Discover our favourite attractions to see and activities to do in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
1. Enjoy a Stingray encounter
Slip on a pair of Dive Tatapouri waterproof waders for a low tide reef ecology tour where you will get to interact with wild stingrays and other reef dwellers under the guidance of our experienced guides.
2. Ride the World Famous Rere rockslide
At Rere, just 30 minutes inland from Tairāwhiti Gisborne, you will find a not so hidden gem this natural water slide is 60 metres long the water that has flowed over it for over a 100yrs has smoothed the surface to allow you to grab a body board or inflatable and have some fun sliding down it into a naturally formed pool. Lots of fun for all ages and this one’s free.
3. Wander around Eastwoodhill Arboretum
After the Rocksliding fun or before as this stop is on the same road, call in and take a wonder around the pathways of Eastwoodhill Arboretum. This Arboretum has some of the best tree collections in the southern hemisphere a lot planted by a naked man wearing one gumboot (you will have to visit to get the full story into that!). There’s a choice of trails, from the super-easy Blue Walk to the much-more-challenging Yellow Walk, which will take you up Mount Arataitai for massive views of the arboretum and beyond. They also offer accommodation and a gift shop.
4. Cycle the Tairāwhiti Trails
For the more energetic the Rockslide and Arboretum could be a stop on your ride along the Rere Falls Trail through to the Bay of Plenty. One of four major rides that make up the Motu Trails, the Rere Falls Trail is a scenic 103km multi-day ride that’s usually ridden downhill from Matawai to Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Mountain bike parks and extensive cycle trails are a plenty in and around the city. The girls at Cycle Gisborne offer both guided and self-guided tours and with a passion of crafting custom experiences.
5. Surf Tairāwhiti Gisborne beaches
Whether you are a beginner or a pro the surf breaks on offer in the region will not fail to disappoint. There is a number of local surf guide operators and they will have you enjoying the feeling of riding the waves in no time or if you’ve been riding the waves for some time then visit the local shops to find the best spots for your level of experience.
6. Walk the Gisborne waterfront
The new Tupapa Heritage Trail provides a journey encompassing first meetings and more. Meet our region’s people, discover the stories of their ancestors’ journeys to and experiences of this place. Tairāwhiti Gisborne. This easy walk is back dropped by the blue Moana (sea) and White Cliffs of Young Nicks head, a stop at one of the bars or cafes in the inner harbour area will keep you refreshed as you make you way along the trail make sure to take the trail to the top of Mt Titirangi (Kaiti Hill) to view the picturesque Tairawhiti Gisborne.
7. Try the Gisborne Railbike Adventure
This unique cycling adventure allows you to ride on custom made tandem bikes along 90kms of rail way line between Wairoa and Gisborne. There’s even an e-bike version. Choose a one-hour taster trail through wine country and across a long bridge, or a day trip with three hours of riding that includes tunnels and a leisurely picnic lunch stop over-looking the ocean
8. Enjoy the various wineries and tastes of Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Tairāwhiti Gisborne wine provides a drop for all pallets even though Gisborne is known for its chardonnay the flat fertile plains provide a variety of other well-known wines to match with regional produce. Not all of the cellar doors are open year around if it’s not possible to visit the cellar door check out Crawford Road Kitchen in the inner harbour who do tastings of most of the local wines.
If beer is more to your liking make sure to pop into Sunshine Brewery locally brewed but enjoyed around New Zealand.
9. Experience traditional Māori culture and waka sailing
Waka Voyagers Tairāwhiti offer an authentic Māori culture experienced aboard the 70-foot traditional Māori waka hourua (two hulled canoe) named Tairāwhiti. Join the master navigator and learn about the seafaring and navigation techniques Māori voyagers used to cross the Pacific and discover New Zealand this activity is located in the inner harbour so may fit with your day of walking the Tupapa Heritage Trail.
10. Watch the sunrise from Maunga Hikurangi
Be the first to welcome the new day dawn on the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island. A highlight of this experience is learning about the nine large whakairo (carvings) representing Maui and Ngati Porou descendants. Join the expert Ngati Porou Guide to learn the traditions of Māori and discover the history of the sacred Maunga Hikurangi.
