Can I ride a scooter or bike on the pump track across the road?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the pump track is designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller skates. It has 300m of continuous riding with banked turns and rollers.
Gisborne Questions
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Questions here are answered by locals.
Type of place
Does the skate park get much shade in the afternoon, or is it full sun?
How much does it cost to camp at Anaura Bay?
GizzyCity guide
It's $15 per adult and $7.50 per child (5 to 17) per night, and under 5s are free. You pay when you book.
Is it easy to find parking near the beach at Anaura Bay on a summer weekend?
Do people kayak or fish on the Waimata River by Anzac Park?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the Waimata River is popular for kayaking, canoeing, waka ama and fishing, as well as swimming.
Is there much shade on the lawns in the afternoon, or is it pretty exposed?
Is there a cycle path from Alfred Cox Park to Midway Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the Alfred Cox Park Cycle and Walkway links toward Midway Beach. The terrain is flat, so it suits families, cyclists and walkers.
Is there a drinking fountain or tap near the skate park and pump track?
Is there much shade on the Cooks Cove walk, or is it exposed most of the way?
Has Awapuni Stadium hosted any big events besides sport?
GizzyCity guide
Yes. It has hosted the Gisborne Wine and Food Festival in 2014 and the XRACE event in 2013, as well as Ladies Rugby League in 2009.
Do people take dogs along to the stadium field, or is it pretty much sport only?
Is the Gisborne to Wainui cycleway sealed all the way, or are there gravel bits?
GizzyCity guide
It's all sealed. The path is concrete or asphalt the whole way, so there's no gravel and a normal bike will cope fine.
Are there public toilets along the path itself, or only once you get to Wainui?
Is the Ikaroa sculpture lit up at night?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the 112 woven steel tukutuku panels around the Ikaroa sculpture are lit from within at night, so the site is worth a look after dark.
How windy does it get at the reserve, and is it worth a visit on a rough day?
Where do I join the Centennial Marine Drive route in Gisborne?
GizzyCity guide
Start from the Gisborne i-SITE or city centre and ride along Grey Street to the Oneroa Cycleway, then carry on onto Centennial Marine Drive.
Is there easy parking at the river mouth end if you start the ride from there?
Is there much shade in the Gisborne Botanical Gardens?
GizzyCity guide
Yes. Many heritage trees from the late 1800s and early 1900s still stand in the gardens and provide shade, so it suits a walk or picnic on a warm day.
Is the playground fenced, or is it open to the ponds and river?
Is there parking at the East Coast Museum of Technology in Makaraka?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there is parking available at the museum at 67 Main Road, Makaraka, about 6 km out of Gisborne.
Do the volunteers show you around on open days, or is it all self-guided?
Is there a newer concrete path beside the river near Grey Street?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's a new concrete path beside the river between Grey Street and Derby Street, next to Mitre 10. Commuters are already using it.
Are there public toilets anywhere along the walkway, or is it best to go before you set off?
Can I get fuel and supplies in Te Araroa before heading to the lighthouse?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, Te Araroa has a general store, a petrol station, a medical centre and EV charging stations. The amenities are basic, so don't expect much beyond the essentials.
Is there much shade on the way up, or is it open to the sun the whole way?
Which parts of Eastwoodhill are the flat, easy-going areas?
GizzyCity guide
Corner Park, Burnside Pear Park and the Circus are the flatter sections of the arboretum, so they suit easy strolling better than the hillier parks.
Is there much shade on the trails on a hot summer afternoon?
How early should I get to Coop Road before my railbike departure?
GizzyCity guide
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. You'll get a safety and instruction briefing at Coop Road, Muriwai before setting off on the railbike.
How's the parking at Coop Road when you turn up for the ride?
How long is the walk from central Gisborne to C Company Memorial House?
GizzyCity guide
About five minutes on foot. Walk across Peel Street Bridge and through Kelvin Park to Tairāwhiti Museum, and the memorial house is its neighbour.
Do the photos have panels or captions saying who the men were and which marae they came from?
Is there a car park at Gray's Bush, and is it easy to find?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the car park and entrance are on Back Ormond Road at the turn-off to Harper Road. The reserve is signposted from Back Ormond Road, so it's easy to find.
Can you take a bike on the tracks at Gray's Bush, or is it walkers only in practice?
Where do I park when going to Childers Road Reserve?
GizzyCity guide
Park on the streets that run along the edge of the reserve. Parking is available along the roads bounding it.
Is there a decent path around the fields for a pram, or is it all grass?
Are wasps a problem on the Mahia reserve track in summer?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, German wasps and their nests are common along the track in summer. If you're allergic to stings, consider going at another time of year.
Are there showers anywhere to rinse off after a surf?
How long does the Sea Walls Tairāwhiti murals walk take?
GizzyCity guide
Allow about 1.5 hours on foot for the 6 km Sea Walls Tairāwhiti Murals Walk. It's graded easy, and cycling it takes around 30 minutes.
Is it easy to find parking close to the start of the walk?
Has Harry Barker Reserve hosted first-class cricket?
GizzyCity guide
Yes. Northern Districts played Otago there in the 1974-75 Plunket Shield, and the ground has held 28 first-class matches, the most recent in January 2014.
Is there much shade around the fields if you're watching a game all afternoon?
What can I walk to from the Bright Street car park?
GizzyCity guide
You can easily reach the Tairāwhiti Museum, the War Memorial Theatre, the shops and the riverbank walks along the Tūranganui River.
How noisy does it get overnight at Bright Street, being right in the CBD?
How long does it take to get out to the actual point at Lottin Point for fishing?
GizzyCity guide
The trip out to the Point takes about 2 hours. Experienced kayakers can do it in around 40 minutes.
Is there a tap or drinking water at Lottin Point, or do I need to carry my own?
How do I get to the Cook Landing memorial at Kaiti Beach and where do I park?
GizzyCity guide
Turn off the highway onto Hirini St, then straight on to Rakaiatane Rd, which becomes Kaiti Beach Rd. The memorial is clearly visible from the road, with a small carpark to pull into.
How hard is it to get a camping spot at Kaiti Beach in summer, and what time do you need to arrive?
Who designed the Tūranga Whakamana carving and when was it gifted?
GizzyCity guide
Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp and Tā Derek Lardelli designed it. The tauihu was gifted to the people of Gisborne in 1990.
Is the ground around the tauihu flat and easy to get around in a wheelchair?
Do whales ever come into Tokomaru Bay?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, southern right whales sometimes come into the bay to calve or rest, so it's worth keeping an eye on the water while you're at the park or on the beach.
Is there a playground at the park, or just the sports fields for kids?
How noisy is it overnight with the car park right beside State Highway 35?
How busy does the Gisborne library get during the week?
GizzyCity guide
It's one of the most used council facilities in Gisborne, with up to 5,000 visitors a week.
Is there a decent kids' area where little ones can sit and read?
Can I take my dog on the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve walk near Makorori?
GizzyCity guide
No, dogs aren't allowed on the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve walk. Other pets are subject to the conservation land rules.
Is there anywhere to rinse off after a surf at Makorori, or do you just head home salty?
How long does the Cooks Cove Walkway at Tolaga Bay take?
GizzyCity guide
Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the 5.8 km return walk on the same track. It's graded easy to intermediate.
How's the parking at Waihau Beach, can you pull up close to the sand?
Is there somewhere to park at Mōtū Scenic Reserve?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there is parking near the entrance, at the corner of Mōtū Road and Phillips Road just after the bridge over the Mōtū River.
How wet and muddy is it underfoot after rain, and do you need gumboots?
Where do I park for the Te Ara ki Hikurangi track?
GizzyCity guide
Park at the formal car park just below the station manager's house. Public vehicles can't go past that point, so you continue on foot.
Are there any toilets at the car park before you start up the track?
Is there a car park at Okitu Bush, and is it easy to get in and out?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's a small car park next to the reserve near the base of Makorori Point. It sits right on SH35, so take care driving in and out because traffic can appear with little warning.
Has anyone managed the loop with a pram, or are the steps too much?
How long is the Pakihi Track and how hard is it?
GizzyCity guide
The Pakihi Track is 20 km and takes about 3 to 6 hours. It is graded advanced, and it runs downhill through the Urutawa Forest.
How is the phone coverage at Motu Rest Area? Is it patchy or does it hold up?
Are there public toilets near the Midway Beach freedom camping spot?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there are public toilets close to the Midway Beach camping site, and the Gisborne Olympic Pool complex is nearby too.
Do the surf club toilets stay open overnight, or are they locked up?
Is there a car park at the Mahaki end of the Otoko Walkway?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's a car park at the rest area beside the old Mahaki railway tunnel, with picnic tables and rubbish bins. Starting from the Mahaki end is the recommended way to walk it.
Is there much shade on the Otoko Walkway, or is it mostly open paddocks on a hot day?
How far is Rere Rockslide from Rere Falls?
GizzyCity guide
They are about 2 km apart. Heading out from Gisborne, the rockslide is two kilometres past the falls, so it's a short hop between the two.
Is the path to Rere Falls okay for a pram, or is it too rough?
How long is the beach walk to the northern end of the marine reserve?
GizzyCity guide
The beach walk to the northern end of the reserve takes around 1 hr 30 min. Along the way you pass remnants of the old coach road and a pā.
Is Pouawa okay for a beginner surfer, or is it better left to people with some experience?
Can I light a campfire in Raukumara Conservation Park?
GizzyCity guide
Only with a fire permit, and you need one all year round because the park is a restricted fire area. Extreme fire conditions can also occur in summer.
Where do people leave their car for a multi-day trip from Mōtū, and does it feel safe?
How long should I stay out of the water at Sponge Bay after heavy rain?
GizzyCity guide
Stay out for two to three days after heavy or prolonged rain. Rain washes contaminants into the water, and that applies even at sites that normally have good water quality.
Has anyone taken a dog down to Sponge Bay? Wondering how it copes with the steps and rocks.
Is there free parking near Tairāwhiti Museum?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there is free parking on Stout Street. A disabled carpark is also right outside the museum.
Is there much for kids to do in the galleries, or is it mostly look only?
Is the Oneroa Cycleway shared with walkers?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and children on scooters and skateboards all share it. The path is concrete with some boardwalk sections.
Are there public toilets along the Oneroa path, and where are they?
Does it matter which direction I walk the Te Kuri loop?
GizzyCity guide
You can walk it either way, but clockwise is recommended. There's a steep section under Tasmanian blackwood trees that can be slippery when walking downhill.
Is there much shade on the walk or is it mostly open farmland in the afternoon?
How far is Tatapouri from Gisborne?
GizzyCity guide
Tatapouri is about 15 minutes from Gisborne on State Highway 35, so it works well as a short day trip.
Are there lifeguards patrolling Tatapouri Beach in summer?
Does the tide make a difference on the lower Taruheru River?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the lower Taruheru near the city is tidal. High tide flushes salt water through the reaches, which makes the river more pleasant for recreational users.
Do people bring dogs along the Taruheru, and is it fine to let them in the water?
How long is the Turanganui River the trail follows?
GizzyCity guide
It's only about 1,200 metres long, which makes it the shortest river in New Zealand. The trail follows the Oneroa walkway towards its mouth.
Is parking easy near the Waikanae Beach start, or does it fill up on weekends?
Are there lifeguards at the Morere pools, and do kids need supervision?
GizzyCity guide
No, there are no lifeguards. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult, and you shouldn't put your head under in the hot or warm pools.
Is there much shade around the pools in the afternoon, or is it pretty exposed?
What is there to see at Hackfalls Arboretum near Tiniroto?
GizzyCity guide
Hackfalls has walking tracks, lakes and gardens, and it sits on a working sheep and cattle station, so expect a farm setting around the trees.
Anyone swum in the river near Tiniroto Reserve? Is there a decent spot to get in?
Are there signs on the tracks explaining the history of Kaiti Hill?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, interpretive signs and pou along the tracks explain the hill's history, covering both European exploration and Māori heritage, including Ngāti Oneone's ancestral connections to the area.
How easy is it to get from the summit car park to the lookouts with a pram or wheelchair?
Are there toilets and changing facilities at Wainui Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, Wainui Beach has toilets and changing facilities. There is also a picnic area, car parking and a playground nearby.
Is there any shade at the reserve or on the sand in the afternoon?
How hot is the hot pool at Te Puia Springs?
GizzyCity guide
The hot pool is about 40 degrees Celsius. It's out the back of the Te Puia Hot Springs Hotel, with a cold shower and changing rooms alongside.
Are there toilets close to the pool, or do you have to go inside the hotel?
Can you walk from Waikanae Beach to the Cook Landing Site?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the Tupapa heritage trail links Waikanae Beach with the Cook Landing Site and Titirangi maunga. You pick it up from the beach reserve.
How busy does the car park get on a sunny summer weekend?
When was the Tokomaru Bay wharf built?
GizzyCity guide
The current wharf was built in 1940, replacing an earlier structure that had been extended several times since 1911.
Is the surf at Tokomaru Bay okay for a beginner, or better left to experienced surfers?
Is there a place to have a picnic at Anzac Park by the Waimata River?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, Anzac Park has picnic areas, and there is parking there too. It is the main spot in town for getting to the river.
Is there anywhere to get changed near the river at Anzac Park?
How far is Te Tapuwae o Rongokako from Gisborne and where do you get in?
GizzyCity guide
It's about 16 km north of Gisborne, off State Highway 35. Public access is at Pouawa.
Is there anywhere to jump in off the rocks at Pouawa, or is it all wading in from the beach?
How early should I arrive for the Waipaoa Bridge railbike ride?
GizzyCity guide
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. You get a safety and instruction briefing when you arrive, before you set off on the railbike.
Does the ride still run in wind or rain, and is the bridge exposed?
Where exactly is the Dome Cinema in Gisborne?
GizzyCity guide
It's in the Dome Room of the Poverty Bay Club at 38 Childers Road, Gisborne. It's an independent art-house cinema with drinks and food from the Dome Bar.
Is it easy to get a wheelchair into the cinema room and the bar, or are there steps?
Is there parking at Waihirere Reserve?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's car parking at the end of Waihirere Road, off Back Ormond Road.
Does the waterfall still run in summer, or is it only worth the walk after rain?
Which of the two Tokomaru Bay camping sites is quieter?
GizzyCity guide
The south site on Waiotu Road is the quieter one. It has grassy patches and dunes between some of the campsites and the shoreline.
How is the phone coverage at the north and south sites? Enough for calls or data?
How long should I wait to swim at Turihaua after heavy rain?
GizzyCity guide
Wait two to three days after heavy or prolonged rain before swimming. Run-off washes contaminants into the water, even at spots that usually have good water quality.
Is there anywhere to get changed after a swim, or do people just use their cars?
Are there information panels at the Cook Landing Site?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, Puhi Kai Iti has interpretation panels, along with a monument and the Ikaroa sculpture. Together they tell the story of Polynesian navigation and Cook's arrival.
Is there anywhere undercover nearby if it rains while you're walking the river?
How long are the mountain bike trails at Whataupoko Reserve?
GizzyCity guide
There are 20 trails adding up to about 17 km, with 725 m of climbing. The highest point is 119 m above sea level.
Are there any toilets at the Fox Street or Hauroa Road entrances?
What does the name Waipiro actually mean?
GizzyCity guide
Waipiro translates literally to "putrid water". Chief Paoa named it that because of the area's sulfuric properties.
Are there any picnic tables at the domain, or do you need to bring your own seating?
Do I need full gear just to ride the BMX track, or only when racing?
GizzyCity guide
You need full gear even just to ride the track, not only to race. That means a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves and a helmet.
Do kids ever bring scooters onto the track, or is it strictly BMX bikes only?
Where can I buy bait and tackle near the Waipaoa river mouth?
GizzyCity guide
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne at 310 Gladstone Road sells tackle, bait and Fish & Game licences.
Does anyone fly fish for trout at the Waipaoa mouth, or is it all surfcasting?
Are there toilets and changing rooms at Midway Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there are toilets and changing facilities at Midway Beach, plus car parking, a picnic area and a playground nearby.
Are there outdoor showers to rinse off after a surf or swim?
Who designed Tolaga Bay Wharf?
GizzyCity guide
Cyrus J.R. Williams, a renowned engineer, designed it. He was engineer to the Lyttelton Harbour Board from 1902 until 1927.
Is the open part of the wharf okay for kids to fish from, or is it too exposed?
Is the Nikau Loop Track okay to walk in wet weather?
GizzyCity guide
Best avoided in wet weather. The Mōrere tracks get slippery and muddy, and there is a higher chance of windfall and slips, even though the loop is short and mostly flat.
Does the forest keep the track shaded in the afternoon, or are there open stretches?
Does the Mangakawa Track connect to any other tracks?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, it links with the Ridge Track, so you can make a longer day of it in the Mōrere forest.
Is there a decent spot along the stream for a dip, or is it too rocky?
Is Mangaone Road sealed all the way to the Mangaone Caves track?
GizzyCity guide
No, it's narrow, winding and unsealed, and logging trucks use it. Take it slowly. The track starts 6 km up the road from the SH2 turnoff.
Is there any shade on the farmland part of the walk, or is it all open paddock?
How steep is the walk down from the car park to the water at Sponge Bay?
Are there any shops within walking distance of Tolaga Bay Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the town's shops and services are a short walk from the northern end of the beach.
Is there any natural shade on the beach or should I bring my own?
Who wrote the surf break study that describes Three Points at Kaiaua Bay?
GizzyCity guide
A summer student prepared it in 2010/11 as background research. It was published without peer review and doesn't reflect council policy, so treat its wave descriptions as a rough guide.
Has anyone taken a dog to Kaiaua Bay? Wondering if it's okay on the beach and at the campsites.
Is there a picnic area and car parking at Waipiro Bay?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there is a picnic area and car parking at the bay.
Is there much natural shade on the beach in the afternoon?
Is there parking close to Opoutama Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there are several small parking areas along the road beside the beach.
Is there anywhere to rinse off the sand and salt after a swim, like a shower or tap?
Where can I park when fishing at Wainui Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Park at Lysnar Reserve or below the Makorori headland. You can get onto the beach from Wairere Road, Pare Street and Murphy Road.
Are the Tuaheni rocks okay for kids or beginners just learning to fish?
Is there parking close to the pump track?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's parking nearby in Alfred Cox Park. The pump track is on one side of Grey Street with the skate park directly opposite.
Are there public toilets near the pump track, or do you have to head into town?
Is there a car park at the start of the Ridge Track?
GizzyCity guide
No, there's no formed car park at this entrance. You start from the cemetery off Tunanui Road and walk the 10-minute Cemetery Track to reach the Ridge Track.
How steep is the climb up to the ridge, and are any bits slippery after rain?
Where can I get bait and tackle before fishing Makorori?
GizzyCity guide
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne at 310 Gladstone Road sells tackle and bait. They can also tell you what has been caught lately off the northern beaches.
Is Makorori a good spot for kids or beginners to fish?
Where can I buy bait and tackle near Waikanae Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne at 310 Gladstone Road sells tackle, bait and licences.
Is the boat launching at The Cut easy to use, and does it get crowded on summer weekends?
Where can I buy bait and tackle before heading out to Tatapouri?
GizzyCity guide
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne at 310 Gladstone Road sells tackle and bait, and they can give you local advice too.
Is the ground near the water at Tatapouri manageable for a wheelchair?
Is there parking near the beach at Kaiti?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's foreshore parking along Kaiti Beach Road, which runs right beside the beach.
Is Kaiti Beach a good spot for kids who are just learning to fish?
Will my phone have reception on the Tiniroto Trail?
GizzyCity guide
Expect patchy phone coverage along the route, so don't count on having a signal the whole way. Download your map and sort out any plans before you set off.
Is there anywhere reliable to fill up water bottles between Gisborne and Tiniroto?
What birds nest at Wherowhero Lagoon?
GizzyCity guide
Dotterels and bar-tailed godwits nest and feed at the lagoon. Only around 1600 dotterels are left, so it is an important spot for them.
Is there anywhere safe to leave a car near the lagoon, and who do you ask about access?
Are there toilets along the Motu Road?
GizzyCity guide
There are toilets at each end of the Motu Road, but none listed in between. Carry what you need for the middle stretch.
Is it easy to park at Matawai and leave a car for a few days while riding?
Where can I buy bait and tackle near Midway Beach?
GizzyCity guide
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne at 310 Gladstone Road sells tackle and bait, and the staff can give you local advice on where to fish.
Does anyone fly fish off Midway Beach, or is it all surfcasting?
Where can I check for trail closures before I ride the Rere Falls Trail?
GizzyCity guide
The trail alerts page on the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails website lists closures and warnings for trails around Gisborne. Check it before you head out.
Has anyone done this on an e-bike? Would the battery last through the climbs?
How far is the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track one way?
GizzyCity guide
It's 6.3 km one way, about 2 hr 30 min. The track is graded easy to intermediate.
Can you take a dog to Mōtū Falls, or is it off limits because of the kiwi work?
What kind of forest will I walk through at Gray's Bush?
GizzyCity guide
Tall kahikatea and pūriri forest. It's a popular short walk, so it suits a spare hour.
Which of these walks has the most shade on a hot afternoon?
Is it easier to walk the loop clockwise or anticlockwise?
GizzyCity guide
Anticlockwise is easier. Many people who have walked the loop say it is easier that way than going clockwise.
How muddy does the track get after rain, and how deep are the stream crossings?
Is there a separate play area for toddlers at the Adventure Playground?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, there's a pre-school area with mini slides, a wobbly bridge and various ladders. It's one of several separate play areas spread around the park.
Is it easy to get a pram around the park, or is it mostly grass?
How early should I get to the train platform before departure?
GizzyCity guide
Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time. The platform is reached from Awapuni Road.
Does anyone give a talk or guided tour when you visit the engine shed on a Saturday?
When was the old Tuaheni Point lighthouse built, and when did it stop working?
GizzyCity guide
The old lighthouse on the shore was built in 1911 and decommissioned in 1955. Its metal tower and gas lantern came from an earlier lighthouse that had to be moved because of a landslip.
Are there any information panels at the lighthouses or along the track?
Is the 32 km loop all on quiet back roads?
GizzyCity guide
Not entirely. The loop uses rural back roads, but you have to cross Wharerata Road and Makaraka Road, which are both State Highway 2, so take care at those crossings.
Are there any toilets along the stop bank or at either end of the trail?
Is the aviation museum a good option on a wet day?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, it is housed in a large hangar at Gisborne Airport, so you can look over the aircraft and engines under cover.
Are there info panels beside the aircraft, or do you rely on a volunteer to explain things?
Are there any steep climbs on the loop, or is it pretty flat all the way round?
Is it windy out on the stop bank on the Winery Trail?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, expect some gusty winds on the stop bank. Sunscreen is a good idea in summer too.
Would a 10 year old cope with the loop on their own bike?
Can I get into the War Memorial Theatre in a wheelchair?
GizzyCity guide
Yes, the War Memorial Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible. It's part of the Hapai Access Card scheme, and staff are trained to help people with a range of accessibility needs.
Where do you park for an evening show here, and is it hard to find a spot?
Nothing here right now.