There’s something truly special about Tairāwhiti Gisborne. It’s the kind of place that leaves families already planning their next trip before the first one is even over. From the rugged coastal beauty of Te Araroa and Te Kaha to the laidback beachside charm of Ūawa Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay, the vibrant coastal energy of Gisborne and the peaceful rural landscapes of Patutahi, Ngātapa, Mōtū and Matawai, this remarkable region offers a slower, more meaningful kind of escape where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
Stretching from the top of SH35 through to Gisborne and inland along SH2, Tairāwhiti is a region best explored over time. One visit might see you road tripping the East Cape, discovering hidden beaches, swimming holes and fish and chip spots by the ocean. Another could be spent soaking up the countryside, exploring native bush, meeting locals and uncovering family-friendly adventures tucked throughout the region’s welcoming rural communities.
What makes Tairāwhiti so unique is its diversity. In a single trip, families can surf beaches, soak in hot springs, experience Māori culture, explore remote coastal towns, enjoy incredible local food and unwind in some of the most beautiful natural settings in New Zealand. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or multiple generations, there’s a sense of freedom and connection here that makes slowing down feel effortless.
1. Ūawa Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay
This is a place that truly captures the essence of a Tairāwhiti getaway, with these two bays being classic coastal spots offering good times for the whole family. Wharf jumps, easy-going beach towns, pāua pies and sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean, Ūawa Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay have all the makings of a great Kiwi escape.
Tokomaru Bay is the kind of place where days are filled with swimming, surfing and exploring driftwood-clad shores. The historic, weathered Tokomaru Bay Wharf adds charm to the beautiful bay and perfectly reflects the relaxed character of the town. As hunger sets in, head to Cafe 35 for one of their famous pāua pies – an absolute East Coast classic. The small-town vibes will quickly draw you in, with everything you need nearby including a Four Square, cafe, takeaways and the local pub, Te Puka Tavern; perfect for a hearty pub meal and drinks with a water view.
Places to stay in Tokomaru Bay are unique and inviting, perfect for a small coastal town getaway. Stranded in Paradise Ecolodge is a must-visit, nestled on the hillside overlooking the bay. Book the whole main lodge for the family or stay in one of the private cabins. Te Poutapeta / The Post Office is another fantastic accommodation option in Tokomaru Bay. This charming historic building sits just 50 metres from the beach and makes the perfect self-contained base for your holiday.
Home to one of the top historic sites in the country, Tolaga Bay and Tolaga Bay Wharf are also well worth exploring. Believed to be the longest wharf of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Tolaga Bay Wharf stretches 660 metres into the picturesque bay and marks a place once visited by Captain Cook aboard the Endeavour. No longer a working port, this iconic landmark remains a unique and memorable stop along the East Cape.
Nearby, check out the Cooks Cove Walkway and visit Te Pourewa Beacon of Light, an incredible traditional Māori art installation standing 12 metres tall on Hoturangi Maunga in Ūawa Tolaga Bay. Consider returning in the evening to see Te Pourewa illuminated at night. Once you’ve explored a little further, gain local insight and knowledge with a guided experience through Tipuna Tours. These Māori-led tours explore the region’s culture and history by foot or 4WD.
Nestled between Tokomaru Bay and Tolaga Bay is Anaura Bay, a stunning seaside village perfect for slowing down. Kids will love the campground here, with days easily spent fishing, surfing, swimming and running to the small camp store for an ice cream. Another accommodation option in Anaura Bay is Rangimarie Beachstay, perched high above the coastline with incredible views from a private deck. Bordered by native bush and just a short meander down to the white sandy beach, it’s the perfect place to soak up the beauty of the bay.
Time spent here naturally leads into exploring more of State Highway 35. Venture further along the coast on a family road trip and discover even more East Coast gems waiting to be uncovered.
2. Pātūtahi and Ngatapa
For families wanting to experience another side of Tairāwhiti Gisborne, venture inland to the peaceful rural communities of Pātūtahi and Ngātapa. Surrounded by rolling farmland, native bush and quiet country roads, this part of the region offers a slower pace of life while still being close to some of Tairāwhiti’s most iconic attractions.
Ngātapa is the perfect base for exploring the Wharekopae Valley, home to Rere Falls, Rere Rockslide and the Eastwoodhill National Arboretum of New Zealand, all roughly 45 minutes from Gisborne. Rere Falls on the Wharekopae River is an ideal family day trip, with the base of the waterfall just a one-minute stroll from the carpark. Pack a picnic, spend the afternoon swimming and soak up the peaceful surroundings. Just around the corner, Rere Rockslide offers free fun for the thrill-seekers in the family, where you can ride the natural 60-metre rockslide on an inflatable or boogie board.
Nearby, Eastwoodhill National Arboretum of New Zealand is another must-visit, with beautiful walking trails, wide open spaces and an incredible collection of trees from around the world.
As night falls, experience another side of inland Tairāwhiti beneath the dark skies of Pātūtahi with Gisborne Astro Tours. Set away from the city lights in the peaceful East Coast countryside, these captivating astro tours offer families the chance to journey through the southern skies with one of New Zealand’s leading astronomers.
Base yourselves on the rural outskirts of Gisborne to properly explore the area and embrace the peace and quiet of inland Tairāwhiti, with a little adventure and indulgence mixed in. Stay at Manutuke Eco Retreat beside a wetland lake in a safari-style glamping tent complete with all the home comforts you could wish for. Nearby, Matawhero Luxury Cabins near Pātūtahi offer the ultimate stay amongst the vines, complete with complimentary breakfast and a bottle of Matawhero wine with each stay – a little slice of indulgence for the adults on a family escape.
Spend a few days here and discover a completely different side of Tairāwhiti, away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
3. Te Kaha and Te Araroa
Pure East Cape gems and must-visit places along State Highway 35, both Te Kaha and Te Araroa are coastal settlements with a whole lot to offer. Entice the family with a getaway full of adventure, coastal campgrounds and epic beach days.
Travelling around the East Cape along SH35 from north to south, Te Kaha overlooks the spectacular eastern Bay of Plenty. It’s the ideal place to park up and spend a few days fishing, yarning with locals and seeking some adventure. Te Kaha Beach Hotel is the perfect base for a family getaway here, with all the amenities you need to relax, explore and make time to enjoy each sunrise. Pop into local gems like Bhanga Coffee Cart and The Nuthouse Cafe, then slow down the pace at Maraehako Campground, a secluded, tranquil spot right on the beach.
Jet boating with Motu River Jet will turn up the adventure, with breathtaking river and bush scenery the whole way, while a horse trek with StandFast Horse Treks is the ultimate way to see the sights, East Coast style. Te Kaha is also where Taika Waititi’s classic film Boy was filmed, adding even more charm and character to the area.
Between Te Kaha and Te Araroa lies Waihau Bay, a place all about the ocean and fishing. With marlin, tuna and game fish found close to shore, it’s one of New Zealand’s hot spots for game fishing. Tackle the remote coastline and open ocean with East Coast Fishing Charters for an unforgettable family day at sea. Stay close to the action at picturesque Waihau Bay Lodge, perched right beside the boat ramp, or embrace classic Kiwi camping fun at Waihau Bay Holiday Park.
Te Araroa is a place that will remain special and rank highly among your family getaways of all time. Soak up being in the first place in the world to see the sunrise each day, uncover rich culture and history, and experience unforgettable East Coast hospitality. Maunga Hikurangi, the sacred mountain of the Ngāti Porou people, is not to be missed. On a guided sunrise tour, visitors are transported by 4WD to Te Takapau-a-Māui, a sacred site featuring nine Māori carvings. Hear local stories, gain insight into the region and witness a truly remarkable sunrise.
Days spent cruising the coastline to sights near the East Cape Lighthouse and to check out Te Waha o Rerekohu – New Zealand’s largest pōhutukawa tree, are memorable ways to explore the coast. Te Araroa Holiday Park is the ideal base for a family getaway, with local favourite 35 Eat St serving up gourmet burgers on site.
From coastal adventures to places of cultural significance, this is a corner of Tairāwhiti made for a memorable family escape.
4. Gisborne
Pack your bags and get ready for sun, surf and good vibes on a family getaway in the buzzing city of Gisborne. Though it’s the region’s largest city, home to both the port and airport, Gisborne remains a laid-back coastal gem with great food, wine and culture waiting to be uncovered. Mornings here almost always begin with catching the sunrise, perhaps followed by a surf or swim. Spend your days wandering heritage trails, browsing local galleries, discovering vibrant street art and tasting incredible local food and wine along the way. Settle into the relaxed rhythm of Tairāwhiti in the city that serves as the gateway to it all.
Less than 10 minutes from the heart of the city is Wainui Beach, one of the best places to start your day. Catch the sunrise, surf, stroll the coastline and settle in for breakfast by the shore. Nearby, Dive Tatapouri at Tatapouri Bay offers a one-of-a-kind marine life encounter and is one of the region’s most unforgettable family experiences. For those wanting to explore with local insight, Experience Gisborne offers everything from bike hire and shuttle services to bespoke tours tailored to your interests.
Explore the mighty outdoors along the Tuapapa Heritage Trail, a relaxed 4km walk linking iconic landmarks and historic sites including Waikanae Beach and Kaiti Hill / Titirangi Reserve. If you’re in favour of adventuring by bike, the Tairāwhiti Gisborne City Tour with Cycle Gisborne is a fantastic way to experience the city’s key sights and coastal scenery.
Sample the flavours of Tairāwhiti at the Gisborne Farmers Market, or discover some of the region’s finest wines all in one place at Crawford Road Kitchen and the Gisborne Wine Centre. Sunshine Brewery is another must-visit, serving locally brewed beers and pizzas just a few blocks from the beach. With great food, family-friendly activities and beautiful coastline around every corner, there are endless experiences at your fingertips. It may even be one of Gisborne’s many events, gigs or festivals that brings your family here in the first place.
5. Matawai and Mōtū
Travel inland from Gisborne along State Highway 2 and escape the hustle and bustle in favour of lush forests, winding rivers and secluded hill country. The small communities of Matawai and Mōtū offer a completely different side of Tairāwhiti, where outdoor adventure and peaceful countryside surrounds take centre stage.
Matawai is home to a wide range of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking and cycling, most notably the incredible Motu Trails, one of the 23 Great Rides that make up the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Winding through remote landscapes rich in history and natural beauty, the trails are one of the region’s must-do experiences for adventurous families wanting to explore the outdoors together.
The key trails include the Rere Falls Trail, Coastal Waipaoa River Trail, Motu Road Trail, Pakihi Track and Dunes Trail, along with countless side quests and connecting tracks that can be added along the way. With rides catering to all skill levels, the Motu Trails offer something for everyone, whether you’re after a relaxed family ride or a more challenging backcountry adventure.
Fly into Gisborne and base yourselves in the region for a memorable cycling getaway surrounded by nature. Embark on a guided experience with Cycle Gisborne to explore the Motu Trails like a local, or make things easy with shuttle services and bike hire through Motu Trails Hire and Shuttle.
For those wanting to turn up the adventure even further, Motu Outdoor Adventures offers unforgettable ATV and 4WD experiences through the wild and rugged backcountry. Zip through remote wilderness alongside passionate local guides and experience another side of Tairāwhiti that many visitors never get to see.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
