5 minute read
Things to do in Gisborne & Surrounds
GISBORNE TO WAINUI BEACH CYCLEWAY Ride from the city to the white sands of Wainui Beach. This easy, 6km one-way trail traces the beachfront, passing heritagesites and sculptures.
TAIRĀWHITI MUSEUM Get a taste of the region’s rich history by absorbing a huge range of local and cultural exhibits.
Advertisement
TUPAPA HERITAGE TRAIL Integrated with a world-class app, take yourself on a 4km self-led walking tour, peppered with beautiful artworks and 10 tour markers that conclude at the top of Titirangi.
EASTWOODHILL NATIONAL ARBORETUM OF NEW ZEALAND Boasting the most comprehensive collection of woody plants in New Zealand, including a large number of northern hemisphere trees. Enjoy 25km of walks.
TOLAGA BAY WHARF Home to a 660m pier and the longest in New Zealand. A 50-minute drive north of Gisborne.
COOK’S COVE See for yourself where Captain Cook stopped when he circumnavigated New Zealand. A 5.8km return walk traverses the landscape (closed for lambing between July and October) and at several scenic lookouts as you go.
MĀHIA PENINSULA Detour from Gisborne off SH 2 at Nūhaka and find New Zealand’s only rocketlaunching company, Rocket Lab. Māhia also boasts gorgeous seaside markets, sandy beaches and swimmable rockpools at Coronation Reserve.
CLIMB MOKOTAHI HEADLAND On the Māhia Peninsula, this short 20-minute walk starts from the edge of Māhia Beach. Reach the top and lap up the sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
MĀHIA COASTAL RAIL BIKE RIDE The latest adventure from Rail Bikes Adventures. Mount a custom-made tandem bicycle and ride the rails to the coastal communities along Māhia Peninsula. A 22km/threehour return journey, complete with BYO beachside picnic.
GISBORNE BOTANICAL GARDENS A bright and beautifully uplifting garden with huge ponds, a large cactus collection and expansive lawns for a picnic. There’s also an excellent, well-maintained playground.
Gisborne, first light in the morning © Strike Photography
RERE ROCKSLIDE Arguably everyone’s favourite Tairāwhiti must-do, speedsters can whizz down this naturally formed rockslide on a boogie board or inflatable. Should you find yourself without, there’s usually a skip full of discarded ones.
RERE FALLS Just 2km further from Rere Rockslide are the spellbinding Rere Falls. Showcasing a wide curtain of water, there’s an idyllic picnic area to sit, eat and admire.
ASTRO TOURS Experience a galaxy far, far away from the comfort of this quiet rural location. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, stargazers can revel in the glorious star-spattered sky under the guidance of an acclaimed astronomer.
WINE TASTING Waipaoa River Valley, north west of Gisborne, is acclaimed for its grape growing. Multiple wine tours, including by bike, are available. Download a wine map from gisbornewine.co.nz
FEED, SNORKEL AND SWIM WITH STINGRAYS For close encounters with reef dwellers, including stingrays, book a memory-making experience with Dive Tatapouri. Don your waders and get acquainted.
Stingrays © Tairāwhiti Gisborne
TE POUREWA BEACON OF LIGHT This 12m tall striking sculpture lights up the night on Hoturangi Maunga in Tolaga Bay. Commemorating Tahitian ancestor, navigator and priest Tupaia and his arrival at Ōpoutama (Cook’s Cove) on the Endeavour in 1769.
MOTU CYCLE TRAIL 103km of glorious terrain connecting Matawai to Gisborne. Allow one to three days to cycle this Grade 3 route which is also a Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails’ Great Ride.
TITIRANGI Also known as Kaitī Hill, this 35ha reserve and former pā site stands high above Gisborne. Walk, bike or drive to its summit, stopping at several scenic lookouts as you go.
MŌRERE HOT SPRINGS For some therapeutic TLC, relax into hot sea water. There are upper and lower pools, bush walks and a track to Nīkau Falls. Open Wednesdays and weekends only.
FIRST LIGHT WINE AND FOOD Another Labour Weekend goodie, this is Gisborne’s premier wine and food event spread across three venues: Matawhero, TW Wines and Bridge Estate.
TIPUNA TOURS Explore historical sites of significance with your guide, traversing landmarks, traditional marae and Gisborne landscape. By foot or 4WD, tours can be tailored to your interests.
BEACH GLAMPING Stay in a spacious and luxurious belle tent fronting Tatapouri Bay – your ticket to a world-class sunrise. There’s also a traditional Finnish sauna and private hot tubs on site.
PUHI KAI ITI/COOK LANDING NATIONAL HISTORIC RESERVE One of four national reserves in New Zealand commemorating the arrival of both Māori and Europeans to the land of the long white cloud.
HARVEST CIDERY The cellar door is open 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Drop in and taste New Zealand’s most-loved ciders, including Bulmers, Scrumpy and Strongbow.
SURF Seasoned surfers know the best waves are at The Pipe, south of Gisborne town, as well as Sponge Bay and Tuamotu Island. Newbies hit the gentler surf at Waikanae Beach and Roberts Road.
LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK 46km over three to four days, tramping through stunning native bush with lake views and swims.
THE LONGLINE CLASSIC Held over Labour Weekend at Gisborne Racecourse, enjoy some of Aotearoa’s best live music with plenty of beats and eats.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PIZZERIA The dessert pizzas laced with chocolate and strawberries are a must-try.
MĀHIA This is a family friendly holiday destination if you’re after a summer beach experience without the crowds. If you like to surf, swim, dive and fish, you’ve come to the right place.
Mahia Beach and Mokotahi Headland © Hawke’s Bay Tourism
