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Adventure Itinerary
ADVENTURE TAIRĀWHITI - FISH, RIDE AND DIVE
Mix and match the Gisborne and Tairāwhiti’s favourite ways to chase the coast, lean into the elements and head deeper Out East.
Out East, adventure meets you at every turn. Ride horses along windswept beaches, launch into jet boat thrills, or take the plunge down Rere Rockslide. Head inland for the Motu Trails and high country hikes, or step off the coast and into the reef, where beneath the surface the East Coast keeps giving. Whether it’s powered by adrenaline or paced by nature, every adventure connects you to the land, the sea, and the people who live by them. Check out the below adventure based itinerary and start planning your time Out East.
SHORT STAY - HALF DAY TO ONE DAY
Small Bites
● Shore fishing session: Easy access along the coastline, room to surf cast and hungry fish to haul in!
(5–20 mins from city centre)
● Wharf fishing and light tackle spots: A relaxed, locally popular and family-friendly way to get the
line wet without going far. (city centre)
● Short Motu cycle sections: A taste of the legendary Motu trail network without committing to the full
noise rides. (45 mins inland)
● Beach stops along SH35: Quick dips, quick views and easy pull-overs at some of the coast's favourite
pockets. Get your Insta on. (10–40 mins north)
Mains
● Motu River Jet: A high-energy run through a rugged and stunning inland part of the region. The
Mighty Motu is a thrill seekers must-do. (45 mins inland)
● Charter fishing trip: Half-day salty missions suited to all experience levels, with plenty of local
knowledge on board and plentiful waters calling.
● Horse riding experiences: Four-hoofed waka taking on coastal routes, farm tracks and relaxed guided
rides made for first-timers and families. Truly Tairāwhiti - giddy-up!
● Railbikes - taster routes: An iconic local adventure where the rails to the steering, you do the
peddling, and the local scenery does the talking. All aboard! (20 mins)
Extras
● Highway 35 cheeky look about: Take the car north up the famed 35 for a micro-roadie and a look at
some of the beaches that define the region. Easy wins, long-lasting vibes. (10–60 mins)
● Quick dive or snorkel spots: Calm conditions, plentiful pockets, and gin-clear water in our local reefs.
(15–25 mins)
Dessert
● ‘Fush and chups’ (insert Kiwi accent) on the beach during golden-hour
● A coldie at a coastal pub - Te Puka Tavern at Tokomaru Bay (1 hour drive)
LONGER STAY - TWO DAYS OR MORE
Small Bites
● Te Araroa Holiday Park: A simple, family-friendly base close to fishing, beaches and the upper stretch
of the coast. Shade, sunshine and all the goodness you can handle. (3 hours north)
● Waihau Bay: A classic East Coast stop with views, food and a chilled coastie pace. If you’ve seen the
movie ‘Boy’ - you’ll know where to get your iceblocks and goodies. (3.5 hours north)
Mains
● Highway 35 adventure loop: Long, endless beaches, feet on the dash, unmarked bays and the
hearty-Ngati. A genuine Out East journey that starts the moment you leave town. (20 mins north)
● Full Motu Trails day: For riders keen on a full-noise adventure through forest, farmland and winding
rivers - the Mighty Motu never fails. (45 mins inland; half to full day)
● Backcountry hunting or guided missions: Inland options for those hungry for a remote, hands-on
adventure. Offline and plugged into adventure. (60–90 mins)
● Charter fishing (full day): Chase the open water, go deeper offshore and make the most of local
skipper knowledge. These waters are teeming!
● Fly fishing in the rivers: Clear pools, quiet stretches and trophy trout. Our waters a gorgey, remote
and simply stunning, some say they’re up there with the best rivers in the land. (30–75 mins)
Extras
●Camping (with council permit): Scenic pockets along the coast with designated spots available
through council permit links. Unzip the tent, inspect the waves, repeat.
● Te Kaha Hotel: A coastal landmark that works well as a midpoint base on a Highway 35 roadie. (2.5
hours north)
● Te Puka Tavern: A relaxed feed overlooking the water at Tokomaru Bay, ideal for breaking up the
drive. (1 hour 15 mins north)
● Small walks and short trails: Bays, headlands and sneaky tracks scattered from Tolaga to Hicks Bay.
Pack the hiking boots and get your pins moving!
Dessert
● Stars from a remote pull-off
● Kaiti Hill walk - a local pilgrimage
● A last swim in water that stays warm long after sunset
Build it your way
Roads, rivers, coastline, take your pick. Tairāwhiti makes it easy to roll with the day, switch plans mid-stream and run the trip at your pace. Adventure plans sorted. Before you head out, check out our top travel tips and the range of destinations across Tairāwhiti to help you shape the journey your way.
