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The spectacular North Island Heartland Ride Rere Falls is seeing encouraging growth from its establishment in 2012, thanks to the support of The New Zealand Cycle Trail (NZCT) and Motu Trails Charitable Trust.

The 103 kilometre trail stretches from rural Matawai to the long white beaches of Gisborne, joining the Motu Trails - one of New Zealand’s Great Rides – and providing a cycle link between Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.

The trail which can begin or end in Gisborne, has acquired official partners for the trail increasing services available along the undiscovered route. Although early days, riders are now able to self ride, get a supported ride, or enjoy a fully guided bike tour of the trail.

Similarly accommodation options have broadened to include The National Arboretum at Eastwoodhill, an historic hotel in Matawhero, an historic post office building in Motu, and a luxury hotel in Gisborne.

Welcoming this growth, Jim Robinson of the Motu Trails Trust states “the growth is really exciting, and word is just starting to get out there.”

The support of Official Partners on The New Zealand Cycle Trail’s Great Rides serves to make trails more accessible, and more manageable for riders.

Rere Falls is a Grade 3 Intermediate Heartland Ride, suited to regular, experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness and over 12 years of age. With greater transport, bike hire, cycle tour, and accommodation options, cyclists are better equipped to plan their one to three day journey according to their budget.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail’s Official Partner programme was created to enable local businesses to partner with cycle trails in their region, for mutual benefit.

The programme aims to raise the profile of the NZCT brand, the individual Great Rides, and enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a premier cycling destination.

Rolling hills and sealed roads make the Rere Falls Trail a comfortable ride for those who want to experience the treasures of one of New Zealand’s most remote regions. Meandering along quiet country roads the trail takes riders alongside lush hill country farms through to the wineries and maize fields of the fertile Poverty Bay flats.

The Gisborne district has warm summers and mild winters which means the trail can be ridden all-year round, and in either direction – though for the best views (and downhill riding) riders should start from the historic village of Matawai. From here riders traverse a wild landscape along 28 kilometres of smooth gravel road, and may encounter wild pig or deer. The ride continues through rolling hill country, farms, and forest reserves. Highlights include the unique Rere Rockslide and the iconic Rere Falls.

Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand with its stunning display of around 3,500 exotic and native trees is also on the trail. Walking tracks cover the 135 hectare gardens past many rare and unique species in a park which many consider to be an arboreal ark.

The Trail continues down to the Poverty Bay Flats. The fertile plain is home to some of Gisborne’s finest vineyards, wineries and the cycling is easy. Finally riders can meander along Gisborne city’s riverside cycle and walkway to the i-SITE in between the city centre and some of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches.

Gisborne is connected by daily flights from Auckland and Wellington. Buses travel between Gisborne and Matawai daily. Bikes can be hired in Gisborne and Opotiki, and transport organised with local cycling businesses.

For more information on Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail and maps of the Great Rides, go to www.nzcycletrail.com

For more information on Official Partner service providers go www.motutrails.co.nz/service-providers 

Images: Eastwoodhill (top) and Rere Falls (below).

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