THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the thrill of sliding down Rere Falls’ natural rock slide and the serene beauty of Eastwoodhill Arboretum on this 3-hour guided tour in Gisborne, New Zealand. Perfect for all ages, this outing blends adventure with botanical charm.
Discover the thrill of sliding down Rere Falls’ natural rock slide and the serene beauty of Eastwoodhill Arboretum on this 3-hour guided tour in Gisborne, New Zealand. Perfect for all ages, this outing blends adventure with botanical charm.
Book with Experience Gisborne
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Experience Gisborne · Gisborne, Gisborne
Set in the lush landscapes of New Zealand’s Gisborne region, the Rere Falls & Eastwoodhill Tour offers a uniquely engaging outdoor experience that blends remarkable natural beauty with botanical wonder. This 3-hour guided excursion invites travelers of all ages to witness two of Gisborne’s standout sites—Rere Falls, a powerful yet accessible waterfall, and Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the national arboretum of New Zealand, famous for its extensive tree collection and serene woodland trails.
Rere Falls is more than just a waterfall; it is a wide, sideways cascade flowing over old volcanic rocks, creating a natural rock slide that has intrigued visitors for decades. Its gentle drop and smooth basalt ledges make it one of the few waterfalls worldwide where you can carefully slide down into the refreshing pool below—a thrilling but safe adventure suitable for family outings. The setting here is peaceful yet dynamic, surrounded by native bush and the gentle rush of water, making it perfect for photography and light exploration.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum complements this outdoor journey by offering a contrasting natural landscape: a vast living museum of rare and exotic trees spread across 130 hectares. Established in the early 20th century, it now houses over 4,000 different trees and shrubs from around the world. Wander its pathways to discover seasonal flora shifts, best admired in spring’s fresh blooms or autumn’s fiery foliage. The arboretum showcases native New Zealand species alongside international botanical treasures, making it a distinct destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
This tour not only highlights the diversity of the Gisborne district’s natural environments but also integrates a thoughtful pause for refreshments, allowing guests to relax and savor local flavors amid nature’s calm.
Nearby Gisborne city serves as the perfect base for this journey, known for its rich Maori heritage, coastline vistas, and as the first city to see sunrise each day in New Zealand. The region’s mild climate supports year-round visits, ensuring that every season offers a different perspective on the landscape.
The Rere Falls & Eastwoodhill Tour is remarkable for its balance of active, scenic, and restful experiences, ideal for families, outdoor lovers, and anyone craving a day immersed in New Zealand’s distinctive eco-cultural atmosphere. Whether it’s sliding down natural rock or wandering among global tree species, this tour captures the adventurous and contemplative spirit of Gisborne’s outdoors like no other.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; light walking on uneven terrain required.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages with gentle walking and engaging natural features.
Sliding on the natural rock slide at Rere Falls is allowed when water levels are safe, but always follow guide instructions.
Yes, the tour includes a break with light refreshments to enjoy amidst the scenery.
Spring and autumn provide mild weather and vibrant foliage, but the tour is available year-round.
The tour begins near Gisborne city, accessible by car or local transport options from town.
Basic facilities are available at both sites, but it’s advisable to use those in Gisborne city before the tour.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum was established in 1934 and is recognized as New Zealand’s National Arboretum.
Both Rere Falls and Eastwoodhill work to preserve native species and habitats, promoting sustainable tourism practices in the Gisborne region.
Experience Gisborne is a local tour operator based in Gisborne that presents a range of guided, self-guided and supported experiences across the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne region. The business lists a variety of day experiences including vineyard tours, city sightseeing, scenic rides and combined nature-and-food trips. Offerings named by Experience Gisborne include Eastwoodhill Tour with Vineyard Platter, Bike Hire, Tairawhiti Gisborne City Tour (guided), Tolaga Bay Tour with Lunch, Vineyard Tour (self-guided), Great Taste Tour (self-guided and with lunch), Eastwoodhill Express (supported), Rere Express (supported), Afternoon Wine Tour with Vineyard Platter and Rere Falls & Eastwoodhill Tour with Refreshments. Several options combine food and wine elements such as vineyard platters and lunches alongside visits to regional highlights. Experience Gisborne provides bike hire alongside a variety of tour formats to accommodate self-guided explorers and visitors seeking guided or supported rides. The operator is featured on The Adventure Collective, where the trip names and formats are listed for travellers to compare options and plan itineraries. Prospective guests can review the available trip types and select guided, supported or self-guided formats depending on preference. Listings indicate when refreshments, platters or lunches are included in specific tours. Experience Gisborne focuses on facilitating access to key Gisborne attractions through multiple delivery formats and accessible bike hire options.
Book with Experience Gisborne