Gisborne has a great range of local attractions to entertain you and your family. We have compiled a list of just some of the great attractions Gisborne has to offer!

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Free Attractions

Botanical Gardens

The perfect place for afternoon adventure and a picnic, the Gisborne Botanical Gardens host some stunning trees, flowers and garden collections including a the Palm Desert (USA), Gisborne (Aus), and Nonochi (Japan) gardens that were inspired by and represent Gisborne’s sister cities. There is also a bird aviary and adventure playground.

Adventure Playground

With nine separate playground areas, the Adventure Playground is an excellent place for some family fun. Just a 10-minute walk along the beach from the TOP 10 Park, the playground also offers seating areas and a small lake where you can feed the ducks.

Gisborne Surf Beaches

When most people think of Gisborne, they think beaches. Which makes sense, because we are (quite literally) surrounded by some of the best beaches in NZ. Walking distance from the holiday park are the stunning Waikanae and Midway beaches or go for a short drive in either direction to find more picturesque sandy stretches.

Local Walks

Gisborne is home to some spectacular scenery, from rolling hills to native bush, intimate caves to scenic beaches - there is so much to explore and see on foot. There are walks to suit all fitness levels and experience, from short strolls along the boardwalk to multi-day tramping adventures.

Rere Rock slide & Rere Falls

Located around 50K inland from Gisborne is this Photogenic waterfall,picnic area and swimming hole. The Rere rock slide is a 60metrewater slide just up the road from the waterfall. Take boogie-boards,wetsuits, inflatable mattress or simply a rubber inner tube to slide down this amazing natural water slide

Junior Cycle Park

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If you’ve got children and bikes, then the Junior Cycle Park is a must-do! It is a miniature replica roading system, complete with traffic lights and crossings. Allowing children to encounter real-life cycling situations. It’s a fun and education activity just 10 minutes from the park.

Captain Cook's and Young Nick's statues

Are sited at the mouth of Turanganui River near Waikanae Beach. Cabin boy, Nicholas Young, was the first crewman on board Cook's barque Endeavour to sight New Zealand in 1769. Young Nick's Head, the striking headlands protecting the southern opening of Poverty Bay bears his name.

Cook's Landing Site Historic Reserve

At Kaiti Beachmarks the place where Captain Cook landed on the 9th October, 1769

Family Fun

Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex

A 10-minute walk from the park is the Olympic Pools. Kids will love the 98m hydro-slide, water jets and outdoor toddlers pool. While parents will enjoy the surrounding grassed picnic areas. Coin-operated BBQs can be booked for lunch and there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sunshine.

Mini Golf at the iSite

Another vacation must do, Mini Golf. A fun and budget-friendly activity that everyone enjoys (especially the winner). Located at the iSite, just a 5 minute walk from the TOP 10 park, it’s fun, cheap and local, what more could you want!

Odeon Cinema

It’s the perfect rainy day activity…the movies! Showing the latest blockbusters in a traditional Kiwi cinema, the Gisborne Odeon is a great activity for families, couples or solo travellers. Grab a freshly made box of popcorn or choc top ice cream on your way past the box office and enjoy! Click for showtimes.

Out and About

Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Founded in 1910 by Douglas Cook, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a National Arboretum of New Zealand. Located just 30 minutes out of town, Eastwoodhill encompasses 131 hectares of exotic and native trees, shrubs and climber plantings. There is also an adventure playground and onsite shop and café.

Morere Hot Springs

45 minutes out of town is the Morere Hot Springs. With a variety of hot pools and an outdoor swimming pool, it’s a great destination for a family adventure. The complex also has two private pools and an onsite shop and café. Surrounding the pools are a selection of walks suitable for different fitness levels.

Surfing

2018 Surfing New Zealand National Surfing Championships presente

We don’t like to brag, but Gisborne surf is some of the best in the country. With a variety of different breaks for different surfers, it’s a popular sport for locals and activity for visitors. Surfboard hire and lessons can be arranged locally.

Museums

Tairawhiti Museum & Te Moana Maritime Museum

Full of hands-on and educational exhibitions and art, the Tairāwhiti Museum is a treasure chest of regional history and information. As a region full of rich culture and history, there’s plenty to see. Luckily, there’s is also an onsite café to keep you fuelled and a gift shop.

Gisborne Aviation Preservation society Museum

Located at Gisborne Airport, the Aviation Preservation Museum is the perfect place for plane enthusiasts, hosting a variety of vintage planes, and a small children’s play area. Climb aboard some of the exhibitions and get up close and personal with some aviation history.

East Coast Museum of Technology

Since 1969 the East Coast Museum of Technology has been showcasing technological and engineering highlights from our region. From traditional farming equipment, military vehicles, domestic appliances and, vintage IT finds, there plenty to see.

Excursions

Waka Experience

Choose from one of three excursion options available on the traditional Māori Waka Hourua. As one of only nine double-hulled waka of this type in the world, this activity is a unique and educational experience that is sure to impress.

Maunga Hikurangi Experience

Accompanied by a tour guide, you will travel by 4WD UTV up the sacred Maunga Hikurangi. Take in the spectacular mountain views and visit “Te Takapau-o-Maui” - a sacred site with nine Maori carvings that depict stories of Ngati Porou ancestors. Full commentary from your guide and refreshments are included.

Gisborne City Vintage Railway

Hop on the WA165 and enjoy a two-hour round trip to the coastal community of Muriwai. Bring your own snacks or lunch and enjoy in a picnic, before embarking back to town. As the only train in the world to cross an active airport runway, this trip is not to be missed!

Dive Tatapouri

Get up close and personal with the local marine life, as you pull on a pair of waders and feed wild stingrays. Accompanied by an expert guide - walk out into the ocean and be introduced to the regular stingrays that call Tatapouri bay home, you can even pet them!

Railbike Adventure

For something a little bit different, check out the Gisborne Railbike Adventure. Hop on a custom-made railbike and cycle the railway tracks out of town. No balance or steering required, you just pedal and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. There are one or three hour routes to choose from. E-bikes are also available.

Food and Drink

Wineries

A 30 minute drive out of Gisborne is this beautiful native bush reserve and thermal pools. With a variety of refreshing cool and rejuvenating hot mineral pools in a natural rain forest setting. Plus cafe, picnic ground, children's pools and playground, art & crafts, and massage day spa.

More coming soon!

Waikanae-Logo-Neg

Waikanae Beach TOP10 Holiday Park

280 Grey Street
Gisborne 4010
New Zealand
Phone: +64 6 8675634
Email: info@waikanaebeachtop10.co.nz

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© Waikanae Beach TOP10 Holiday Park