Last updated October 2026
The Rere Falls Trail is a 103 km Heartland Ride between the historic village of Matawai and Gisborne, passing the Rere Rockslide, Rere Falls and Eastwoodhill Arboretum on the way. Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails grades it 3 (intermediate), warns of a good deal of climbing and rates it at one to three days.
About three quarters of the route is sealed and the rest is gravel, most of it in one 27 km stretch with some solid climbs. Both Ngā Haerenga and Gisborne District Council say starting at Matawai gives you more downhill.
Practical Information
- Start
- Matawai, or Gisborne for the ride in the other direction
- Length
- 103 km
- Riding time
- 1 to 3 days
- Grade
- Grade 3 (intermediate), with a good deal of climbing
- High point
- 600 m
- Surface
- About 75% sealed road and 25% gravel, including a 27 km gravel section
- Water
- No reliable public water fill-up between Matawai and Eastwoodhill: carry enough water and food
- Traffic
- The first 7 km from Matawai is on State Highway 2, which has moderate traffic and narrow shoulders
- Listed by
- Gisborne District Council (walkways and cycleways page)
- Status
- Check the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust alerts page for current closures before you ride
About Rere Falls Trail
This ride links the back country behind Gisborne with the city. Ngā Haerenga describes the scenery as a mix of high country farms, forested reserves and peaks, and the road climbs to about 600 m along the way.
The gravel is where the work is. From Matawai you ride 7 km on State Highway 2, then after another 7 km the road turns to gravel for 27 km, with some solid climbs.
Ngā Haerenga says there is no reliable public place to fill a water bottle between Matawai and Eastwoodhill, so carry enough water and food for that whole section.
The Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls are both on the route, and so is Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand. Eastwoodhill has accommodation, including an NZMCA parkover, and Ngā Haerenga suggests booking ahead.
Closer to the city the trail crosses the Poverty Bay flats, which the council lists among its highlights. Ngā Haerenga says flat roads and the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail bring you to the beaches and the Gisborne foreshore, and Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust describes the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail as the Gisborne end of the Rere Falls Trail.
Which Way to Ride
The trail can be ridden in either direction. Gisborne District Council says riding from Matawai to Gisborne gives the best views and a mostly downhill route, and Ngā Haerenga agrees that starting at Matawai means more downhill.
That direction begins with the 7 km on State Highway 2. Ngā Haerenga asks riders to keep left and take extra care there because of the traffic and narrow shoulders. Whichever way you go, plan your water and your overnight stop before you leave.
Shorter Options
You don’t have to ride the whole 103 km. The Ngā Haerenga page suggests two shorter rides: Eastwoodhill to Gisborne, or Eastwoodhill to Rere Falls and back.
Linking with the Motu Trails
Ngā Haerenga says many riders combine the Rere Falls Trail with the Motu Trails for a crossing of Eastland. Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust puts the coast-to-coast ride from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki, using the Motu Road Trail, at 180 km.
Where to Learn More
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails: Rere Falls Trail: route, map, grade, accommodation and shorter options.
Gisborne District Council: Walkways and cycleways: the council’s list of walking and cycling trails in Tairāwhiti.
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust: Trail alerts: current closures and warnings for trails in Tairāwhiti.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Rere Falls Trail?
It is 103 km between Matawai and Gisborne, and Ngā Haerenga rates it at one to three days.
How hard is it?
It is graded 3 (intermediate) and has a good deal of climbing, with a 27 km gravel section that includes some solid climbs.
Which end should I start from?
Starting at Matawai gives you more downhill, though the first 7 km is on State Highway 2 with moderate traffic and narrow shoulders.
Is it sealed?
About 75% of the route is sealed road and about 25% is gravel.
Can I get water on the way?
Not reliably between Matawai and Eastwoodhill, so carry enough water and food for that section.
Where can I stay overnight?
Eastwoodhill Arboretum, on the route, has accommodation including an NZMCA parkover. Ngā Haerenga suggests booking ahead.
Is there a shorter ride?
Yes. Ngā Haerenga suggests Eastwoodhill to Gisborne, or Eastwoodhill to Rere Falls and back.
Does it connect with other trails?
Yes. It links with the Motu Trails at Matawai and with the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail at the Gisborne end.
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