Last updated October 2026
Starting and finishing at the Gisborne i-SITE, the Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Winery Trail (Te Ara Wāina o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa) is a 39 km loop out to Makaraka and Matawhero and back. Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust grades it flat and allows about three hours.
Rather than a single path, it links public roads with parts of three trails: the Rere Falls Trail on the way out, then the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail stop bank and the Oneroa Cycleway on the way home.
Two wineries mark the far points of the loop, Bushmere Estate and Matawhero Vineyard; they are stops on the route, not part of the trail itself.
Practical Information
- Start and finish
- Gisborne i-SITE
- Length
- 39 km loop
- Riding time
- About 3 hours
- Grade
- Flat
- Route
- Public roads, a pedestrian bridge, parts of the Rere Falls Trail, the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail stop bank and the Oneroa Cycleway
- Road crossings
- Crosses State Highway 2 at several points
- Parking
- The trust says you can park anywhere along the trail or join it from city accommodation
- Promoted by
- Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust
- Status
- Check the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust alerts page for current closures before you ride
About Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Winery Trail
This ride is a way of seeing the Poverty Bay flats at bike speed. It follows signs out of the city on the Rere Falls Trail, crosses the Taruheru River on a pedestrian bridge, and then follows Stout Street and a string of country roads to Makaraka before heading across to Matawhero and the Waipaoa River.
The return leg is mostly off-road. From Riverpoint Road and Tarnbrae Road you join the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail on the stop bank, follow it to the coast, then come back into town along Centennial Marine Drive and the Oneroa Cycleway.
The trust says you can ride the loop either way, but it recommends the off-road option for the return to the city.
The two wineries on the route are Bushmere Estate on Main Road, Makaraka, and Matawhero Vineyard off Riverpoint Road. Check their opening hours with them directly if you plan to stop.
The Route
Out to Bushmere Estate
From the i-SITE, follow the Rere Falls Trail signs and cross the Taruheru River on the pedestrian bridge. Ride Stout Street to Nelson Road, then Tucker, Pilmer and Farmer roads to Bushmere Road, and turn left for Bushmere Estate on Main Road, Makaraka.
Across to Matawhero
Retrace Bushmere Road and rejoin the Rere Falls Trail onto Bloomfield Road. Turn left on Bloomfield Road and cross Wharerata Road (State Highway 2) onto Riverpoint Road, then follow the signs to Matawhero Vineyard.
Back to the city
Go back along Riverpoint Road and turn left onto Tarnbrae Road to join the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail. Ride the stop bank to the coast, then return along Centennial Marine Drive and the Oneroa Cycleway.
Wind, Sun and Traffic
The trust warns of gusty winds on the stop bank and suggests sunscreen in summer. The loop crosses State Highway 2 more than once, including at Wharerata Road, and the trust asks riders to take extra care at those crossings.
Where to Learn More
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust: Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Winery Trail: route map, turn-by-turn notes and a fly-through video.
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust: Trail alerts: current closures and warnings for trails in Tairāwhiti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Winery Trail start?
At the Gisborne i-SITE. It is a loop, so you finish there too.
How far is it and how long does it take?
The loop is 39 km, and the trust allows about three hours.
Is it hilly?
No. The trust grades it flat.
Is it off-road?
Partly. It mixes public roads with a pedestrian bridge, a stop bank trail and the Oneroa Cycleway.
Which wineries are on the route?
Bushmere Estate in Makaraka and Matawhero Vineyard off Riverpoint Road. Check their opening hours before you go.
Which direction should I ride?
Either way works, but the trust recommends the off-road stop bank option for the ride back into the city.
Where can I park?
The trust says you can park anywhere along the trail, or start from your accommodation in the city.
Does it cross the main highway?
Yes, at several points, including Wharerata Road. Take extra care at each crossing.
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