Looking for the perfect place to unwind?

Here are our top five favourite day trips in Tairāwhiti – unique experiences, hidden gems and breathtaking nature in all its beautiful glory.

Dive Tatapouri

Down to earth and literally one with nature - stingray encounters with Dive Tatapouri at beautiful Tatapouri Bay is a magical way to connect with the natural world. This interactive reef tour with wild stingrays and other marine life is definitely one to tick off the bucket list. Tours are dependent on tide times and if the weather gods are with you, make the most of your time to explore beautiful Tatapouri Bay.

Eastwood Hill

According to the Oxford Dictionary, an arboretum is a botanical garden devoted to trees. Eastwoodill is New Zealand’s National Arboretum and takes tree devotion to the next level. Imagine over 131 hectares of exotic and native trees, shrubs and climber plantings – an impressive collection regarded as the largest and most comprehensive collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator.

Traverse Mexico Way or explore Orchard Hill, there are a network of trails to explore and an adventure playground to boot. It’s easy to lose track of time in this beautiful wonderland where tui, kereru and even peacocks are abound. Check out the gift shop, bring a picnic or enjoy something delicious from the Homestead Tea House – Eastwood Hill is the perfect place for a totally dreamy day trip.

Tokomaru Bay + Tolaga Bay

Bay hopping in Tairāwhiti is a must-do in the land of the first light. From sunrise to sunset, you can follow the coast and find hidden gems along the way. One of these include Tokomaru Bay – a quiet beachside community with a sprawling beach to swim, surf, and stroll along before or after some delicious kai at Te Puka Tavern – with its million dollar views of the great wide South Pacific moana.

There’s a historic wharf to check out down the road and a bit further inland is Mt Hikurangi – NZ’s highest non-volcanic mountain looming in the background.

Back down the coast is Tolaga Bay – with another iconic wharf still intact. Opened in 1929, the Tolaga Bay Wharf is NZ’s longest wharf at 660 metres long and is a perfect spot to dangle a fishing line – could be tea all sorted.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, make sure you experience  Cooks Cove Walkway - a stunning 5.8 km walk to the historic site where Captain Cook repaired his ship in 1769. It’s a picnic, swim, wash your worries away kind of day.

Motu Trails

Tairāwhiti is a region renowned for pedal powered adventures - like the Motu Trails, one of the Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail. You can take your pick from backcountry mountain biking to coastal rides along the Dunes Trail - the network of trails is open year round with bike hire and shuttle services available.

Haurata High Country Walks

Nestled high above the hills in beautiful backcountry is Haurata High Country Retreat and Walks - a unique accommodation that offers exceptional walks and experiences just a one hour drive from central Gisborne. Explore lush gardens, hidden waterfalls, native flora and fauna – a true Tairāwhiti getaway that you’ll definitely find hard to leave.

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