Driving

Travelling to Ōpōtiki from the northwest (Auckland, Coromandel)

The quickest route is SH2 through Tauranga, Te Puke and Matata to Whakatāne. Then head on to Ōhope, through the Wainui Gorge to Kutarere, where you re-join SH2.

Travelling to Ōpōtiki from the south or southwest (Wellington, Rotorua)

The quickest route is SH30 from Rotorua, to Awakeri. It’s then much the same time to either go via Whakatāne as above, or via SH2 through Taneatua.

Travelling to Ōpōtiki from the southeast (Gisborne, Wairoa)

Follow SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge. This is a stunning drive over a 700m mountain pass - be aware there are few opportunities to shop or refuel.

Travelling to Ōpōtiki from the northeast (Te Kaha)

Follow SH35. This is a world-famous coastal journey - again, there are limited opportunities to shop or refuel outside the small coastal settlements.

Buses

Intercity

The Intercity buses run from Ōpōtiki through to Rotorua and the rest of New Zealand every morning. The Intercity bus from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne runs every afternoon. You can book tickets on any intercity bus throughout New Zealand at the Ōpōtiki i-SITE.

The Intercity bus stop is located outside of the Hot Bread Shop Café, located at 43 St John Street, Ōpōtiki 3122.

Baybus – The Eastern Bay Hopper

The Eastern Bay network allows you to travel throughout the region from Tauranga in the west to Potaka in the east.

The Ōpōtiki i-SITE has the latest bus timetables for the Eastern Bay Hopper and The Pōtaka Bus.

The Bay Hopper bus stop is located outside of the Bridge St Café & Grill, across the street from the Ōpōtiki i-SITE and Moody Place.

Flying

Whakatāne airport is the nearest commercial airport to Ōpōtiki. 

Whakatāne Airport
Phone: 07 308 8397
www.airchathams.co.nz/whakatane