Take in the contrast as you drive the Napier – Taupo Road Trip, Thermal Explorer Highway
From coastal Napier to the highest North Island hill pass. Find Trelinnoe Park and relax among mature trees and rhododendrons. Take time to walk to a waterfall. Ponder about the narrative of Opepe Reserve, NZ Land Wars, sawmilling and lonely graves. The sweeping road was a construction feat giving Napier a vital link to the central North Island. The road follows, in part, traditional Maori walking tracks.
The journey can be taken in either direction.
NAPIER – TAUPO HIGHWAY TOP SIGHTS
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While the route map directions are from Napier to Taupo simply reverse if travelling from Taupo.
The best time to travel between Napier and Taupo is September to mid-May, early spring to late summer. In winter the highway can be closed to adverse weather conditions. State Highway 5 has 80 km signage for most of the route. Check Traffic updates for Hawke’s Bay | Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before departure.
Napier, Hawkes Bay is an art deco showpiece with its 1930’s architecture, pastel colours and curved walls. The Art Deco style of Napier and Hasting is an architectural gem and popular for heritage buffs. The coastal beaches are the habitat of gannets and sea birds attracting birders and wildlife fans alike.
Check the travel pack section for Napier – Taupo heritage trail brochure.
Eskdale is home to vineyards, orchards and the Esk River is a local favourite fishing spot. The Eskdale War Memorial church was designed by well known architect James Chapman-Taylor and dedicated to Percival Moore Beattie soldier in World War I.
The river has a history of flooding the flat river alluvial plains. There are several popular winery restaurants from Valley D’ Vine and Linden Estate Winery.
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
NOTE
February 2023 Eskdale was severely flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle and continues to struggle with a massive clean up.
Trelinnoe Park is one of New Zealand’s outstanding arboretums, the woodlands are the painstaking labour of Brian and John Wills converted waste scrubland into a collection of trees, shrubs and natives.
The landscaped woodland paths, the sweeps of lawn interspersed with clipped hedges defining planting zones and flowering rhododendrons is breathtaking. Trelinnoe is located on the original Old Coach Road, the unsealed road is approximately 6 km from SH5 turnoff.
Drive carefully and be aware of forestry logging trucks. Turning point at Esk Valley Forest gate. For up-to-date opening hours, check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
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For garden lovers this is a must-do destination with spring a sensory highlight.
The Pungahuru creek drops into the gorge of the fast flowing Mohaka River. The waterfall is framed by an amphitheatre of cliffs and bush covered hills. The quiet world of bush, river and waterfall creates a sense of discovery as you are observing the timeless flow of water.
Allow up to a ½ hour. The side road is McVicar Rd (gravel), you will encounter a closed gate which you will be requested to close behind you. In approximately 800 metres you will reach a car park. The waterfall is viewed from the car park.
The dramatic Waipunga waterfalls cascade in three sections with a companion Waiarua waterfall tucked to the side. The 40-metre drop is dramatic especially in winter and spring with the Waipunga River in full flow. Access is very easy with the viewing platform a mere 20 metres from the State Highway 5 car park.
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The section of road is straight, coming off corners and slower sections with motorists speeding up. Look carefully for the scenic lookout sign after you have visited the Opepe Reserve (Napier to Taupo direction). The falls are approximately 50 km from Taupo.
The Opepe Reserve is cut into two by the very busy State Highway two with barely a car stopping. One side leads to a lonely cemetery where several soldiers (Bay of Plenty Cavalry) who were caught off guard by Te Kooti Maori chief during the NZ Land Wars are buried. You are standing at a significant site for New Zealand Land Wars with Te Kooti’s redoubt and defences now across the road. Little remains of the innovative defense system other than an old well.
The area is interesting as sections are the Old Coach Road connecting Hawkes Bay to Taupo. While you hear birdsong in the regenerating bush there is a very faint hum of traffic. You are in an area where there was kauri logging and there is an old pit saw and information plaques describing the impact of wholesale logging on the area.
Be careful crossing the road as the traffic has speeded up with the long straight stretch of tarmac leading into Taupo. There is parking on either side of the road with a compostable toilet on the Old Coach Road Reserve.
Read More about What to Do in Taupo
Taupo is approximately 15 minutes from Opepe Reserve.
TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION
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