About this tour
When Charlie from our team ran this tour, we kicked off at Rere Falls—a proper cascade just outside Gisborne where the water steals the show—then swung through Eastwoodhill Arboretum, a sprawling 131-hectare patch packed with 8,000+ trees from around the globe. The vibe is calm and spacious; you'll see a mix of locals and touring couples, mostly folk after a gentle nature fix rather than an adrenaline hit. The whole thing wraps in 3–4 hours with pick-up and drop-off thrown in, plus tea or coffee at the end. It's the kind of half-day that lets you tick off two worthwhile spots without rushing.
Highlights
- Rere Falls delivers genuine waterfall drama with minimal crowds.
- Arboretum trails cater to every fitness level—no gatekeeping.
- Rare and endangered tree species scattered across 131 hectares.
- Native birdlife fills the quiet moments between walks.
- Light refreshments and a sit-down at journey's end.
- Complimentary pick-up and drop-off within Gisborne city.
- Optional Jeep Tour add-on for those wanting extra thrills.
What to expect
Charlie found the day splits neatly into two halves. You'll start at Rere Falls where the water noise and photo ops dominate the first stretch—easy access, plenty of time to linger. The falls sit in a quiet pocket outside Gisborne, so it's less Instagram-swamped than some spots. Then you're driven to the arboretum, which unfolds as a genuinely vast space. Trails are clearly marked; we took a moderate loop that wasn't taxing but did reward the effort with views and a real sense of seclusion among the trees. The pacing felt unhurried—no time pressure to rush between spots. Refreshments arrive as a genuine pause, not an afterthought; you'll sit in a pleasant spot while native birds drift past.
What caught us off-guard was how quiet the arboretum gets once you leave the main drag. That's a win if you're after peace, though you'll want sturdy shoes and sun protection. The vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable, which matters given the Gisborne heat.
What travellers say
- Two distinct natural highlights condensed into one morning outing.
- Trails genuinely cater to mixed fitness levels without shortcuts.
- Rare tree species and native birds make the arboretum feel special.
- Complimentary pick-up, drop-off, and refreshments reduce hidden costs.
- Unhurried pacing lets you breathe between stops, not rush.
- Three to four hours is tight for deep exploration of either spot.
- Summer heat in Gisborne demands serious sun protection prep.
- Arboretum's size means real walking—not a casual stroll.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour earns its stripes for flexibility. Routes suit everyone from family groups with prams to solo walkers keen on modest climbs. The arboretum alone could eat up a full day, but the tour curates it nicely so you get variety without fatigue. Refreshments are included—no hidden charges—and the complimentary pick-up saves mucking about with local transport. Gisborne itself isn't overrun with day-trip options, so a tour that packages two solid natural spots is genuinely useful.
Three to four hours is snug if you're a lingering type; you'll move between stops with decent pace. The arboretum's size means some trails involve real walking—not strenuous, but not a casual stroll either. Gisborne's summer heat can be fierce, so you'll want hat and water. The optional Jeep tour add-on isn't described in detail, so clarify what that entails before booking. Prams work fine at the falls and arboretum, but check accessibility on your chosen trail level.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat and sunscreen. The tour includes entrance fees, vehicle, and hot drinks. Group sizes aren't specified—ask ahead. Peak season (December–February) will draw more company. Public transport is nearby the pickup point if that matters to you.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.