36 Awesome things to do in Gisborne, NZ and nearby (Insider Ideas From a Local Gal!)

Located on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Gisborne holds an incredibly special place in my heart. It’s my home town! Yep, I spent the first 17 years of my life growing up in this awesome beach town. Not only is it renowned for its chilled-out, laid-back vibe, but there are also plenty of things to do in Gisborne, NZ.

I now slow-travel around the world full-time with my young family and consider the world my home. However, Gisborne is still my most special home! I’m excited to share some of my local knowledge and a few of the things I love about this place.

(This post includes affiliate links for which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase)

It’s so much more than the name “Poverty Bay” may imply!

Captain James Cook was a British explorer. In 1769, he and his crew were the first Europeans to arrive in New Zealand, and Gisborne was the first place they landed. Captain Cook promptly named the area “Poverty Bay” when he didn’t receive all the provisions he wanted.

The Gisborne area is also known as “Turanganui-A-Kiwa” in Maori, one of New Zealand’s official languages. The region between Young Nick’s Head and Tuaheni Point is now officially known as “Turanganui-A-Kiwa/Poverty Bay.” 

Gisborne school students submitted a petition to return to the original Maori name. Subsequent submissions were considered before the dual name was decided. You may also hear the Gisborne area being called “Tairawhiti,” another Maori name.

The combination of a stunning natural landscape, friendly locals, and a strong sense of culture and community make Gisborne an amazing place to visit. The word “poverty” certainly doesn’t do it justice, and I’m excited to share some of our favorite things to do in Gisborne with you.

Getting to the Gisborne area

You’ve got a few main options for getting to Gisborne, which is known as being a little bit isolated as it’s a few hours’ drive to the next closest city:

1.   Fly there

2. If you’re coming from the north, drive the “fast” way through the beautiful Waioeka gorge. The winding gorge road is full of beautiful native bush.

3.   Drive the very slow way there via the East Cape if you’re heading in from the north. This coastal route takes in several beach villages.

4.   Drive through the Wharerata hills and enjoy more winding roads if you’re arriving from the south.

The best things to do in Gisborne, New Zealand

1. Try surfing, boogie boarding, or just splashing about in the waves

Gisborne is a great place to add to your North Island itinerary, and I’m not only saying that because I grew up there! Two of the major draw cards are its laid-back feel and world-class surf beaches. 

If you’re interested, organize a surf lesson or hire a board. The town beaches generally have much gentler surf than Wainui Beach, which is just out of town and is our most famous surf beach.

If you prefer gentler waters, you can also take stand-up paddleboard lessons or paddle in a kayak along the Gisborne rivers!

2. Watch the sun come up in the world’s most Eastern city

Another little Gisborne claim to fame is that it’s the world’s most Eastern city (or “town,” depending on who you ask. Its classification is borderline!). If you’re talking towns or cities, Gisborne is the first place in the entire world to see the new day dawn.

I highly recommend choosing one of its wonderful beaches to watch the sunrise. You can get up with the birds and know that you’ll be one of the first people in the world to welcome the new day!

The best thing is that watching the sunrise is completely free. The two main town beaches are Waikanae and Midway. Wainui Beach is about 5-10 minutes drive from town, which is where this shot was taken when we were house-sitting for friends! 

3. Explore Titirangi Domain (Kaiti Hill) 

If you’re looking for scenic and potentially physical Gisborne activities, check out Titirangi Domain, also known as Kaiti Hill. You can drive up and enjoy incredible views over the vast expanse that is the Pacific Ocean and also of the city.

If you’d prefer some physical activity, you can take an “easy” walk up. Of course, the difficulty level is a perceived thing, but it’s only 130m high, so it’s not like a half-day hike or anything. You can walk up the road, and over the other side, and then back over again! If you choose this option, be very careful of the traffic. Some cars drive much too fast up the road.

Better yet, walk the 2.4km loop trail. Use the fitness course if you feel inclined, and make sure to pause and enjoy the various lookout points. You can also check out the Captain Cook monument and observatory. Enjoying all that is on offer at Titirangi domain is definitely one of our highly recommended things to do in Gisborne.

4. Chill out at Gisborne Library

As full-time travelers, one thing we really miss in most of the countries we visit is libraries. New Zealand is full of incredible libraries. Locals might take this for granted, as you’ll probably find one in every town.

Hang out at the library if you’re looking for things to do in Gisborne on a rainy day, especially if you have kids! You can sit and read books, and there are some study areas too. The Gisborne library often has activities going on for kids, especially over the summer holiday period and during other school holidays. So make sure you ask or pick up some information leaflets while you’re in there.

5. Kiwa Pools

Gisborne’s main swimming pool complex has had a makeover! There have been mixed reviews with several unimpressed with the money spent on refurbishment and the perception that it hasn’t received much of an upgrade or could be so much more.

We enjoyed the facilities, however. The standout improvements are the indoor toddler splash area and the indoor kids pool, which is aimed at children aged 4- 6. There’s also a new indoor-lane swimming pool.

The complex is now called the Kiwa Pools (formerly the Olympic Pools). It has been built next to the original complex and still includes the original outdoor facilities. So, during summer, you can also use the outdoor pool, diving pool, toddler pool, hydro slide, and BBQs.

We also think the price is really good. A family pass (general entry) costs $15, and the hydro slide is a little extra.

The Kiwa Pools are in a fantastic location across the road from Midway Beach. After your swim, you can enjoy many other excellent places, such as the beach, boardwalk, adventure playground, kids’ biking area, and the new cafe and restaurant at Midway.

6. Visit a winery

Gisborne has this wonderful warm microclimate. The combination of the great sunshine, top winemakers, and fertile soil make it an excellent wine-producing region. Gisborne is especially well-known for its excellent chardonnay. Other top varieties include Gewurztraminer and Merlot.

Try one of the beautiful and highly-rated Gisborne wineries in the countryside, such as Bushmere Estate or Matawhero Wines. Or pop along to the Gisborne Wine Centre, conveniently located on the Esplanade in town. The food here is also fantastic.

7. Gray’s bush

If you’re looking for things to do in Gisborne and you love nature, you can’t miss Grey’s Bush. Located down back Ormond Road, it’s just a stone’s throw from the town center (about 10 minutes drive), but it feels a world away. 

The reserve consists of a beautiful landscape of surviving original New Zealand bush—the only such example on the Gisborne plains. From tall old trees (400-500 years old!) and dense native undergrowth to an abundance of birdlife, it’s a beautiful place for a stroll.

Gray’s Bush is both wheelchair and stroller accessible, and there are two well-maintained and easy walking tracks (15-60 minutes). Just leave your dog at home!

8. Tairawhiti Museum

Tairawhiti Museum is another great example to add to your itinerary of things to do in Gisborne on a rainy day. At only $5 entry and free for under 12’s and locals, it’s an affordable and interesting place to visit. 

Learn about Maori culture and the local area via the exhibitions and events. The kids will love exploring the Star of Canada, a cargo steamer that was shipwrecked on the rocks of the Gisborne foreshore and now rests here permanently. As the oldest European house still standing in Gisborne, Wyllie Cottage is another popular attraction here.

9. Eastwoodhill National Arboretum

Eastwoodhill National Arboretum is about a 30-minute drive from Gisborne. It’s a beautiful natural area to visit, especially during the changing seasons (most notably spring and autumn). It’s full of both exotic and native trees and has an amazing nature playground and walking trails.

The walking trails are well-labeled. We did the 45-minute ‘red leaf’ trail with Ayla when she had just turned three. I was so proud of her because it was the first trail she had walked any length of. (She went on to climb a volcano in Sumatra, Indonesia, on her 4th birthday, and also completed a walk of a few hours in Penang, Malaysia, when she was just four!)

She did most of the red leaf trail herself. I only carried her for 5-10 minutes! I managed to keep her on track by giving her the job of finding the red leaves to follow and telling her about how wonderful and strong her legs were!

She was also motivated on the walk because she knew that her older friend Ben had been on a five-day tramp with his dad. She thought this sounded pretty cool, so I explained that the trails like the ones at Eastwood Hill are a perfect training ground!

Overall, Eastwood Hill is just gorgeous, and we’d highly recommend a visit as part of your itinerary of things to do in Gisborne.

10. River and beachside walkways

Gisborne has some beautiful city center walkways that have gradually been getting connected over time. The routes are flat, easy, and wheelchair-accessible and can be used for walking, cycling, and jogging. Walk the boardwalks/concreted paths along the city rivers and beaches and take some of the most scenic areas in the city. It’s an absolute must-do for your list of things to do in Gisborne.

(That’s me with my dad, mum, brother, and Ayla in the Gisborne boardwalk photo below!)

11. Walk the track up to Makarori headland and the Okitu Bush Track across the road

Ok, so if you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you’ve probably realized that hiking is always a major feature in my “things to do in XYZ” posts. I just love it! And you’re probably realizing that there are plenty of great walking tracks and trails to choose from in Gisborne.

The Makarori headland walkway is short and sweet, with some incredibly rewarding views over the extensive surrounding coastline. It’ll get your heart rate up, but it’s super short and so beautiful. There is a car park at the bottom from which you can begin the walk.

Because it’s short, you might want to combine this walk with a walk around the beautiful (and also short) Okitu bush trail just across the road. Be very careful if you’re crossing the road, though. Cars can come zooming around the corner from up the coast.

12. Walk out to Sponge Bay Island at low tide

If you go up the lookout on Kaiti Hill, you’ll be able to see Sponge Bay island, off the coast of Kaiti Beach. It’s possible to walk out there if you time it right and go at low tide, so make sure you check the tides!

It’s not a walk we would have taken our then three-year-old on, so Colin and I went on a date. As we looked around the island, we had to do a lot of rock stepping, water wading, and scrambling through the bush.

So consider adding this mini-adventure to your list of things to do in Gisborne (which we would now also choose to take our very active seven-year-old on).

13. Visit Waihirere Domain

About 9km from Gisborne (further along back Ormond road and past Gray’s bush) is Waihirere Domain. It’s a nice area for a picnic and has a very old playground, but it kept Ayla very happy at three years old!

The best feature, though, is the beautiful 1-hour return walk to a mini waterfall. We saw a few birds and goats, and there was a little pool at the end of the walk. I was hoping to fill our drink bottles with some delicious fresh spring water, but I noticed an oily film on top of the water, so it clearly wasn’t pristine, and we weren’t going to drink it.

It’s sad that so many waterways in New Zealand are actually quite polluted. Although work is being done to clean them up, the waterways don’t always live up to the “clean green” image that New Zealand is supposedly well-known for.

14. Whataupoko Mountain bike park

Up near the end of Fox Street, you’ll find a pretty cool mountain bike park with 7km of trails and some nice views. If you don’t have a mountain bike, the trails are also suitable for walking, so you can add them to your trail walking list.

15. Te Kuri Farm Walkway

Yep, there’s another fantastic walkway in Gisborne that involves a steady climb where you’ll be rewarded with some incredible panoramic views. A little longer than some of the other walks I’ve mentioned, it’s a 2-3 hour loop walk (5.6 km). Make sure you take water with you and be aware that the walkway is closed during lambing season.

16. Botanical gardens

The Gisborne Botanical Gardens are a lovely spot to hang out with, especially if you have kids. The playground there has certainly had an upgrade since I was a kid, and it’s pretty awesome. Take the tiniest bush boardwalk track ever, check out the plants and birds, and enjoy a picnic near the riverbank. Certainly, consider adding it to your itinerary of things to do in Gisborne!

17. Watch a movie at the Dome Cinema

The Dome Cinema offers an awesome movie experience. It’s super cozy with beanbags for seats. Order your pizza and drinks, and sit back and relax. We highly recommend the experience!

The Odeon Multiplex is a more standard type of cinema in the city, so you can check that one out if you prefer.

18. Play mini golf

Mini golf is always a hit as a family-friendly activity, and our kids are both finally old enough to try it!

Ok, so we had to lead the 4-year-old around with various snacks like crackers and raisins, but we managed to get through all 18 holes even if we weren’t quite ready to keep an accurate scoreboard 😆

Gisborne’s mini golf course is at the i-site on Grey Street at the back of the building. It’s only $6 per person or $20 for a family of four.

If your kids have wheels, you can check out the skate park across the road afterward or head down to Waikanae Beach for a swim, play, walk, or ice cream at Captain Morgans!

Plus, if you’re planning to ride on Gisborne’s stream train (another family-friendly activity – see further down the list), you can book your tickets while you’re at the i-site.

19. Play tennis

If you can get hold of some tennis rackets and balls, there’s a tennis court that anyone can use at Waikanae Beach, next to the holiday park. It’s right next to the playground, so kids will also enjoy that. And, of course, you can enjoy a swim or walk along the beach afterward.

20. Walk up the Whitaker Street lookout

There’s a little lookout track that I reckon many Gisborne locals don’t even know about. We call it the world’s shortest bush walk. But actually, the ultimate shortest could be the little boardwalk track at the Gisborne Botanical Gardens!

This lookout track is super short, just a little over 200 meters, so it’s perfect for families with young kids. You’ll be able to reach the top in about 10 minutes. Just be careful after lots of rain because the steps can be very slippery.

There’s a little bench at the top and an ok view (considering the low elevation!), including out to sea.

This bush walk is in Mangapapa. Head to the end of Whitaker Street, just past the intersection with Wi Pere Street. The sign for the track is just off to the left at the end of the road.

21. Take a ride on the steam train

The Wa165 is Gisborne’s tourism steam train and the only remaining Wa-class steam locomotive in the world!

Its other claim to fame? It’s the only train that travels through the middle of a runway at a fully operational commercial airport (the Gisborne airport!). Ok, so it’s not LAX, but they still need to watch for planes, and we had to stop for one on the way back.

The scenic journey takes you from the station in Gisborne (across from the Gisborne i-site) to Muriwai (translation, a countryside field 😆) and back again.

It stops at the field for a while so the kids can run around and play. Your hosts on the train also pull out some chairs and tables for those who don’t want to sit on the grass. During this time, you can watch the train turn around so the C-carriage travels in the front on the way back.

The scenery is lovely, mostly of the Gisborne countryside and out to Young Nicks Head. The whole trip takes about two hours. The train even crosses the Waipaoa Bridge, the North Island’s longest river bridge.

Occasionally, the Wa165 is out of action, so you might end up riding on a different vintage train from 1967. It’s not quite as old as the Wa165, which dates back to 1897.

True to its vintage nature, you currently cannot book your train tickets online. However, you can find information about the train and see the schedule.

To book, head into the Gisborne i-site up to seven days before your chosen journey, or take your chances and go to the train 30 minutes before departure.

I’d recommend the former, however, as it does get booked up. We went to the i-site seven days before the journey so we could get the seats we wanted. We had six kids with us, so we wanted the beachside c-carriage with the tables! Being the semi-prepared travel mum I am, I knew the tables would be useful for snacks and the kids’ drawing books (you can also buy some snacks on the train).

Note the train runs relatively infrequently, mostly during holidays.

We paid $90 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids). Overall, we thought it was a worthwhile and enjoyable day out (it definitely made it more fun having friends along) and would recommend it if you’re in the Gisborne area.

22. Rere Falls

If you’re looking for things to do in Gisborne and don’t mind a little drive out into the countryside, Rere Falls is about a 45-minute drive from the city. It’s a beautiful 10m waterfall where you can take a picnic, have a little splash, and just enjoy the beautiful nature.

23. Rere Rockslide and the Champagne Pools

Not far along the road from Rere Falls, is the Rere rockslide. It’s definitely on the tourist radar of Gisborne things to do and see now, especially due to popular videos like the one below. 

The rockslide itself is free to use. Just bring your own boogie board or tube to slide down on. We have seen people slide down without them too. The rocks are smoothed over somewhat from all the rushing water. However, bear in mind, they’re still rocks, and injuries can happen!

You need to know the basics of using a boogie board to keep clear of the rocks on the sides at the bottom. While you’re cruising down on a board on your stomach, keep the front of your board lifted slightly, your knees up, and your elbows in! 

If you do it well, you should skim across the water nicely at the bottom! We didn’t take our daughter on it at three years old. I thought she was still a little small for it, but it’s always fun to watch others zoom down.

Even if you’re not up for the slide itself, it’s a great spot for a picnic. And here’s a bit of local insider knowledge…

Splash about in the natural Champagne Pools

After you’ve been to the rockslide, head a little further along the road (maybe about 200m from memory?). Here, you can access a little track down to the champagne pools from the left-hand side of the road. The natural pools are such an amazing hidden gem. You can jump off a rock into the lovely cool water, slide down a little mini waterfall, and play in nature to your heart’s content. 

As teenagers, we took many day trips to the rockslide and the Champagne pools. It’s a pretty epic and fun summer day out.

24. Doneraille Park

Doneraille Park is a lovely camping area near Gisborne. At 61km from the town, it’s also a great option for a day trip. Play in the gentle river rapids, take a picnic, and maybe even consider visiting the beautiful Awapiko waterfall nearby.

As teenagers, we used to love swimming at the waterfall in the Gisborne summer. Visiting the waterfall requires plenty of personal responsibility, including very slow and careful driving on the unpaved, windy road. 

Make sure you pack all your rubbish out and be aware that facilities here are very limited to none. Pollution in this once-unspoiled area has been an issue at times. This is due to an increased number of visitors who aren’t respectful of this area of natural beauty.

25. Snorkel at the Marine Reserve

Go for a snorkel at the Te Tapuwae o Rongokako marine reserve, located 16km up the coast from Gisborne. Because it has been a protected area for a while, the sea life there has flourished.

26. Take a day trip or longer to Tolaga Bay

Located about 45 minutes drive up the coast from Gisborne, Tolaga Bay was the spot we used to go camping as a family (and with extended family!) every summer. Walk along the 600m wharf (and jump off the end into the ocean, of course). 

Try the beautiful Cooks Cove walkway (see next point), which you’ll start before you reach Tolaga. Or go to the other end of Tolaga Bay. At low tide, you can enjoy walking around the rocks and up to the lookout point there.

27. Walk the Cook’s Cove Walkway

The Cooks Cove Walkway is a hiking trail at Tolaga Bay, up the coast from Gisborne. You reach the walkway’s parking area on the right-hand side of the road, just before the Tolaga Bay township.

The walkway is 5.8 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours return. We had older and younger members in our walking group, and this timing was about right for us, including time for photos, exploring, and lunch.

Cooks Cove is named after Captain Cook, the English explorer who stopped here during his circumnavigation of New Zealand in 1769. It’s open all year except during lambing season from August to October.

The trail is possibly the most picturesque family-friendly walkway in the Gisborne area. The scenery is relatively diverse, with farmland, bush, and sweeping coastal vistas.

There are a couple of lookouts with glorious views, and you can swim at the cove if you wish. Make sure you stop at the hole-in-the-wall along the way. It’s fun to scramble around the rocks and is incredibly scenic.

If you’ve got time after your walk, head to the beach at Tolaga Bay and check out the wharf or the lookout track at the other end of the beach if you still have energy!

28. Climb Mount Hikurangi

If you’re up for an epic adventure, consider climbing Mount Hikurangi. Stay in the hut up there, and then climb to the peak early in the morning to catch the sunrise. Or you can watch it from outside the hut like my friend Sue, and I did.

I’ve written a full post about this adventure, which you can read all about here.

29. Marawaiwai scenic reserve near Opotiki

Here’s a little tip if you’re driving to or from Gisborne through the Waioeka Gorge. The Marawaiwai scenic reserve is a lovely spot to stop and stretch your legs about eight kilometers south of Opotiki. It’s a hidden gem without major signage, but it’s on Google Maps, so you’ll find it!

To reach it, you need to drive a couple of kilometers along a gravel road. Then, park your car, open the reserve gate, and follow the trail through the trees and ferns.

There’s a sign on the gate saying it’s a 30-minute loop. You’d have to be walking very slowly or taking a picture of every koru for it to last this long! I’d say it’s more like 10 minutes. So it wasn’t quite the “exercise” walk we’d planned for, but still a pretty spot to visit.

Things to do between Napier and Gisborne

30. Morere Hot Springs

Morere Hot Springs makes an excellent day trip from Gisborne or a stopover on your Gisborne to Napier route. These are genuine thermal springs where you can relax in mineral-rich water. 

Through the entrance is a lovely picnic and BBQ area. There’s a cool outdoor pool and a warm indoor pool. Take a five-minute walk up the track through the beautiful native bush to the pools and changing rooms at the top.

Here, you’ll find three smaller pools. One is a super cold plunge pool, perfect for anyone who likes to practice the Wim Hof Method! The other two pools are warm and hot (one is hotter than the other).

You can also book a private pool or enjoy some other beautiful walks there. Colin and I stayed at the cabins across the road for a couple of nights. It was a cheap and relaxing getaway spot. As guests in the cabins, we were even allowed to arrange to use the pools late in the evening, which was perfect.

31. Visit the Mangaone caves

The Mangaone caves are not hugely well-known, but they are well worth the visit! Located between Gisborne and Wairoa (just 5km South of Morere), the Mangaone cave track is easy to explore. We took Ayla when we were on our way to the Mahia Peninsula. Again, she had just turned three.

Discover the gorgeous cave full of formations such as stalactites and stalagmites after a 20-minute walk through private farmland. The turnoff from the main road is signposted, but honestly, you’ve got to look closely for it. It was a small yellow sign the last time we visited.

After parking your car on the small grassy verge, there’s a short, steep walk up the hill to begin with. You’ll no doubt pass by plenty of cow poo on the way to the cave, and when you get there, you’ll notice it’s very dark (of course, it’s a cave). So bring your torch, or preferably a head torch, to have your hands free.

The ground was muddy and wet when we were there. If you want an extra bit of adventure, you can climb ladders to explore deeper into the crevices.

32. Visit Mahia Peninsula

If you’re after an ultra-quiet and laid-back vibe, visit Mahia Peninsula. You’ll turn off to Mahia Peninsula on the drive between Gisborne and Napier. You can walk the lovely and well-maintained Mahia Peninsula scenic reserve track amongst the dense vegetation or simply enjoy hanging out at the beach.

33. Lake Waikaremoana

Located 80km from Gisborne and 60km Northwest of Wairoa,  Lake Waikaremoana is simply stunning. To get there, you’ll turn off the Napier to Gisborne road. The lake is a well-loved destination for kiwis who love fishing or tramping, and there is a 3-4 day tramp on offer there. 

Of course, you can just visit for the day if you like and try part of the hike – a steep walk up to Panekire Bluff and back down again. The full 3-4 day hike is known as one of New Zealand’s great walks. We hope to complete it next time we are home. I’ve just done the walk to Panekire Bluff as part of a day trip before, but haven’t gone further around the trail.

Other things to do in Gisborne or nearby

By now, you’re probably past asking the question: “Is Gisborne worth visiting?” In my humble (and ok, slightly biased) opinion, it absolutely is!

I haven’t even covered everything on offer. A few other ideas include:

• 34. The Gisborne Railbike Adventure is a unique attraction in Gisborne. We are definitely going to try it out next time we are home!
• 35. Visit Galaxy World Entertainment LTD if you have kids, it’s a rainy day, and you just want a coffee and a break. They offer video arcade games for kids and adults, a cafe, and a slide and ball pit area for kids under 11.
• 36. Try the stingray experience with Dive Tatapouri. This is another one we haven’t tried yet, although we are unlikely to do this. It’s much better than most tourist-centered wildlife encounters around the world. However, I still don’t personally agree with feeding or touching wildlife.

So there you have it—a little slice of heaven called Gisborne, New Zealand. I’m very proud to call it my original home. If you’d like to join the conversation and have any questions or comments about the Gisborne region, please leave them below. I’d love to hear from you.

---

LOOKING FOR A GUIDED TOUR?

Check availability and the latest prices via these popular tour guide options

Reader Note: Commissions may be earned from you clicking the links above

---

Disclaimer: This article/page contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these recommended service provider links, like an insurance broker, or a travel agent, we may earn a commission – at no extra cost to you.[For our full disclosure, please see our DISCLAIMER page).