Napier to Taupo road trip

Opepe Reserve, Te Kooti redoubt

Soldier's Graves

Opepe Reserve information plaque

The 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 are buried.

Old Coach Rd, now Opepe Reserve walking track

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.

Read more about what to do in Taupo 12 places in Taupo & Central Plateau to visit, trip guide: Best Bits

TIP

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.