The Top Places to Visit Near Gisborne
Secluded on the remote east coast of the North Island, Gisborne makes an amazing base to explore the less-visited side of New Zealand. There are many hidden gems to discover between the natural waterslide of Rere and gorgeous hot pools nestled between the palms in Morere.
Start planning your road trip with this guide to the best day trips from Gisborne.
For more trip-planning tips, head to The Complete Guide to Gisborne.
Table of Contents
5 Best Day Tours from Gisborne
If you don’t have your own vehicle to do the self-drive road trips from Gisborne featured below, no worries. You can always do these guided day tours from Gisborne.
- Guided backcountry hike with Haurata High Country Retreat and Walks
- Bike tours of Gisborne’s vineyards with Cycle Gisborne
- Helicopter tour to Mt Hikurangi with Maunga Hikurangi
- Cultural tour to Tolaga Bay with Tipuna Tours
- Sightseeing cultural cruise with Waka Experiences Tairawhiti.
© NZPocketGuide.comRere and Eastwoodhill Arboretum
The Best Day Trip from Gisborne for Families
Travel time by car: 45 minutes one-way
Some amazing sights await down Wharekopae Road, making for an excellent day trip from Gisborne. Your first point of interest is Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the national arboretum of New Zealand and the largest collection of exotic trees in the Southern Hemisphere.
Next, you’ll reach the dramatic waterfall picnic spot of Rere Falls. Then, get your bodyboard or lilo at the ready for the natural waterslide known as the Rere Rockslide.
For more attractions near Gisborne, check out the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Gisborne.
© NZPocketGuide.comTolaga Bay
The Best Day Trip from Gisborne for Budget Travellers
Travel time by car: 45 minutes one-way
Head up the Pacific Coast Highway to reach the quaint settlement of Tolaga Bay along with its cool coastal attractions. Walking along the 660 m (2,165 ft) wharf is a must, while those with more energy will not want to miss the dramatic coastal scenery and swimming spot found at the end of the Cooks Cove Walkway.
Learn more about the attractions found on the road to Tolaga Bay in the 10 Pacific Coast Highway Walks You Can’t Miss.
© NZPocketGuide.comMorere
The Best Day Trip from Gisborne for Couples
Travel time by car: 45 minutes one-way
Delve into forests of New Zealand’s native palm trees called Nikau and indulge in a hot soak at the Morere Hot Springs. This tiny village, with seemingly nothing to offer other than a tea room, is actually full of hidden gems. They range from the Mangaone Caves to the waterfalls of the Mangaweka Track.
Find out more about the walks around Morere on the Department of Conservation website.
© NZPocketGuide.comMahia Peninsula
The Best Day Trip from Gisborne for Luxury Travellers
Travel time by car: 1h15mins one-way
If you’re looking for a scenic road trip near Gisborne, you’ll certainly find is on the Mahia Peninsula. Drive the winding Kinikini Road for the best views, stretch your legs on the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track, and conclude your adventure with a bite to eat at the Beach Café in Mahia village.
Add more activities to your day trip from Gisborne with the 10 Mahia Peninsula Must-Dos.
© NZPocketGuide.comWairoa
The Best Day Trip from Gisborne for Foodies
Travel time by car via SH2: 1h20mins one-way
Travel time by car via Tiniroto Road: 1h40mins one-way
Finally, an excellent loop road trip can be found by heading to Wairoa. Take the backcountry Tiniroto Road to stop by attractions like Te Reinga Falls and Hackfalls Arboretum on your way to Wairoa.
In Wairoa, get an obligatory photo with the Wairoa Lighthouse, discover the intriguing Maori artefacts at the Wairoa Museum, and enjoy the town’s quirky cafes and art galleries.
Then, head back to Gisborne via State Highway 2, stopping by Morere for a soak in the hot pools or a short walk.
Check out the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Wairoa and 10 Must-Do Stops Between Gisborne & Wairoa for more items to add to your road trip from Gisborne.
More About Gisborne Road Trips
That’s it for our guide to the best day trips from Gisborne; for more information about exploring the East Cape and wider Gisborne region, check out the following articles:
- Opotiki to Gisborne via The Waioeka Gorge: 8 Epic Stops!
- 10 Free Natural Attractions in Eastland
- The 3 Motu Trails: Bike Trails in Eastland & Bay of Plenty
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Gisborne.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
