Last updated July 2026
Nestled in the Ngatapa hill country northwest of Gisborne, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is New Zealand’s National Arboretum. Founded in 1910, it spans 131–135 hectares and protects one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collections of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs. The site features 25 km of colour-coded walking trails suitable for a range of fitness levels, plus facilities including a visitor centre, café and accommodation. It serves as a living collection for conservation, education and public enjoyment in the Tairāwhiti region.
Practical Information
| Location | 2392 Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, Gisborne 4072 |
| Distance from Gisborne | 35 km northwest |
| Size | 131–135 hectares |
| Opening Hours | 9am–4pm daily (closed Christmas Day) |
| Entry Fees | Adults $15; Over 65s $12; Under 14s $2; Under 2s free; Family (2 adults + 4 children) $28; Students $12 |
| Trails | 25 km of walking tracks (colour-coded); dogs not permitted |
| Accessibility | Some mobility-scooter accessible paths; guided Jeep tours available |
| Website | www.eastwoodhill.org.nz |
About Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Eastwoodhill Arboretum was established in 1910 by William Douglas Cook on former farmland in the Ngatapa area. Cook imported thousands of trees and shrubs from around the world, creating a comprehensive collection that has grown into New Zealand’s national arboretum. The property was later secured by the Eastwoodhill Trust Board in 1975 to ensure its long-term protection.
The arboretum holds over 4,000 taxa of trees, shrubs and climbers, including a significant number of Northern Hemisphere species and around 170 IUCN-listed endangered plants. It functions as an “arboreal ark” focused on conservation, research and education, with a 100-year masterplan guiding future development.
Visitors experience seasonal displays, panoramic views from ridges such as Mt Arateitei, and a mix of native and exotic plantings. The site also acknowledges its location on lands connected to Te Whānau a Kai iwi, with an ancestral footpath running through the property.
Facilities include a visitor centre with shop and café, a discovery/education centre, playground, picnic areas and onsite accommodation. Guided tours and school programmes are available.
Walking Trails
Eastwoodhill offers 25 km of colour-coded walking trails that cater to all fitness levels. Maps are available at the visitor centre. Key routes include the easy 1.7 km Red Walk (native trees), the 2.3 km Brown Walk through conifers and deciduous plantings, the 5.1 km Green Walk (moderate to steep, covering much of the arboretum), and the Yellow and Purple walks that reach higher ridges for views. The Blue Walk is one of the flattest options. Many paths are suitable for mobility scooters, and driven guided tours provide an alternative for less mobile visitors. Trails are for walking only.
Cycling at Eastwoodhill
Current trails are designated for walking only, with no cycling permitted on the main network. A dedicated cycling or mountain-biking trail in the north-east section, utilising part of the Green track, was planned for completion around the 2024–25 summer. As of the latest available information, the trails remain walking-focused. Cyclists can access the broader Rere Falls Trail route that passes near the arboretum on Wharekopae Road, offering a longer road or gravel cycling experience in the surrounding area.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise the peaceful atmosphere, colourful seasonal displays and the sense of walking through a vast living collection of trees from around the world. Many enjoy the variety of trail lengths and the rewarding views from higher points, noting it as a worthwhile day trip from Gisborne.
Reviewers frequently mention the well-maintained paths, helpful staff and educational value, with families appreciating the playground and picnic spots. Some note that steeper sections can be slippery after rain and recommend checking conditions in advance.
Where to Learn More
Eastwoodhill Arboretum official website: Current opening hours, trail maps, events and booking information.
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails – Eastwoodhill page: Trail grades, updates and connection to the wider regional trail network.
Wikipedia – Eastwoodhill Arboretum: Historical overview and collection details with cited sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Eastwoodhill Arboretum?
The arboretum is open 9am–4pm daily, seven days a week, and closed on Christmas Day.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Current fees are Adults $15, Over 65s $12, Under 14s $2, Under 2s free, Family (2 adults + 4 children under 16) $28, and Students $12 with ID.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs and pets are not permitted to protect the environment and wildlife.
Can I cycle on the trails?
Trails are currently for walking only. A dedicated cycling trail was planned but the network remains walking-focused at present.
Is the arboretum wheelchair accessible?
Some paths are mobility-scooter accessible and guided Jeep tours are available; not all trails suit wheelchairs.
Are picnics allowed?
Yes, picnics are welcome in designated areas.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided walking and driven tours can be booked through the arboretum.
What is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn offer colourful displays, but the arboretum is open and attractive year-round.
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