Last updated October 2026
Built on top of a flood bank, the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail, Te Ara o Waipaoa, follows the upgraded Waipaoa River stop bank from the river mouth, where Centennial Marine Drive ends, inland to the Matawhero bridge or Riverpoint Road. Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust rates it easy, lists it as 16 km and allows about an hour by bike.
Ride it there and back, or make a 32 km loop by returning on rural back roads. The trust warns that the trail is exposed to wind from the northwest or the south, so check the forecast before you choose a direction.
Practical Information
- Start
- Waipaoa River mouth, at the end of Centennial Marine Drive
- Finish
- Matawhero bridge or Riverpoint Road, Matawhero
- Length
- 16 km; 32 km as a loop using rural roads
- Riding time
- About 1 hour (walking about 4 hours)
- Grade
- Easy
- Parking
- Parking bay at the end of Riverpoint Road, Matawhero; for a one-way trip a car can be left at either end
- Horses
- Not allowed
- Weather
- Exposed to wind from the northwest or the south
- Built by
- Motu Trails Charitable Trust and Gisborne District Council
- Status
- Check the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust alerts page for current closures before you ride
About Coastal Waipaoa River Trail
The trail owes its route to flood protection. The stop banks along the lower Waipaoa River belong to the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme, which was designed in 1949 and declared complete in 1973, 25 years after planning began. The trust credits the Motu Trails Charitable Trust and Gisborne District Council with creating the trail on top of the upgraded bank.
From the river mouth the trail heads inland along the bank to the Matawhero bridge or Riverpoint Road. Matawhero Wines is at the north end.
The trust describes it as the Gisborne end of the Rere Falls Trail, the Heartland Ride that continues towards the Bay of Plenty via Wharekopae Road. Ngā Haerenga also sends Tiniroto Trail riders out of Gisborne along it, over the Matawhero bridge to the start of that ride at the Matawhero roundabout.
Getting to the Start
The trail begins where Centennial Marine Drive ends, at the Waipaoa River mouth, and the first part includes a road ride. The Kōpūtūtea Dunes Trail from Midway Beach also links to it, according to the trust.
If you would rather start at the inland end, use the parking bay at the end of Riverpoint Road, which the trust suggests when a northwesterly is blowing.
The Loop Back on Country Roads
Rather than return along the stop bank, you can complete a 32 km loop on rural roads. The trust lists Wharerata Road (State Highway 2), Bloomfield, Bushmere and Farmer roads, Makaraka Road (State Highway 2), and Pilmer, Tucker and Nelson roads. Parts of the loop are on the state highway, so ride to the traffic and conditions.
Where to Learn More
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust: Coastal Waipaoa River Trail: route map, loop roads and trail notes.
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust: Trail alerts: current closures and warnings for trails in Tairāwhiti.
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails: Tiniroto Trail: the Heartland Ride that starts at Matawhero, at the inland end of this trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail?
The trust lists it as 16 km, or 32 km if you loop back on rural roads.
How long does it take?
About an hour by bike, or about four hours on foot.
Is it hard?
No. The trust rates it easy, and it follows the top of the stop bank.
Where does it start?
At the Waipaoa River mouth at the end of Centennial Marine Drive. The inland end is at the Matawhero bridge or Riverpoint Road.
Where can I park?
There is a parking bay at the end of Riverpoint Road, Matawhero, and for a one-way ride a car can be left at either end.
Can I ride a horse on it?
No, horse riding is not allowed on this trail.
Does the wind matter?
Yes. The trail is exposed to wind from the northwest or the south.
Does it link to other trails?
Yes. It is the Gisborne end of the Rere Falls Trail, Tiniroto Trail riders use it to reach Matawhero, and the Kōpūtūtea Dunes Trail links to it at the river mouth.
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