Around 270 kilometres of coastline give the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne region its varied character: sandy beaches meet rocky shores, headlands, offshore islands, sea stacks and reefs. To the west, the rugged, bush-covered Raukumara Range forms a striking mountain ridge. At 1,754 metres, Mt Hikurangi is the highest point in the region and the highest non-volcanic mountain on the North Island. The region covers 8,350 square kilometres in total, stretching from the Wharerata Hills in the south to East Cape and the settlement of Potaka in the north.

Forest Landscapes and Trails with Different Character

Gray’s Bush Scenic Reserve preserves a Kahikatea-Puriri forest that is rare nationwide—the only surviving example on the Gisborne Plains. A clearly marked circular track takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk through native bush, with information panels along the way. It is wheelchair accessible. This makes the short walk a practical way to explore this distinctive forest area.

Eastwoodhill Arboretum offers a different scale: more than 25,000 species of exotic and native trees, shrubs and climbing plants grow across 135 hectares. The trails range from flat, tree-lined paths to a steep climb up Mt Arateitei. From there, you can take in views of the arboretum and surrounding landscape. The grounds combine botanical diversity with a range of trail profiles, so not every route calls for the same kind of visit.

Okitu Scenic Reserve can also be explored on a circular track. The loop takes 20 to 30 minutes and crosses three small footbridges. A viewing platform offers views of Wainui Beach and the surrounding hills. Its short walking time and scenic outlook give this walk a different focus from the forest track at Gray’s Bush. When comparing the two, it is worth noting the specific trail details given: wheelchair accessibility is mentioned here only for the circular track at Gray’s Bush.

Cycle Trails and Longer Tours

The Motu Trails comprise the Dunes Trail, the Pākihi Track, the Motu Road Trail and the Rere Falls Trail. They offer opportunities for walking, cycling, mountain biking, trail running and multi-day bikepacking between Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. The Rere Falls Trail is a 103-kilometre Grade 3 cycle tour that takes one to three days. It connects with the Motu Trails and passes Rere Falls, Eastwoodhill Arboretum and Gisborne’s city beaches. This puts short circular walks and longer tours side by side, with clearly different distances and time frames.

Within the city, the Wainui Cycleway connects the riverside path via the Oneroa Pathway along Waikanae Beach to the Midway Surf Club. For a cultural walk, consider the Tupapa Heritage Trail: this four-kilometre loop has ten markers and runs from the city to Titirangi Reserve. Its accompanying app shares stories of the tangata whenua, the Indigenous people, in English and Te Reo Māori.

Culture, History and Regional Produce

The Tairāwhiti Museum regularly presents changing exhibitions on art, history and decorative arts across nine galleries. A particular focus is Māori art and culture. Visiting the museum and hearing the stories along the Tupapa Heritage Trail offer different ways to explore: changing exhibitions in one place, and a walk connecting the city with Titirangi Reserve and sharing stories in two languages in the other.

Tolaga Bay Wharf also stands out in the region’s history. It is believed to be the longest reinforced concrete pier and wharf on an open roadstead in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the longest concrete pier and wharf in New Zealand. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Malbec are produced in Gisborne. These regional specialties add cultural and culinary themes to your exploration of the landscape, without requiring you to focus your trip on just one thing.

Planning Your Trip

Eastwoodhill Arboretum is about 35 kilometres northwest of Gisborne and can be reached by car via Wharekopae Road in around 30 minutes. Distances and travel times like these can help you plan visits to different destinations. Whether you want to focus on coastal landscapes, forest trails, Māori culture, regional history or cycling routes, Gisborne brings these themes together across a wide-ranging region.

Discover More Destinations

Gisborne District, Manutuke, Bay Of Plenty, Manawatu-Wanganui, West Coast, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Southland

For the main travel overview: New Zealand.