Hawkes Bay (NZ)

Just back from two weeks in NZ which included Eskdale (+ Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Makar Peak at Wellington and the Queen Charlotte track). Eskale was the only dissapointment. It is written up as a top 10 NZ riding destination, but unless you have another reason (Napier is a very nice place) don't bother. All track signs have recently been removed due to logging. Navigation is a pain and the tracks just are not up to the quality available elsewhere. If you want to travel out of Rotorua the shorter drives to the W2K track at Lake Taupo and the Moerangi Track through Whirinaki Forest are absolute classics. Just a warning, the local bike shops are extremely parochial and know nothing outstide the local trails. Moerangi requires a long car shuffle or local farmers can cart you in to the start. Have more details if needed.