This particular trip we travelled to Mahia first, then to Gisborne. From Gisborne we drove through the Waioeka Gorge to Optiki. The scenery through the gorge is stunning. 

We have done this trip a number of times, the last time was just after a massive mud slide.

It's just a pity the road from Napier to Gisborne is so twisty, otherwise this would be a super trip to do from time to time.