Creative & Culture Itinerary

CREATIVE AND CULTURAL TAIRĀWHITI - STORY, PEOPLE AND PLACE

Mix and match the Gisborne to Tairāwhiti’s favourite ways to explore its stories, places and creative pulse Out
East.

Creative and cultural life in Tairāwhiti sits in the open. Out East, deep stories, long-held traditions and a strong sense of community shape every day, framed by sun-soaked coastal landscapes. Museums and galleries are only part of it. You will find history on hilltops, creativity in small studios and heritage woven into ordinary places, all waiting to be explored through the ultimate cultural itinerary.

Below is a flexible mix of short and long-stay ideas to help you discover the character of Tairāwhiti. Pick a few small bites or, if your creative and cultural appetite is strong, settle in for the full menu and follow the stories wherever they take you.

SHORT STAY - HALF DAY TO ONE DAY

Small Bites

● Tairāwhiti Museum and galleries: Local art, photography, taonga and rotating exhibitions that reflect
the region’s identity. (city centre)
● City Art Trail: A simple way to take in public art and creative touches around the CBD. (central)
● Stone Studio: Hands-on pottery sessions and creative workshops that feel relaxed and welcoming.
The perfect place for local gift shopping too! (5 mins)
● Coffee and coastal loop: A mellow start to the day, mixing sandy feet and café stops with nearby art
spots. (central)

Mains

● Maunga Hikurangi experience: One of the region’s strongest cultural experiences. A guided journey
that shares stories, whakapapa and connections to the land. Experience the mana! (2.5 hours north)
● Historic church: St Mary’s Church in Tikitiki, created to honour East Coast Māori who fought and fell in
the First World War. (2 hours)
● Kaiti Hill walk and lookout: A steady climb with views across Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Gisborne and a
chance to connect with the landscape that shaped much of the local story. (5 mins from city centre) you do the
peddling, and the local scenery does the talking. All aboard! (20 mins)

Extras

● Heritage trails: walking, biking, and hiking routes.
● Cooks Cove: A coastal viewpoint with a nod to history. (45 mins north)

Dessert

● A relaxed glass of something local at Crawford Road Kitchen
● A sunset wander along the boardwalk - you’ll become a local immediately

LONGER STAY - TWO DAYS OR MORE

Small Bites

● Stay in a range of unique accommodation options : Local BnBs and central stays that keep you
close to creative and cultural spots. (central to 15 mins)
● Small town stops along SH35: Wharekai, community halls, tiny galleries and local histories that
appear as soon as you pull off the road. (20–90 mins north)
● Te Ikaroa a Rauru footbridge and the 1000 Year Walkway: A simple, story-rich stroll linking the
river, Kaiti Beach and the lower slopes of Kaiti Hill.

Mains

● Maunga Hikurangi at sunrise: For those wanting a deeper connection with place, this experience
lands strongly and sets the tone for the day ahead. (2.5 hours inland)
● Tairāwhiti Museum extended visit: Enough material to fill a half day with art, maritime history, taonga
and rotating exhibitions. (central)
● A wider cultural loop around the eastern churches: Tikitiki, Rangitukia and other community
landmarks that combine architecture, whakapapa and place. (1.5–3 hours north)
● Raukokore Church: A striking Anglican church perched above the water on SH35, just south of
Waihau Bay. Simply stunning and impossible to drive past without stopping. (3.5 hours)

Extras

● Boardwalk in the evening: Breath deeply, get inspired, rejuvenate.
● Café and creative crawl: Drifting between coffee spots, small stores and people making good things.
(central)

Dessert

● A relaxed film at Dome Cinema
● Walk across the unused rail bridge (yep, it’s a Gizzy thing) from the boardwalk to the inner
harbour for a glass of something local. Bridge manus optional.

Build it your way

Creative and cultural Tairāwhiti is easy to explore at your own pace. Follow what sparks your interest and let the region open up as you go. There’s no set route here, just hearty goodness for creatives, storytellers and the quietly curious. Before you head off, check out our top travel tips and the full range of destinations on offer in Tairāwhiti, they’ll help you shape a journey that’s uniquely yours.