3 Days
130 km
Sacred mountain sunrise
Māori voyaging encounter
NZ's National Arboretum
World-class wineries
Gisborne railbike adventures
Ruatoria to Gisborne via Maunga Hikurangi and SH35
Sacred mountain sunrise
What better way to spend your first day in Tairawhiti than a world-first sunrise on top of a sacred mountain Maunga Hikurangi? Here in the Land of the First Light, you are the first to greet the rising sun each day. With a full tank of petrol, you’ll have to make a really early start to meet your local Ngati Porou guide in Ruatoria. An alternative is to stay the night before in Ruatoria or Hicks Bay for your Sunrise Tour.
Brunch at Tokomaru Bay
Post sunrise, head back to Tokomaru Bay– a small beachside community with great fishing, surfing and swimming (with care). Enjoy the legendary Te Puka Tavern – a true hidden gem along the East Cape.
Tolaga Bay + Cooks Cove
Wind your way down to Tolaga Bay and visit the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf which was opened in 1929 and made it possible for large coastal trading ships to load and offload goods. Today, it stands 660 metres long as New Zealand’s longest historic wharf and is a popular spot for fishing.
From here, make your way to Cooks Cove Walkway for an afternoon stroll, picnic and swim if you wish. It’s an easy to moderate return track that takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Sunset at Wainui Beach
End your first day at Wainui Beach’s idyllic stretch of white sand and surf, to breathe in that fresh sea air and stroll along crystal-clear waters. Check out the local favourite for tasty takeaways - Wainui Store serves up amazing pizzas and burgers to enjoy.
Maunga Hikurangi
Tokomaru Bay
Tolaga Bay + Cooks Cove Walkway
Wainui Beach
1 h 35 min | 122km via SH35
Dive Tatapouri
Another uniquely New Zealand experience, make your way along the coastline of State Highway 35 to experience a world famous interactive Reef Ecology Tour with stingrays at Tatapouri Bay with Dive Tatapouri. Immerse yourself in the local cultural with stories of ngā tamariki o Tāngaroa (the Children of the Māori God of the Sea) and other magical marine life.
New Zealand’s National Arboretum
Make your way to Eastwoodhill for a scenic afternoon drive to New Zealand’s National Arboretum. An off the beaten track natural wonderland, this is the place for some serious forest bathing. Wander across 131 hectares of peaceful surrounds, lush gardens, majestic trees, and walking trails as well as a café serving delicious scones, slices and coffee – a wonderful place to lose track of time.
World-class wineries & vineyards
The remote and dreamy landscapes of Gisborne, dotted with flourishing wineries and fruit orchards, is a true reflection of these blessed and abundant lands. Home to a mix of large producers, boutique wineries and entrepreneurial growers, Gisborne is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine-making regions and specialises in everything from Chardonnay to Chenin Blanc and Viognier.
Dive Tatapouri
National Arboretum of NZ at Eastwoodhill
Wine Tasting
33 min | 36km via Wharekopae Rd
Breakfast blowout
Enjoy a slow start to this morning and grab brekky at one of Gisborne’s mouth-watering cafes. Flagship Eatery just around the corner from Reads Quay is choice for a long leisurely breakfast where you can tuck into freshly baked scones, homemade crumpets and other delectable creations. Or pop into Curbside Kitchen in the heart of Ballance Street Village who do coffee and baking just right.
Gisborne Railbike Adventures
After all that feasting, enjoy a totally unique tandem cycle experience along the scenic coastal railway - Gisborne Railbike Adventures is a pedal-powered experience that everyone will enjoy, and anyone can do – even if you don’t know how to ride a bike! There’s no balancing or steering needed so you can soak up all the stunning vistas and even stop for a picnic along the way.
Morere Hot Springs
After enjoying so much of the great outdoors, experience the ultimate unwind at Morere Hot Springs. Situated within 364 hectares of native rainforest, the hot springs are renowned for its therapeutic waters. It's the perfect way to end your stay in paradise.
Gisborne Railbike Adventures
Morere Hot Springs
48 min | 57.8km via SH2