• 3 day best of

    Tairāwhiti

    Tolaga Bay Wharf 17

Time

3 Days
320 km

Highlights

NZ's National Arboretum

World-class wineries

Gisborne Railbike Adventures

Rere Rockslide

Must-visit restaurants

State Highway 35 Day Trip

Proximity

Explore Tairāwhiti Gisborne and State Highway 35

DAY ONE: Reef Ecology Tour, Tatapouri Bay, New Zealand's National Arboretum, and Dome Cinema.

Experience a unique tour with Dive Tatapouri, followed by a delicious brunch at Tatapouri Bay.

Begin the day at Dive Tatapouri (weather & tide dependant), experiencing their Reef Ecology tour famous for its interaction with wild stingrays and one of the most popular and unique things to do in New Zealand. 

Head back onshore and enjoy a delicious brunch at the Tatapouri Bay Beach Front Cafe, just next door. With local roastery coffee from Far East Coffee Co and Al Brown's Best Ugly Bagels, this is the perfect place to top off your morning.

Explore New Zealand's National Arboretum and relax with dinner and a movie at Dome Cinema.

With walks for all levels of fitness and ability, travel the world through trees - from Argentina to China, from Mexico to Canada, from Colombia to Alaska. Explore on your own or hop on a guided tour.

After an adventurous day, head along to Dome Cinema and cozy up with a drink and a tapas.

Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays

Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays

The Reef Ecology tour allows you the opportunity to walk out at low tide under the guidance of our guides to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other marine dwellers of Tatapouri. A must-do activity for anyone visiting Gisborne.
Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays
National Arboretum of NZ - Eastwoodhill

National Arboretum of NZ - Eastwoodhill

Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, has over 131 ha of incredible exotic and native trees and shrubs, beautiful in any season, 25km of walking and hiking trails for all fitness levels, and a children's playground and accommodation.
National Arboretum of NZ - Eastwoodhill
Dome Bar and Cinema

Dome Bar and Cinema

The Dome Bar and Cinema is a charming mixture of the modern and fun, of old elegance and romance.

Highlights

Dive Tatapouri

Tatapouri Bay

NZ's National Arboretum

Dome Cinema

Proximity

44min, 48kms

DAY TWO: Explore SH35 with Tipuna Tours

Kick off the morning with Flagship Eatery before heading up the coast with Tipuna Tours.

Breakfast favourite with Tairāwhiti locals, Flagship Eatery is the perfect place to start your day. Exceptional brunch options and some of the best coffee in town.

Take a day trip up SH35 with Tipuna Tours, a locally owned eco-tourism operator which offers cultural and historic guided tours. Tipuna Tours can also completely cater to a bespoke experience for your traveling group.

There are loads of great places to stop for lunch up SH35 with Tipuna Tours, a popular choice is Broad Bills food trailer at the Tolaga Bay Wharf - the perfect place to sit back with a pizza and take in the sights.

Explore the Tupapa Heritage Trail and enjoy local cuisine at The Works.

Stretch your legs after your tour by walking the Tupapa Heritage Trail. Download the app and connect with events that have shaped New Zealand, and Taiwrāwhiti, in the places where they happened. The full length of the trail is 4kms and you can start anywhere along the walk, but the best place to start is the Introduction Point in Customhouse Street.

Take your pick from the delicious dishes featuring exceptionally-fresh produce at The Works. Found in the heart of Gisborne’s inner harbour, the building is steeped in local history and offers a casual yet cool dining experience. 

Flagship Eatery

Flagship Eatery

Good food, coffee + vibes. Whilst we have a bit of a thing for all things seasonal, sustainable and homemade, we simply enjoy all things delicious.
We don’t take bookings so please just come in.
The Works

The Works

Rich in heritage and abundant in local produce, located in the inner harbor, The Works is a gathering place celebrating Gisborne’s finest.
The Works

Highlights

SH35 with Tipuna Tours

Tupapa Heritage Trail

Proximity

1 hour 40 mins, 110 kms

DAY THREE: GISBORNE RAILBIKE ADVENTURES AND WINE TASTING

Grab a coffee to go at Raglan Roast, head out to Gisborne Railbike Adventures

On your way out of town, pop in at The Royal, Raglan Roast at Matawhero to pick up a local's favourite coffee.

Tick off this unique way to explore the coast with Gisborne Railbike Adventure. With three rides to choose from, this is an exceptional way to see the region.

Wine tasting and dinner at USSCo Bar and Bistro

From there, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting – make sure you taste the local chardonnay, which the region is famous for.

Finish up your long weekend at USSCo Bar and Bistro, named for the historic Union Steam Ship company building. USSCo is the place to go for good vibes and warm hospitality in the central city. The delicious bistro menu has been carefully curated by their award-winning chef and owner and the classic cocktails and fine wines are all class.

Gisborne Railbike Adventures

Gisborne Railbike Adventures

Experience an amazing new cycling adventure on the very scenic 90 kilometres of coastal railway between Gisborne and Wairoa.

Highlights

Gisborne Railbike Adventures

Gisborne Chardonnay

Proximity

2 hours, 160 kms


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