| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1 km return to the falls, short walk further to the rockslide |
| Time | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Track surface | Flat, well-maintained path |
| Dogs | Yes, on a lead |
| Parking | Free at Rere Falls Reserve |
| Toilets | Yes, near the car park |
| Picnic areas | Yes |
| Cost | Free |
| Distance from Gisborne | 50 km, about 45 minutes drive |
Rere Falls is a wide curtain of water, about 20 metres across and 5 metres high. It’s more horizontal than vertical, more like someone tipped a lake over a ledge than a dramatic plunging drop. It’s impressive in its own way, and worth the drive out.
But the real reason most people come is the Rere Rockslide, a 60-metre natural waterslide worn smooth by the river just a short walk past the falls. Bring a boogie board or an inflatable and you’ll have a blast. It’s a rough, fast ride and genuinely fun for anyone with a sense of adventure.
From Gisborne, head inland through Whataupoko and Ormond. It’s about 50 km, roughly 45 minutes. No public transport — you’ll need a car. Parking is free at the Rere Falls Reserve and there’s plenty of room for campervans.
Follow the well-marked path from the car park to the falls — it’s flat and easy. Continue a short distance further along the path to reach the rockslide. The whole walk to both spots and back takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how long you spend at each.
Summer is the obvious time — the water is warmer and there’s usually good flow. The rockslide is still rideable year-round but the water gets cold in winter. Weekends in summer get busy, especially over the Christmas holidays. Arrive early to get parking easily and have the slide to yourselves for a bit.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum is about 10 km away and makes a natural half-day combination — both are inland from Gisborne in the same direction. See all Gisborne options on the Gisborne Walks hub.
Gisborne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
www.gisbornecity.com
