This route following Tiniroto and Frasertown Roads can be started from Gisborne or Te Wairoa. The junction of Tiniroto Road with Frasertown Road (SH 38) is at Frasertown/Te Kapu.

Gisborne to Tiniroto: 59km

Tiniroto to Frasertown/Te Kapu: 36km

Frasertown/Te Kapu to Te Waiora: 8.5km

Culture

The iwi of Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Māhaki, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri have deep historical and cultural connections to the Gisborne/Tiniroto/Wairoa region.

Whakapūnake Maunga, which you will see south of Tiniroto, is the ancestral and spiritual maunga that links many of the people of this area.

Waerenga-o-Kurī, now a small farming settlement on Tiniroto Road, was a traditional meeting place for the coastal and inland hapū (sub-tribes) before it became a European settlement. It was a trading place for food like crayfish, fish, paua, kūmara, eels, kererū (native pigeons), weka, and mutton birds.

Road conditions

The road is hilly and windy and narrow for much of the distance. Traffic volumes are generally low although log trucks, stock trucks and other large construction vehicles may be encountered. Often there is a limited view of the road ahead, so it is important to listen for vehicles and ride close to the left.

Falling rocks at the Hangaroa Bluffs can be a danger, so don’t linger in this area. Rockfalls at the Hangaroa Bluffs can close Tiniroto Road, especially during heavy rain events. Parikanapa Road provides an alternative route if Tiniroto Road is closed at “the bluffs”.

Warning: During 2026-2027 with forest harvesting and the construction of two bridges (at Doneraille Park and Te Reinga), there are expected to be more log trucks and construction vehicles on the road than usual.

Fitness & skills

This is a fairly challenging and hilly grade 3 (intermediate) ride on a mainly sealed road with gravel sections. It is suitable for fit, experienced riders or those on e-bikes.

Type of bike

There are gravel sections on Tiniroto Road as well as numerous potholes to watch out for. It is recommended to take a bike with wide tyres, such as a mountain bike or gravel bike.

If using an e-bike, riders will need to recharge their batteries at their overnight accommodation. Riders should have good mechanical skills and carry a tool kit.

Maps and navigation

The route follows Tiniroto and Frasertown Roads, which are signposted.

Weather

The ride is open year-round. Summer and autumn provide the best riding conditions, but it can rain or be windy at any time of year.

Food & accommodation

In Gisborne and Wairoa there are motel accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways.

Carry enough food for your cycle ride because both the Waerenga-o-Kurī store and the Tiniroto Tavern are closed.

Options for accommodation along the route, or nearby, include:

Hackfalls Arboretum accommodation

Taaheke Farmstay, email here

Mahaanui Farmstay Experience, located along Ruakaka Road, offers three private, unique accommodation options

More basic accommodation is available at the Tiniroto Hall.

Getting there & around

To follow Tiniroto Trail from Gisborne, begin cycling along the Waipaoa River Coastal Trail. The inland end of this trail is at the Matawhero bridge over Waipaoa River. To continue riding on either the Tiniroto Trail or Rere Falls Trail, cross the bridge and take the second exit from the Matawhero roundabout, which is Tiniroto Road. After 3km, Rere Falls Trail turns right onto Kaimoe Road, while Tiniroto Trail continues straight ahead along Tiniroto Road.

Many people ride from the Bay of Plenty to Gisborne via the Motu Trails Great Ride and Rere Falls Trail.

From Te Wairoa, cycle out of town heading north and cross the Wairoa River bridge. Turn left at Mahia Road, then right onto Frasertown Road.

The Intercity bus route goes through Gisborne and Te Wairoa, although it is not always possible for bikes to be carried on Intercity buses.

Cellphone coverage

Cellphone coverage will be patchy.

Toilets

Toilets are situated at the carpark at the Te Reinga bridge over the Wairoa River.

Visitor Information

Gisborne visitor information: Gisborne i-site, Tairāwhiti Gisborne The First Light 

Wairoa visitor information: Wairoa i-site

Further information about locations along the trail

From Matawhero, the trail climbs out of the Waipaoa River catchment as Tiniroto Road winds past Gentle Annie Reserve. Roadside trees offer seasonal colour. The Gentle Annie Summit provides views across Tūranganui a Kiwa and Gisborne. The route then descends into the upper Hangaroa River area, crossing tributaries until reaching the Ruakituri River. These two major rivers join to become the Wairoa River, which flows to Te Wairoa.

Waerenga-o-Kurī became a farming settlement in the late 1800s, with the first hotel built in 1887 and school in 1879. Its community hall originally stood in Hangaroa (1913) and was moved to Waerenga-o-Kurī in 1927. In 1901, the settlement had a post and telegraph office and was noted as a health resort due to its elevation.

Tiniroto is another small settlement along the road with its first settlers arriving in 1868. The name was given due to the area's many lakes, formed by ancient landslides. The largest lake, Rotokaha, is close to the village.

Doneraille Park on the Hangaroa River remains closed following damage to the Ruakaka Road bridge in Cyclone Gabrielle; repairs are underway. There are alternative picnic spots by the river and trout fishing opportunities. Hackfalls Arboretum is another local feature on Berry Road, off Ruakaka Road, Tiniroto.

At Te Rēinga, the Hangaroa River joins with the Ruakituri River to become the Wairoa River. Te Rēinga Falls is just below the rivers’ junction. A walking track from the carpark across the Wairoa River bridge offers a view of the top of the falls, and a rough path leads closer to the base; caution is advised due to slippery rocks.

Frasertown originated as a military settlement in the 1860s. It has a historic cemetery and today offers services including a tavern, store, and takeaways.

Te Wairoa town spans the Wairoa River and has a rich culture and heritage, which is shared with visitors through the Wairoa i-site. Te Wairoa means 'the long water' in Māori.