This highway provides spectacular views of the rugged coastline and passes by many great beaches. It shares its name with the famous California Pacific Coast Highway but differs in the quality of the highway. I figured the total length was comprised of 95% curves and 5% straight road, all narrow two lane with no shoulder and minimal areas to pull off. The posted speed limit for most of it is 100 kph but most corners (and that's most of the distance) have warning signs in the 35 - 55 kph range. It's also a rural area with a few other obstructions thrown in.
Oh yea, most of the bridges are one lane and there are seal repairs underway about every 10 km. We averaged 55 kph.
Shortly after starting, we passed Whitianga Bay, supposedly one of the most beautiful deep water coves in NZ.
Following this was Whanarua Bay, note the corn field in the foreground. Feed for the cattle!
At Raukokore there was a beautiful Anglican Church on the promontory by the ocean.
Rock strewn Waihau Bay.
Lottin Point in the distance.
Lottin Point, at the end of a single lane gravel road...
St Mary's Church at Tikitiki was built in 1924. Nothing special on the outside but the interior is finished in spectacular Maori carvings and woven panels.
The next stop for lunch was Tokomaru Bay.
Next stop, Tolaga Bay, location of the longest pier in the southern hemisphere. This pier was built in the 1920's to facilitate loading ships with flax.
The last beach of the day was Tatapouri Beach, 10 km from Gisborne
This was also the location of one of the longest stretches of straight highway we saw today.
Our accommodation in Gisborne is a nice Edwardian B&B.
Too bad we are not here for the Super Bowl, check out the size of that TV!
We took a short walk downtown prior to supper. The same 60's look with nice sidewalks and some art.
We had supper at an Irish pub...
We walked home along the river as the sun was setting and lighting up the hills in the distance.
We got back to our room in time to catch sunset from our balcony.
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