The Gisborne Region is located on the eastern corner of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. It has just one city with the same name which is the first in the world to see the sun. This region offers some of the most amazing coastline scenery in often remote and unpopulated locations. Freedom camping is popular in summer as is exploring vineyards, surfing and fishing. Inland is rugged and largely inaccessible but a popular location for hunters who will often spend days in the bush. This is very much an out of the way location but worth taking a detour for if you want to experience some real remote New Zealand locations.
RERE FALLS (GISBORNE)
Rere Falls is located 50km north-west of Gisborne. It is near here that you will also find the famous Rere Rockslide that has many thrill seekers visiting from all over the world. If you have a day to spare while staying in Gisborne it is worth planning a trip to the waterfall, stop at the rockslide and include a visit to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum.
EAST CAPE LIGHTHOUSE (EAST COAST)
The East Cape Lighthouse can be found 22km from Te Araroa on the East Coast of the North Island. The coastal unsealed road that takes you there leads to the most Easterly point on mainland NZ. The drive itself is worth it as you follow the coast with stunning views! Look out for waterfalls and wild horses along the way. The walk up to the lighthouse includes about 700 steps but the views are worth it! A great spot to watch the sun come up as it is close to the first place in the world to welcome each new day.
TOLOGA BAY (EAST COAST)
Tologa Bay, on the East Coast of the North Island, is best known for its iconic wharf. The wharf is 660m long and opened in 1929 to allow ships to load and offload in this remote location. In recent years the wharf has undergone extensive restoration work so that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy it. The end of the wharf is a great spot for fishing and in the warmer months you are likely to see the local youth using the wharf as a jumping platform. There are some great hiking tracks in the area including Cooks Cove Walkway. Cooks Cove is where Captain James Cook stopped in 1769 as part of his circumnavigation of New Zealand. The Walkway offers fantastic views, information panels, a hole-in-the-wall, and a safe cove to swim in. A really good walk to take the kids and a picnic.
TURIHAUA BEACH (GISBORNE)
Turihaua Beach is located about 16kms north of Gisborne. In the summer time from the 26th December to the 1st February freedom camping is allowed with a permit from the Gisborne District Council. There are a few freedom camping spots along this coast so check out www.camping.co.nz for more on that. This beach is popular for camping, swimming and fishing. Just a few more minutes drive up the coast is Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve. This is a really special reserve as it is home to eight different marine habitats. You will want your snorkel gear if you are going to stop here!
