Gisborne sits on the East Coast of the North Island, facing Poverty Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a compact city with a surprising range of walks on its doorstep, you can be into native bush, up on a clifftop lookout, or deep in the country’s largest arboretum within half an hour of town. Further up the coast, the walks get more remote and more spectacular.

Most of the walks in and around the city are short and easy. If you want something longer and more memorable, you’ll need to drive. Rere Falls and the Anaura Bay Walkway are the two standouts that are worth a decent detour.

Walks in Gisborne

Anaura Bay Walkway, Gisborne

Anaura Bay Walkway, Gisborne

Anaura Bay Walkway: 4.5 km loop, currently partially closed due to storm damage. Stream crossings, ridge views over bay and Motuoroi Island. 80 km north ...
Walk details →
Eastwoodhill Arboretum Walks, Gisborne

Eastwoodhill Arboretum Walks, Gisborne

Eastwoodhill Arboretum: 6 colour-coded walks from 1.7-5.1 km, entry fees, exact track times, autumn colour timing, muddy track warning. 30 minutes from Gisborne.
Walk details →
Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve, Gisborne

Gray’s Bush Scenic Reserve, Gisborne

Gray's Bush: 400-500 year old kahikatea trees, flat easy tracks, wheelchair accessible short loop, 10 km from Gisborne. NZ's only remaining lowland forest of this ...
Walk details →
Gisborne City New Zealand from Kaiti Hill, Titirangi Reserve

Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Walk

Titirangi / Kaiti Hill, Gisborne: summit views of Poverty Bay and three rivers, Cook landing history, steep stairs vs graded path option, drive-to-top parking. Everything ...
Walk details →
Why Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay is a Must-Visit for Walkers!

Cooks Cove Walkway, Tolaga Bay

5.8 km return, 2.5 hours, Hole in the Wall rock arch, Cook's 1769 landing site, safe swimming cove. Closed Aug-Oct for lambing. No dogs. 52 ...
Walk details →
Rere Falls and Rockslide

Rere Falls and Rockslide

1 km easy walk, 60 m natural waterslide, bring a boogie board. Free parking, 50 km from Gisborne. What to expect, best time to go, ...
Walk details →

Map location of Gisborne

See more of North Island walks