En Route to Napier
The 216km (134-mile) drive along State Highway 2 from Gisborne to Napier passes through a wealth of picturesque natural scenery: rugged high-country sheep stations, lush native bush, Lake Tutira, and a breathtaking view of Poverty Bay from the top of the Wharerata Hills, 37km (23 miles) outside the city. Between Poverty and Hawkes bays, Morere Hot Springs Scenic Reserve (tel. 06/837-8856; www.morerehotsprings.com) is signposted on the highway. It makes a nice stop-off point for a bush walk -- there are six tracks, which take from 10 minutes to 2 1/2 hours round-trip -- a picnic, or a soak in the pools (both thermal and cold). Admission to the public pools is NZ$5 (US$3.55/£1.80) for adults, NZ$3 (US$2.15/£1.10) for children; private pools cost NZ$3 (US$2.15/£1.10) extra. They're open daily from 10am to 7pm (till 5pm in winter).
