Bikepacking New Zealand: Waihau Bay, Māori Resilience & Surfing in Gisborne – Part 2

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Well, guys, if you enjoyed part 1 of my epic trip across to New Zealand then get yourself a cold one, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the second part of the story. If you didn’t catch part 1 earlier this week then make sure you go back and listen to that first.

We pick up the journey at the start of day 3, and head straight to the iconic Waihau bay. This stunning area was made famous by Taika Waititi’s film ‘Boy’, and oh man was it special; what a way to kick off the second half of the trip. After some delicious home made ice cream at the Pacific Coast Macadamia Store we cracked on down the coast. I bumped into a fella called Giles who was undertaking a similar bikepacking trip with his son, and we cracked open a few Gizzy Golds and yarned into the evening. 

Heading back down the coast towards Gisborne we took in more stunning views, and surveyed the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle that struck the region back in 2023. Still in the cleanup stages, it’s clear to see how the disaster decimated the land and the sea, but the way the Māori people have rallied around each other and is really heartening, and left us all feeling pretty inspired. 

What better way to wrap up a trip through some of the hottest surfing on the planet than with a quick lesson? I was taken out into the water with legendary local surfer, Holly Quinn, who showed me how to master the waves and helped me get up. We sealed off the adventure by visiting Sunshine brewery; the home of the iconic Gizzy Gold which I’d become so familiar with over the week.

Honestly, guys, if you ever get the chance to head out to the North West coast of the North Island and explore Gisborne and the surrounding area - jump on it; you won’t regret it. 

I hope you really enjoyed listening to these two eps; I had an amazing time and I’m really grateful to Tairāwhiti Gisborne - the Gisborne Tourism Board - for making it happen.

If you want to read more about my trip and see some of the incredible pictures, check out this cracking feature by our friends at FLOW MOUNTAIN BIKE. 

Cheers,

Mitch!

 

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction & Recap
• 00:02:21 - Day Three Begins: Waihau Bay & Movie Locations
• 00:12:54 - Macadamia Farm & Local Treats
• 00:14:55 - Coastal Riding & Māori Cultural Insights
• 00:20:41 - Bikepacking Father & Son Duo
• 00:34:13 - East Cape Lighthouse & The First Sunrise
• 00:49:08 - Famous Café 35 & Power Pies
• 01:02:15 - Māori Facial Tattoos (Moko Kauae) & Cultural Significance
• 01:05:07 - Final Stretch Back to Gisborne

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