As we headed down towards Opotiki, we traveled through Te Puke, the center of the kiwi fruit industry. They are grown about six feet above the ground similar to grapes but the orchards are surrounded by 30 foot high dense cedar hedges that protect them from wind damage. Near here we got stopped by the police for going too slow; we were doing 85 in a 100km zone and delaying traffic. This won’t happen again! Along this road there are magnificent beaches at Katitaki. We went inland to go around a bay to get to Opotiki and then started around the East Cape. East Cape has fantastic moto riding, with minimal traffic, one lane bridges, large forested mountains, deserted beaches, superb views and a road that twists and turns along the coast. It is a beautiful sunny day and the sea is turquoise. As you head along the coast you can see White Island, a recently active volcanic island in the distance.
There is a series of bays you pass by, some with gravel beaches and rugged rocks in the water. The road goes inland at Whangaparaoa and winds through the mountains until Hicks Bay and then across country to Te Araroa. From here south it is farming country, with green field with grazing sheep and cattle. The road now has longer sweeping turns that allow a high speed; a major difference from the tight twisties earlier in the day. There are beautiful beaches all the way to Gisborne and there is an active group of surfers taking advantage of the many surf breaks. We stopped in Gisborne, a trendy town of 33,000 located right on the ocean. Tomorrow morning it will be off to the gym for a workout!
1.Dave Checking Out Beach On Bay of Plenty 2. Bay of Plenty
3. A Rugged Harbour on the East Cape 4. Fern
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