Pacific Coast Highway Traveller’s Guide
Top 5 FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
You local Visitor Information Centre is a wealth of information. Below we have created a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may be helpful to you.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact your friendly I-Site staff.
- How long does it take to drive to Gisborne around the East Cape?
- What do the Maori carvings mean?
- What roads are open?
- What is the river flow at the moment?
- Where is the Taketakerau tree?
- What are the best fishing places?
- Is there a passenger service to go up the coast (SH35) and on to Gisborne?
- Where is the hospital?
- Where is the police station?
- Bush walk details
- What are your opening hours?
- Where is the council?
- Where is the cemetery?
- Where are the internet cafes?
- Where are the public toilets?
- How do you get to the beach?
- Where do you find important Opotiki phone numbers?
How long does it take to drive to Gisborne around the East Cape?
It generally takes six hours to drive around the East Cape although an overnight stop is highly recommended.What do the Maori carvings mean?
The Main Street Carving
This carving depicts the historic lifestyle of the age, from the arrival of white people. It portrays the progress of civilisations introducing agriculture, horticulture and trading. Schooners and scows were the main mode of transport.
Get directions from Google Maps.
Entrance to the Main Street
The essences of these carvings is survival, the eastern one being a bird, the western, Pikopiko (frond) - the food of our forefathers.
Get directions from Google Maps.
Pouwhenua at Waiotahi Beach
The Pouwhenua carvings at the Waiotahi Beach also known as the Totem poles were carved by Heke Collier and mean TE ARA KI RAWHITI “The Pathway to the Sunrise”. A full description on the meaning of the Pouwhenua can be found at the Opotiki Information Centre.
What roads are open?
Contact Works Infrastructure, who can provide you with details on what roads are open or closed. Phone Works on 07 315 1030.
What is the river flow at the moment?
Water levels can be found on the Environment Bay of Plenty website. This gives you a list of water level gauges for different rivers throughout the region.
Depending on the kayak being used (e.g plastic fantastic or fibreglass/carbon Kevlar). This will determine whether a river is ‘kayakable’. A plastic fantastic could kayak the river at any flow but be aware that willow trees during low flows are a hazard for any kayak.
Waioweka River, for example the river level at cableway gauge should be between 1.6m and 2.2m for a fibreglass or carbon/Kevlar kayak.
Kayaking of the Ohiwa Harbour and the lower reaches of the river between the 2 SHWY bridges and the bar can be kayaked at any time due to tidal flows.
Where is the Taketakerau tree?
The 2000+ year-old Puriri tree, Taketakerau can be found on in Hukutaia Domain - Woodlands Road, Opotiki. Approx eight minutes drive from town.
Take a look at our Sights and Activities page for more information on the Hukutaia Domain.
What are the best fishing places?
The gravel beaches along State Highway 35 (Opotiki to Te Kaha road) provide excellent fishing.Is there a passenger service to go up the coast (SH35) and on to Gisborne?
For all your bus and forward travel enquiries, please contact the Opotiki Information Centre.Where is the hospital?
You can find Pacific Health, Opotiki Community Health Centre on King Street. Phone 07 315 8500.
Where is the police station?
You can find the Opotiki Police Station at 29 King Street, Opotiki. Phone 07 315 1110.
Bush walk details
For more information on the many bush walks around our district, contact the Department of Conservation or your friendly Opoitki Visitor Information Centre.What are your opening hours?
The Opotiki Visitor Information Centre is open 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Fridays and 9:30am - 1:30pm on Saturday to Sunday.
These hours are extended for festive occasions.
Where is the council?
You can find the Opotiki District Council office at 108 St John Street, Opotiki.
Where is the cemetery?
You will find the Opotiki Cemetery on the southern end of St John Street, State Highway 2 (Opotiki to Gisborne road).
Where are the internet cafes?
There are three internet cafes in Opotiki.
- In the travel shop on Church Street.
- Computer Tech Plus on King Street.
- Opotiki Superette on Church Street.
Where are the public toilets?
The toilets can be found on Church Street, near the base of the town clock.
After hours toilets are located at Memorial Park, Albert Street, Opotiki.
How do you get to the beach?
Beach access can be gained from State Highway 2 (Opotiki to Whakatane road) and State Highway 35 (Opotiki to Te Kaha road). For further directions, please contact the Opotiki Information Centre.
Where do you find important Opotiki phone numbers?
Below is a list of often-requested phone numbers. If you can't find what you're looking for in here - try the Community Directory or contact the Opotiki Visitor Information Centre.
- Information Centre - 07 315 3031
- Opotiki Health Centre - 07 315 8500
- Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) - 0800 559 009
- Drivers Licensing - 07 315 8439
- Corrections Department - 07 315 1070
- Opotiki Court House - 07 315 6137
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