Things To Do
TITIRANGI DOMAN, KAITI HILL offers panoramic views of the bay with picnic area and playground. Pathways wind down to the historic COOK LANDING SITE which marks the place where Capital James Cook set foot on New Zealand soil on 9 October 1769.
TE POHO O RAWIRI MARAE at the base of Kaiti Hill, corner Ranfurly Road and Queens Drive – on of the largest meeting houses in NZ. Visitors welcome Monday to Friday but must request permission first. Call the Caretaker 06 867 0944.
YOUNG NICK’S STATUE situated at the mouth of the Turanganui River near Waikanae Beach commemorates the cabin boy on board the “Endeavour” who first sighted land. The white cliff’s across the bay bear his name – Young Nick’s Head.
CAPTAIN COOK’S STATUE Cnr Customhouse Street and Awapuni Rd. Newly erected with future developments of the reserve planned.
THE CENOTAPH on the Esplanade overlooking the Turanganui River is to the memory of those who fought and died in wars last century.
TE TAIRAWHITI MUSEUM Stout Street, Free Admission Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat-Sun (and Public Holidays) 1.30pm to 4pm. PHONE 8673832
Tairawhiti museum situated in the heart of Gisborne, preserve this regions rich European and Maori culture with the historic “Wyllie Cottage” a 6 bedroom house furnished in early colonial style, being the oldest surviving European house in Gisborne. The Star of Canada Maritime museum (connect to the museum) is the wheelhouse salvaged from the SS Star Of Canada which sunk off Kaiti Beach in 1912. The museum has extensive local history and displays as well as exhilarating art exhibitions to accommodate all tastes, genres and ages. You can also enjoy lunch at the award winning Exhibit Cafe.
EAST COAST MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY at Makaraka. Hours: Open daily 9.30am-4.30pm.
RIVER WALKWAY along the banks of the three rivers. Note the lighting of the bridges and the palms at night.
WAINUI-MAKORORI HEADLAND WALKWAY is a short but steep climb over a wild headland with views over two sweeping surf beaches. This is an exceptionally attractive walk with stunning views of the coast.
WALK GISBORNE www.walkgisborne.co.nz
PHONE 06 867 6114
This private farm and coastal walk follows well-used tracks beside the Waimata River and Whainukota Stream, over open country, through pockets of puriri-rich native bush, stands of kanuka and valleys of toitoi to the famed white sands of Makorori Beach. It passes historic kumara pits and ancient mud volcanoes and affords simply stunning views of this edge-of-the-earth paradise.
VINTAGE RAILWAY WA165 is a fully restored 1897 built steam locomotive which takes excursions along the Gisborne to Wairoa track taking passengers in restored carriages. PHONE 06 868 6139.
THE STONE STUDIO PHONE 867 3900
The Stone studio uses only New Zealand greenstone in their unique carvings and manufacture all their wholesale products themselves, the design of many of their carvings is their own, inspired by nature, New Zealand’s culture and the stone itself.
OLYMPIC POOL COMPLEX PHONE 06 867 6220
Will provide hours of play for children and adults. With a 100m hydro slide, indoor 50m lap pool, outside pool, toddler pool, a dive pool and other water activities to keep the adults challenged. Also have BBQ facilities.
EASTWOOD HILL ARBORETUM PHONE 06 863 9003
A 30 minute drive from the city, Eastwood Hill arboretum has New Zealand’s finest collection of exotic trees and shrubs. Easy walking tracks for all levels of fitness. A great family outing.
RERE FALLS/ROCKSLIDE
Take a drive out to Rere falls (50kms), a photogenic waterfall, picnic area and swimming hole. The Rere rockslide is a natural 60 metre waterslide further along the road, Take boogie boards, wetsuits, inflatable mattresses or tyre tubes, a totally thrilling ride but do take care.
A great day out includes both Eastwood Hill and Rere Rock falls with a spot of wine tasting and antipasto at KEW Estate Winery in between!
MORERE HOT SPRINGS PHONE 06 837 8856
Situated on SH2 south of Gisborne, Public and private thermal pools in a beautiful bush setting famous for its Nikau palms, choice of native bush walks. Also fresh water cold swimming pools, BBQ, picnic areas. A must for visitors wanting to experience the most beautiful mineral pools in New Zealand in a unique spectacular setting.
DIVE TATAPOURI PHONE 06 868 5153 www.divetatapouri.com
Take the reef ecology tour at low tide and help the guides feed wild stingrays, eagle rays and other fish and reef animals – great for all ages. Snorkel dive option. Shark cage diving – take a boat ride offshore to view wild sharks from the safety of an underwater enclosure (November to April). Try the stingray and penguin experience where you see penguin chicks in their natural habitat.
SURFIT SHARK CAGE EXPERIENCE PHONE 06 867 2370
Get face to face with a big Mako shark as they cruise and feed off the Gisborne coast. View sharks in safety beneath the ocean in a specially designed snorkelling cage. Bookings essential.
FISHING CHARTERS
SURFIT PHONE 06 8672970
Operate all the way up and down the coast. The east cape/coast is home to many types of fish and offers some very exciting fishing. Year round target species include, hapuka, snapper, tarakihi, kingfish and bluenose, while the summer time (Nov-May) brings game fish such as marlin, tuna and broadbill. Quality inshore and offshore charters ½, full day and overnight charters to suit your needs.
AIR GISBORNE PHONE 06 8674684
Take a scenic flight over the coastline to cooks cove, past Whangara where the Whale Rider was made and see historic Tolaga Bay wharf, the sea caves at Pourewa Island or fly across the Hangaroa River to Te Urewera National Park and Lake Waikaremoana. Flights are conducted in a Cessna 172.
