Gisborne: Discover History and Trails

At Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve in Gisborne, the Cook Monument stands on Kaiti Beach Road. It marks Captain James Cook’s first landing on New Zealand soil on 8 October 1769; it was unveiled in 1906. The monument and reserve remain centres for regular commemorative events and celebrations.

Culture and History Along Different Trails

The Tupapa Heritage Trail offers another way to experience history. This 4 km self-guided walk has ten marked stops and introduces the culture and history of Turanganui-a-Kiwa Gisborne in English and Te Reo Māori. It begins at Waikanae Beach, follows the Oneroa Walkway towards the mouth of the Turanganui River, and leads from the city to the scenic trails of Titirangi Reserve. The trail brings cultural history to life along a route with several stops.

Nearby in Gisborne, Tairāwhiti Museum presents changing exhibitions on regional history. Visitors can also explore a historic cottage and a ship there. Together with the trail and monument, these offer different ways to shape a culturally focused stay: a historic site, a self-guided route and museum exhibitions with further opportunities to explore history.

More Perspectives in the Wider Gisborne District Destination

The Gisborne District also has routes covering very different timeframes. The Rere Falls Trail is 103 kilometres long, a one- to three-day Grade 3 ride, and connects with the Motu Trails. Check trail conditions before setting out. A shorter option is the marked loop in Gray’s Bush Scenic Reserve: it is wheelchair accessible and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Check conditions and accessibility again before visiting.

Gray’s Bush preserves the only remaining example of the nationally rare Kahikatea-Puriri forest type in the Gisborne Plains. The reserve provides habitat for Kererū; the rare North Island kākā visits the area seasonally. For nature lovers, the short marked loop offers a chance to experience a distinctive forest type and seasonal bird visits, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The trails at Eastwoodhill Arboretum also offer a wide range of options, from flat, tree-lined paths to a steep climb up Mt Arateitei. From there, you can enjoy views of the arboretum and surrounding landscape. In the Gisborne District, the Wi Pere Monument also commemorates Wi Pere’s contribution to the development of the Tairāwhiti region as a Māori leader, politician and outspoken critic of government land policy. A riverside landmark, it has aesthetic significance and is clearly visible from the road.

In the wider Gisborne District destination, the Star of Canada is also part of Tairāwhiti Museum on the banks of the Taruheru River. This focus can help guide your search for a suitable place to stay for your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Rere.

Back to the wider travel overview: Gisborne District.