Day Trips From Gisborne
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
One of the best things about Gisborne is how quickly the city gives way to coastline, rural landscapes, quiet roads, and places that still feel largely untouched by heavy tourism.
You do not need to travel far before the atmosphere changes completely.
Day trips around Gisborne are less about rushing between attractions and more about experiencing the gradual shift between beaches, farmland, forests, river valleys, and small coastal settlements that move at their own pace.
The roads themselves often become part of the experience.
Tolaga Bay
North of Gisborne, Tolaga Bay remains one of the most iconic coastal drives in the region.
The journey follows winding coastline and rural hills before opening into one of New Zealand’s longest historic wharves stretching into the Pacific Ocean.
The atmosphere here feels spacious and quiet.
Visitors often come for:
the historic wharf
coastal scenery
photography
fishing
slower beach walks
The road north also contains countless unofficial stopping points where the coastline suddenly opens beside the highway.
Rere Rockslide & Rere Falls
Inland from Gisborne, Rere offers one of the region’s most distinctive natural experiences.
Rere Falls is a peaceful waterfall surrounded by native greenery, while nearby Rere Rockslide has become well known for its long natural rock waterslide created by flowing river water over smooth stone.
The area feels:
rural
relaxed
slightly hidden away
The drive itself moves through farmland and river valleys that reveal a quieter side of the region beyond the coastline.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Located inland near Ngatapa, Eastwoodhill offers a completely different atmosphere from the beaches.
Known internationally for its extraordinary collection of trees, the arboretum feels calm, expansive, and surprisingly reflective. Walking through the grounds changes the rhythm of the day almost immediately.
This is an ideal day trip for visitors interested in:
nature
walking
photography
gardens
slower travel
peaceful landscapes
The surrounding countryside also gives visitors a stronger sense of Gisborne’s rural character.
Wainui & The Northern Beaches
Some of the best day trips are the simplest.
Driving north from central Gisborne through:
reveals a coastline shaped by surf culture, long beaches, steep hills, and changing ocean conditions.
These areas are ideal for:
beach hopping
photography
surfing
café stops
coastal walks
sunrise drives
The atmosphere changes subtly from beach to beach, even within relatively short distances.
Morere Hot Springs
Further south, Morere Hot Springs offers a more forested and restorative experience.
Hidden within native bush, the hot pools feel removed from the pace of modern travel entirely. The surrounding forest adds a sense of quiet isolation that suits Gisborne’s slower style of tourism perfectly.
This is especially popular for:
wellness-focused travel
couples escapes
rainy-day trips
winter relaxation
The Roads Matter Too
One of the defining features of East Coast travel is that the roads themselves rarely feel purely functional.
Many visitors remember:
the changing light
remote farmland
ocean views
roadside fruit stalls
empty beaches
unexpected lookouts
as strongly as the destinations themselves.
The region rewards people who allow extra time, stop frequently, and avoid treating the journey like a checklist.
A Different Style Of Travel
Gisborne day trips feel different from heavily commercialised tourism routes elsewhere.
There are fewer crowds.
Fewer oversized attractions.
Fewer places designed purely for rapid visitor turnover.
Instead, the appeal often comes from:
atmosphere
openness
quiet scenery
slower pacing
coastal isolation
That style of travel suits Gisborne naturally.
The further you explore, the more the region begins revealing its personality properly.
Need a vehicle while exploring Gisborne?
Having your own transport opens up places that many visitors miss, from Wainui Beach at sunrise to the coastal roads south of the city. If you're planning to explore beyond the town centre, compare rental vehicle options below.
