© Brook Sabin. Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Location: Gisborne, New Zealand
Come to Gisborne in the summer to enjoy it’s excellent surf beaches. When you’re done with the beaches go for a nice walk through the forest, feed wild stingrays, slide down the Rere Rockslide or enjoy the sunrise at the East Cape Lighthouse.
Beaches
- Tolaga Bay – sand dunes, golden coloured cliffs and New Zealand’s longest pier at 660 meters long. Tolaga Bay Wharf – 660 meters, longest concrete wharf in the Southern Hemisphere. For those that are confident in the water they can jump off at the end, just make sure it’s by the ladder, it’s a long swim back! Nearby is the Cooks Cove Walkway.
- Tokomaru Bay
- Hicks Bay
- Onepoto Bay
- Waihau Bay – beautiful beach, swimming, surfing, kayaking.
- Makorori Beach – a great surf spot next to Wainui Beach.
- Wainui Beach – a stunning white sandy surf beach. The Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve track takes you up to a lookout with views over the beach and only takes 20-30 minutes. Makorori Headland walk is a coastal walking track which again rewards you with some amazing views.
- Anaura Bay
- Maraehako Bay – safe swimming.
Walk
Cooks Cove Walkway – this walkway comes across a safe cove to swim in, a hole in the rock formation and information panels along the way to learn of the history of the place – a fantastic track for children. 5.8km return, 2.5-hour walk.
Rere Falls and Rockslide – a 60-meter long, 20 meters wide rock which has been polished smooth by the flowing water – making the perfect slide. Bring your togs and boogie boards! Rere Falls is just a minute away from the carpark and is the perfect place for a picnic.
Oneroa Walkway – Walk or cycle the boardwalk along Taruheru River then continue on the Oneroa Walkway. Access: there are several riverside starting points along Read’s Quay or start at the beach at the end of Grey Street.
Kaiti Hill – amazing views of the city and it’s three rivers. Walk, bike or drive to the top.
Whinray Scenic Reserve – view the stunning Motu Falls from the car park, walk along the swing bridge or explore more into the forest along the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track.
Walk (continued)
Hackfalls Arboretum – walking tracks through the largest private collection of oaks in the Southern Hemisphere. Bring a picnic and find a peaceful spot by the lake.
Lake Waikaremoana – the Lake Waikaremoana Track is one of the Great Walks, taking 3-4 days to complete, but you can walk however long you want to, and there are waterfalls and swim spots along the way. Great fishing and hunting area with water taxis and lake cruises available.
East Cape Lighthouse – the lighthouse stands at 154m tall, there are 800 or so steps to get there but well worth it. Beautiful spot to watch the sunrise.
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Tour
Mt Hikurangi – at 1754 meters, Mt Hikurangi is New Zealand’s highest non-volcanic mountain in the north. You can do an overnighter and walk to the top but it’s an advanced climb and so much easier to go on a four-hour 4W4 tour. There are nine large and impressive carved sculptures up the top. This is the first place to see the sun in New Zealand.
Reef Ecology Tour – observe and interact with the sea creatures in Tatapouri Bay and even feed wild stingrays. You may also encounter crayfish, yellowtail kingfish, trevally, octopus and eels. This is a must-do activity and it’s suitable for all ages.
Taiwawhiti Museum – the gateway to the culture and history of Gisborne, also includes an art gallery – a nice stop if you’re in the area.
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Garden / sculpture
Eastwoodhill Arboretum – 131 hectares of native and exotic trees. Most popular in autumn.
Te Maro Sculpture – a 10-metre high sculpture, great for photos and taking in the views.
Pool
Olympic Pool Complex – has a 50m lane pool, 33m outdoor pool, outdoor toddlers pool, 98m hydro slide, BBQ facilities and playground.
Map it out
