Day Trips from Gisborne

Inland options include Rere Falls, the Tiniroto Trail, the Motu Trails and the Mangaone Caves Track, each with a guide of its own.

Gisborne is a great base for exploring the East Coast. Drive out to the beaches and communities of the East Cape and its iconic lighthouse, cool off at Rere Falls and the Rere Rockslide, tour the region’s wineries, or follow the coast toward Tolaga Bay and its historic wharf.

Day trips map

10 day trips in and around Gisborne. Tap one for how far it is and the guide, or find the ones nearest you.

Map of 10 day trips

Pins from each day trip guide. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

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12 day trips

Rere Falls Trail103km Heartland Ride from Matawai to the Coast38 km westModerateRere Falls Trail: a 103 km grade 3 Heartland Ride from Matawai to Gisborne past Rere Falls and Eastwoodhill. Surface, water, direction and shorter rides.

Mangakawa TrackDay Trip Stream Walk Past Mōrere Waterfalls40 km south-westNo dogs2.5 hrHardMangakawa Track: a 2 hr 30 min advanced DOC stream walk at Mōrere past waterfalls and small gorges. Five crossings, wet weather advice, no dogs.

Nikau Loop TrackDay Trip Family Walk Through Mōrere Coastal Forest40 km south-westNo dogs20 minEasyNikau Loop Track: an easy 20-minute DOC walk through nīkau coastal forest at Mōrere, a day trip from Gisborne. Access, links, no dogs.

Ridge Track MōrereDay Trip Forest Climb to a Beech Ridge40 km south-westNo dogs2 hrHardRidge Track, Mōrere: a 2 hr advanced DOC climb through tall forest to a beech ridge near the hot springs. Access, links, no dogs.

Morere Hot SpringsRelax in Mineral Pools and Explore Rainforest Trails41 km south-westMorere Hot Springs, 52km south of Gisborne on SH2, has natural saltwater mineral pools set in rainforest, plus walking tracks through a 364ha DOC reserve.

Mangaone Caves TrackDay Trip Walk to Open-Access Limestone Caves45 km south-westNo dogs25 min one wayEasyMangaone Caves Track: a 25-minute DOC walk near Nuhaka to open-access limestone caves. Gear, cave safety, kids, parking and road notes.

Mahia PeninsulaBeaches, Views and Day Trip Adventures1 hr drive49 km south1.5-2.5 hrMahia Peninsula, about an hour south of Gisborne, has sandy beaches, surf breaks, birdwatching and a scenic reserve loop track to Te Kapu trig.

Mōtū FallsDay Trip to the Falls and Whinray Scenic Reserve59 km north-west5 m falls2.5 hrEasyMōtū Falls: a 5 m waterfall seen from the car park, a 42 m suspension bridge and the easy Whinray Scenic Reserve Track. Day trip from Gisborne.

Te Puia SpringsMineral Hot Springs and Historic Hotel Stay72 km northTe Puia Springs is a small East Coast village in the Gisborne District with natural mineral hot springs and a historic hotel.

Maunga HikurangiSacred Mountain Experience83 km northMaunga Hikurangi, 130km north of Gisborne, is Ngāti Porou's sacred 1,752m peak, first on the mainland to see sunrise. Access needs permission or a guide.

Motu TrailsGreat Ride over the Motu Road from MatawaiToiletsMotu Trails from Matawai: the 67 km grade 3 Motu Road, the Pākihi Track and Dunes Trail. Loop length, grades, facilities and the Rere Falls link.

Tiniroto TrailTwo-Day Heartland Ride over Gentle Annie to WairoaToiletsModerateTiniroto Trail: a two-day grade 3 Heartland Ride from Matawhero to Wairoa past Te Rēinga Falls. Length, surface, facilities and road notes.