and all the side roads, some of which are gravel. To access the East Cape Lighthouse take East Coast Rd from Te Araroa, some of that is gravel too but worth a look. Fuel can be hard to come by between Opotiki and Gisborne, fill up either end to be sure. There are some general stores on SH35 that provide basic fuel - for a premium price!Mind the tourists (and the locals), many don't understand why there's a centre line.Have fun, it's a great trip.

[Anonymous]

#14650

Since Cyclone Bola the road from about Hicks Bay south to Gisborne has been subject to washouts and is quite unstable in places. Bikes are using the road without to much bother.Watch out for Logging trucks and milk tankers,also numerous drop outs in tar seal which can make the fillings in your teeth a bit loose if you hit them at speed!.I have the habit of reading the road speed signs (they are  there for a reason)and this road has alot of them…..some great camping spots , huge pohutakawa trees ,one of historical interest at Te Araroa.If you stop at the RSA at Te Araroa watch out for a guy named Gilbert Rukumoana Walker, he will get you sewn up in no time!The road is sealed all the way round the coast with just short sections of gravel on the road to Waipiro Bay of SH 53Waioeka Gorge is also an option ,also tar sealed.

[Dave Morris]

#14651

watching the road signs is a very wise comment. Only thing I do is convert them from kmh to mph. 😮

[Dave Ross]

#14652

I usually double them, doesn't work so well with the 65's.

[Anonymous]

#14653

There are a few 65s on SH16 I can double.  Not all of them though.  😮

[Anonymous]

#14654

There are a few 65s on SH16 I can double.  Not all of them though.  😮

......and also, some of us are mere mortals.Can we assume from your post that your rehabilitation after replumbing is going well, Dave?

[Anonymous]

#14655

Yep. The rehab is largely complete.  I reckon I'm fitter than before the surgery!Away to Aus this weekend, but I will most likely join in the little/local on the 13th.DTY

[Anonymous]

#14656

An alternative to the Waieoka Gorge is the Motu Valley Road. Great scenery and people. Easy gravel and only one or two fords (depending on the weather!) Goes from Matawai through to Opotiki (and vice versa!)

[Dave Ross]

#14657

The Motu road is good riding, but not for Bryan on a K1100LT.

[Robin]

#14658

Yes sealed all the way. Petrol is sold at Te Araroa and Te Puia Springs. If I can do it on a 17 litre tank, (R1200C) an LT certainly can.You have chosen the best direction to travel. Unwind in Gisborne. Find a bottle of Nick Nobilo's Vinoptima Getwurtztraminer: World wide recommendation.

[Anonymous]

#14659

Many thanks for your comments, guys!…Koko is quite right about no-gravel-for-Bryan on his LT!  Thanks again Alex for your support/guidance/help/muscle with the front forks – A OK now! Where do I drop off another case of strawberry jam?

[Anonymous]

#14660

Has been a couple of years since I went round there. When we did we discovered the Macadamia Nut Farm at Whanarua bay does a Macadamia nut and Manuka Honey Ice Cream that is worth making the trip for (like I need an excuse to go for a ride).  😉We fuelled up at Ruatoria, the petrol pumps there are next to the Dairy (Supermarket?). Hard to see from the road, but up beside the shop. From memory it was only 91 octane, but beats the heck out pushing, and even putting a few litres in allows you to stop worrying about fuel.

[Anonymous]

#14661

It was all sealed when we did it two years ago. Fuel was a bit of a problem with stations around east cape proper (Opape through to Tolaga bay) only having 91  noticable loss of power and dreadfull fuel economy compared to 98

[Anonymous]

#14662

It was all sealed when we did it two years ago. Fuel was a bit of a problem with stations around east cape proper (Opape through to Tolaga bay) only having 91  noticable loss of power and dreadfull fuel economy compared to 98

Beats the heck out o pushing though. Went as far as the Macadamia nut farm at Whanarua bay on Saturday (26/02/2011) they were resealing quite a stretch just out of Opotiki and there was a detour stretch for about 2 km that was gravel somewhere near 30 km from Opotiki. Otherwise the bit I did looked in quite good condition.

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