The Waioeka Journey Te Awa a Tamatea
Introduction
The Waioeka Gorge has challenged people since early Maori travelled and lived there. In recent years the challenge of travelling the Waioeka has resulted in high numbers of road accidents.
The Waioeka Journey - Te Awa a Tamatea, is a multi-agency project aimed at increasing road safety. It provides a set of historical interpretation points at rest stops, where you can take a break and discover some of the stories of the Waioeka Gorge.
Since 2004, a combination of engineering improvements, new signs, enhanced police enforcement, and education initiatives - including 'Drive Reviver' campaigns - have improved driver safety.
Features
Waioeka Journey Matahanea entrance to the gorge
Family viewing information panel
Seven rest areas have been established at sites through the Waioeka Gorge to encourage you to stop, rest, and reduce driver fatigue - a significant contributor to Waioeka vehicle accidents.
Information panels at each site tell of the history, culture, geology, and ecology of the Gorge.
You can discover stories about this unique place at these rest stops:
- Tauranga
- Goldsmiths
- Oponae
- The Monument
- Manganuku
- Opato
- Matahanea
Location
The Waioeka Journey is a stretch of SH2 between Opotiki and Gisborne. It follows a route carved by rivers through the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve.
Plan and prepare
Please leave the area in as natural a state as possible - it's kind to the environment and appreciated by other visitors. Take a last look before you leave, will the next visitor know that you have been there?
back to top