Tairāwhiti Gisborne is where activities are much more than top things to do. These east coast attractions are memorable experiences that show off the beauty of the region and make you fall in love with the people and place. Gisborne is a playground for outdoor lovers, with a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and historical significance that makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re interacting with wild stingrays at Dive Tatapouri, exploring the stunning trails of Eastwoodhill Arboretum, or become a railway conductor for the day with Gisborne Railbikes, there’s something for everyone.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers experiences that go beyond the usual – think rock sliding at Rere Falls or catching the first rays of the sunrise at some of the country’s top sunrise spots. With activities like Cycle Gisborne and stargazing with Gisborne Astro Tours, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with nature and soak in the region’s charm. For those keen on discovering the regions cultural, the Tairāwhiti Museum and Cook’s Cove Walkway offer a peek into the area’s rich history. Get ready to experience Gisborne like never before – outdoors, active, and full of surprises.
1. Dive Tatapouri – interact with wild stingrays
Dive Tatapouri’s Reef Ecology Tour is an experience like no other, offering visitors the chance to walk among wild stingrays in their natural habitat. Set against the stunning backdrop of Gisborne’s coastline, this tour lets you get up close and personal with these graceful creatures while learning about the delicate marine ecosystem that they call home. The tour is hands-on and interactive, giving you the opportunity to wade out in the water at low tide, let the stingrays swim up to greet you and learn from expert guides about their importance to the reef’s health.
What makes this experience quintessentially Gisborne is its blend of adventure, natural beauty, and local culture. It’s a unique way to connect with the ocean, and the stunning surroundings only add to the magic. Plus, Dive Tatapouri runs these tours all year round, so no matter when you visit, there’s always a chance to dive into this unforgettable adventure. With Gisborne’s buzzing outdoor scene, from beaches to forests, there’s always something exciting to explore – but starting your journey with the Reef Ecology Tour is an absolute must.
2. Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Eastwoodhill Arboretum is an absolute must-see for nature lovers visiting Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Spanning an impressive 131 hectares, it’s the National Arboretum of New Zealand and boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator. Established in 1910, this arboretum is home to towering, ancient trees that make you feel small in comparison.
With 25 kilometers of walking and hiking trails, there’s plenty to keep you busy during the day. The trails suit all fitness levels, making it easy for everyone to explore this natural wonderland. As you wander through the diverse range of flora, you’ll be accompanied by the sounds of native birds, making it a truly immersive natural experience. Eastwoodhill is family-friendly too, with a children’s playground for kids who still have energy to burn after roaming the arboretum.
Whether you visit in the vibrant autumn months or the lush greenery of spring and summer, the arboretum is beautiful year-round. You can even stay overnight in their on-site accommodation, giving you the chance to take your time, slow down, and appreciate this stunning and serene landscape.
3. Gisborne Railbikes
For a truly unique and exciting way to explore Gisborne, hop on a Gisborne Railbike and pedal your way through 90 kilometers of stunning coastal scenery. This tandem cycling adventure lets you and a partner ride side by side on actual railway tracks. Choose between three rides, two of which are in Gisborne and one is in Māhia. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the thrill of cycling with the nostalgia of train travel.
As you ride along the tracks, you’ll pass through beautiful, lesser-explored areas that you might not otherwise get to see. The coastal views are simply breathtaking, and the easy pace of the railbike makes it perfect for soaking in the surroundings. It’s a fun, year-round activity that’s great for couples, friends, or anyone looking to experience Gisborne from a different perspective. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just up for an adventure, Gisborne Railbikes promise an unforgettable, cruisy day of exploring.
4. Cook’s Cove Walkway
The Cook’s Cove Walkway is a fantastic day walk for anyone visiting the Gisborne area, especially families looking for a mix of adventure, history, and coastal beauty. Located north of Gisborne in Tolaga Bay, this 5.8 km return track takes around 2.5 hours to complete, making it a great option for a half-day outing.
The track leads you through rolling farmland and native bush before opening up to stunning coastal views, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll find historic points of interest that offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The area is famous for being a landing site of Captain Cook during his first voyage to New Zealand in 1769, and the picturesque Cook’s Cove was where his crew gathered fresh water and supplies.
The walk is free and suitable for all ages, but make sure to check track information with DOC, as it’s closed during lambing season each year. Stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and immerse yourself in a bit of Tairāwhiti history on this scenic and family-friendly trail.
5. Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls
For adventure and adrenaline seekers, the Rere Rockslide is a must-do when visiting Gisborne. Escape the hustle and bustle and drive to Rere where you’ll find this natural water slide formed by a long, smooth rock face, offering a thrilling ride as you zoom down the slope on a boogie board or inflatable airbed. It’s a fantastic free experience that brings out the kid in everyone, and on a warm day, it’s the perfect way to cool off. Locals and visitors alike flock to this spot for a day of fun, so be sure to bring your gear, pack a picnic, and get ready to make a splash. Be warned, this 60-metre slide is not for the faint-hearted!
Just a short distance away, you’ll find the beautiful Rere Falls, another must-visit when in the area. These picturesque falls are an ideal spot to relax after your rockslide adventures, with a gentle cascade that makes for a great photo backdrop. Together, the Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls create an unforgettable day of excitement and natural beauty, showcasing some of the best outdoor experiences Gisborne has to offer.
6. Visit the Top Sunrise Spots
Watching the sunrise is one of the best outdoor experiences you can have in Gisborne, and it’s something you’ll want to do on purpose. Known as the land of the first light, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is where the sun rises before anywhere else in the world, making it the perfect place to transform your mornings while on holiday. Join the many happy adventurers who set out early to catch that first glimpse of the sun and soak up the morning glow from a stunning scenic spot.
Some of the best places to see the sunrise in Gisborne include Anaura Bay, where you’ll get that quintessential Kiwi beach sunrise, Maunga Hikurangi, with its cultural significance and panoramic views, and Kaiti Hill, which offers an easy-to-reach, uninterrupted vantage point. Each spot provides a sunrise experience that’s truly breathtaking. Follow it up with a coffee and breakfast at a local cafe, and you’ve already had one of the best days in Gisborne, all before 9 am!
7. Gisborne Astro Tours
From the first light of day to the mysteries of the night sky, Gisborne Astro Tours offers an unforgettable stargazing experience. This 2-hour tour with an expert astrophotographer lets you see stars, planets, and galaxies, providing a fascinating introduction to astronomy. Set in a rural location, away from city lights, this tour offers ultimate night sky viewing that’s both peaceful and intimate, making it feel like a truly local, hidden gem.
During the tour, you’ll gain insights into the wonders of the universe, guided by an expert, John Drummond who’s passionate about sharing the beauty of what’s happening up in space. Tours operate on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, weather dependant. What you’ll see can be rare, and some of it can only be spotted from New Zealand, making this tour one of the special things to do in Gisborne. It’s the only place on the East Coast where you can embark on a guided astro adventure, and by the end, you might just walk away with a new-found passion for the stars.
8. Cycle Gisborne
Cycle Gisborne makes it easy to explore Tairāwhiti Gisborne on two wheels, offering everything from bike hire to guided day and multi-day tours in Gisborne and Ōpōtiki. With stunning beaches, peaceful rural roads, and scenic waterfalls, this region is perfect for those looking to get off the tourist trail and away from the crowds to enjoy a quieter view of the East Coast.
By joining a local guide, you’ll get to see some of the hidden gems and secluded, under-the-radar spots that make Gisborne so special. From the sandy stretches of the Dunes Trail in Ōpōtiki to the historic Motu Road Trails and the picturesque Heartland Rere Falls Trail, Cycle Gisborne connects you to the must-see sights in a fun and active way. Navigate the massive region by bike for an incredible outdoor experience.
9. Tairāwhiti Museum
The Tairāwhiti Museum is a regional treasure that’s well worth a visit when you’re in Gisborne. Stepping inside helps paint a vivid picture of the area’s rich history, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding as you explore the region. The museum’s galleries host impressive exhibitions, from displays of local history to rotating art exhibits featuring both regional and national artists.
A highlight is the chance to explore the historic cottage and ship, giving a unique glimpse into the past. With a recent redevelopment led by a passionate team, the museum has been thoughtfully modernized, making it a place you’ll want to return to time and again to catch new and exciting exhibitions.
After exploring, head to Exhibit Cafe for a coffee and a bite to eat, where you can relax and reflect on your visit. With its engaging displays and welcoming atmosphere, the Tairāwhiti Museum makes for a top-notch day out in Gisborne.
10. Motu River Jet
Motu River Jet is an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of jet boating with the stunning, untouched beauty of Tairāwhiti’s natural landscapes. This experience takes you deep into the heart of the region, along the winding Motu River, where you’ll see parts of the East Coast that few get to explore. With adrenaline-pumping speed and expert navigation, the jet boat weaves along the river, past lush native bush, and over clear, fast-flowing waters.
What makes this experience truly special is how it reveals some of the most undisturbed and pristine areas of the region, offering a unique perspective on its wild, natural beauty. As you zip along the river, you’ll catch glimpses of local wildlife and scenery that feel worlds away from the usual tourist spots. For those looking to see a wilder side of Gisborne, Motu River Jet delivers a perfect mix of adventure and sight-seeing.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
