Last updated October 2026
Waihirere is a rural settlement and recreational area in the Gisborne District, located 14 kilometres north-west of Gisborne city centre. The area centres on Waihirere Domain, a popular picnic spot with a short bush walk to a waterfall. Visitors reach the domain via Back Ormond Road and enjoy open grassy areas, play equipment, and native bush tracks.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 180, up 36% since 2018
- Land area
- 11.12 km²
- Location
- 10.8 km north-west of central Gisborne
- Council
- Gisborne District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Waimatā, Ormond, Waerengaahika, Makauri
- Getting there
- Back Ormond Road; limited public transport, most visitors drive
- Nearby landmarks
- Waihirere Domain, Waihirere Waterfall Track, Parihimanihi Marae
Who Lives in Waihīrere
About 180 residents in 60 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Waihīrere
There is no school inside the Waihīrere boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Waihīrere
Show all 4 zoned schools
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Waihīrere
by 7am on collection day
Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Streets in Waihīrere
4 streets are in Waihīrere. Search any street in Gisborne to see which suburb it is in.
- B
- Back Ormond Road
- R
- Roadway
- W
- Waihirere Domain Road
- Waihirere Roadway
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Safety and Hazards
Handy Facilities
Weather and Rent at a Glance
City-wide figures.
In Waihīrere
Places and businesses inside the official Waihīrere boundary.
Places
About Waihirere
Waihirere lies in the Gisborne District on New Zealand’s North Island.
Waihirere lies in the Gisborne District on New Zealand’s North Island. The settlement takes its name from the waterfall on the Waihirere Stream. The surrounding land forms part of the ancestral territory of several hapū of Te Aitanga a Māhaki iwi, including Ngāti Kōhuru and Ngāti Wāhia.
Waihirere Domain serves as the main visitor destination. The 52.82-hectare recreation reserve includes grassy picnic areas, play equipment, and a closed former swimming pool complex. A well-marked track leads from the open space through tawa and karaka bush to the waterfall.
The domain holds cultural significance as ancestral land. Parihimanihi Marae stands within the reserve and continues to serve the local hapū. Co-management arrangements between the Gisborne District Council and mana whenua guide ongoing protection of natural and cultural values.
A renewal project announced in 2024 aims to improve facilities and safety while respecting the site’s heritage. The former pool, closed since 2006, is scheduled for removal as part of these works.
Waihirere Domain and Waterfall Track
The domain offers family-friendly recreation with open lawns, picnic tables, and playground equipment.
The domain offers family-friendly recreation with open lawns, picnic tables, and playground equipment. The Waihirere Waterfall Track starts from the grassy area and follows an easy route through native bush. The track covers 1.7 miles with modest elevation gain and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
The waterfall provides a scenic highlight, especially after rain. Visitors should stay on marked paths and observe any signage regarding terrain or rockfall zones. Early morning visits often feature birdsong from species such as the bellbird (kōmako).
Cultural Heritage and Parihimanihi Marae
Parihimanihi Marae is located at 43 Waihirere Domain.
Parihimanihi Marae is located at 43 Waihirere Domain. It belongs to hapū Ngāti Kōhuru and Ngāti Wāhia of Te Aitanga ā Māhaki. The marae functions as a centre for community gatherings, cultural events, and the preservation of traditions.
The wider domain contains waahi tapu and reflects deep whakapapa connections to the land. Ahitītī is recognised as the ancestral mountain of the local hapū. Kapa haka performances and other cultural activities take place at the marae and reserve during community events.
Near Waihīrere
Just outside Waihīrere, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Explore all Gisborne businesses
Where to Learn More
Gisborne District Council Waihirere Domain Reserve Management Plan: Official 2015 plan detailing history, values, and management objectives.
Tairāwhiti Trails Waihirere Waterfall Track: Trail description, access details, and cultural context for the walk.
NZ Herald coverage of Waihirere Domain renewal: Recent updates on redevelopment plans and community history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waihīrere?
About 180 people lived in Waihīrere at the 2023 Census, up 36% since 2018. See Who Lives in Waihīrere
Which schools are zoned for Waihīrere?
The zones of Ormond School, Gisborne Intermediate and Campion College cover all of Waihīrere. Makauri School has a zone covering part of it. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Waihīrere
What day is rubbish collected in Waihīrere?
Friday. Bins go out by 7am on collection day. Streets near the edge of the suburb can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure. See Bin Day in Waihīrere
Does Waihīrere flood?
About 20% of the land in Waihīrere is in the council's mapped flood areas. Check a street on the council map before you buy. See Safety and Hazards
Where can I take my dog in Waihīrere?
Waihīrere Domain: on a leash. See every dog park and walk in Gisborne.
Which suburbs are next to Waihīrere?
Is the Waihirere Waterfall Track suitable for families?
Yes, the track is rated easy and takes 30 to 60 minutes. It starts from the picnic area and passes through native bush to the waterfall.
What cultural sites are at Waihirere?
Parihimanihi Marae is located within the domain and serves hapū of Te Aitanga a Māhaki. The area holds ancestral significance for local iwi.
Are there facilities at Waihirere Domain?
The domain provides picnic areas, playground equipment, and parking. A former swimming pool is closed and scheduled for removal during renewal works.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Gisborne only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Waihīrere is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 8
- Official Suburb Facts: Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.
- Who Lives in Waihīrere: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Waihīrere boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.
- Schools in Waihīrere: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026.
- Bin Day in Waihīrere: Gisborne District Council collection areas.
- Streets in Waihīrere: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Safety and Hazards: Gisborne District Council tsunami evacuation zones and District Plan flood hazard overlays.
- Handy Facilities: Gisborne District Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026.