Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is a place of sunrise magic, vibrant culture and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer road trip, the region bursts with activities that showcase both nature and culture. From award-winning wines to sacred maunga and cycling adventures, this guide to the Top 5 Things to Do in Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast will help you plan a journey filled with flavour, fun and connection.
🏔 Maunga Hikurangi – A Sacred Journey
The spiritual heart of Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is Maunga Hikurangi, the sacred mountain of Ngāti Porou and the first place in the world to greet the sunrise. Standing here is more than a scenic stop — it’s a powerful cultural journey that connects visitors with ancestral stories, history, and the living spirit of the land. Guided by Ngāti Porou, you’ll walk among carved pou that bring to life the stories of Māui and the creation of Aotearoa. Each carving holds a narrative that deepens your understanding of Māori traditions and the importance of this maunga to the iwi.
🗝️ What Makes it Special
- Sunrise tours where you’ll be among the first in the world to welcome a new day
- Discover nine intricately carved pou sharing the legends of Māui and Ngāti Porou whakapapa
- Hear ancestral stories passed down through generations
- Take in breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the East Coast
Visiting Maunga Hikurangi is a rare opportunity to see the land through the eyes of its people. It’s an experience that stays with you, blending spectacular scenery with deep cultural meaning. (For a full experience, read our dedicated blog on Maunga Hikurangi.)
🚴 Gisborne Railbike Adventure – Ride the Rails
Experience something truly unique on the Gisborne Railbike Adventure, where you pedal specially designed bikes along disused railway tracks. This adventure combines cycling and history, letting you explore landscapes in a way few travellers ever do. As you glide along the rails, you’ll pass through rolling farmland, river valleys and pockets of native bush, with plenty of fresh East Coast air in your lungs. It’s a journey that feels both playful and grounding, a chance to slow down and see Gisborne from a new perspective.
🗝️ What Makes it Special
- Pedal railbikes on historic tracks
- Take in scenic farmland, rivers, and coast
- A family-friendly adventure you won’t forget
🌿 Eastwoodhill National Arboretum – Nature’s Sanctuary
Known as the National Arboretum of New Zealand, Eastwoodhill is often described as a living library of trees. Spread across more than 130 hectares, it showcases one of the most diverse collections of trees and plants in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can wander through 25 km of walking trails, each revealing seasonal changes from the fiery colours of autumn to the lush greens of summer. Along the way, you’ll spot native birdlife, tranquil ponds and sweeping vistas across the East Coast hills. Just a short drive from Gisborne, Eastwoodhill offers a peaceful escape where you can reconnect with nature, whether you’re after a gentle stroll, a family day out or a longer hike through the arboretum’s varied landscapes.
🗝️ What Makes it Special
- Explore 25 km of walking trails
- Discover rare and exotic trees from around the world
- Perfect for picnics and family days
🍷 Matawhero Wines – A Taste of Gisborne
Raise a glass at Matawhero Wines, a boutique vineyard that has put Gisborne on the map for its bold Chardonnays and innovative blends. The setting is relaxed yet refined, with rolling vines and a welcoming cellar door that invites you to linger. For those who want to make it more than just a tasting, Matawhero also offers stylish vineyard accommodation, giving you the chance to wake up among the vines and enjoy the slower pace of East Coast life.
🗝️ What Makes it Special
- Sample signature Chardonnays and aromatic whites
- Relax in a stylish cellar door with vineyard views
- Pair your wine with local platters and cheeses
🌊 Dive Tāpapouri – Meet the Ocean Life
Just a short drive from Gisborne city, Dive Tāpapouri invites you to step into another world. Their guided reef tours take you beyond the shoreline, where you can get close to giant stingrays, reef fish and marine life in a safe and unforgettable way. It’s a hands-on, heart-pumping encounter with the ocean, blending adventure with education as local guides share their knowledge of the marine environment and the importance of protecting it.
🗝️ What Makes it Special
- Guided reef tours with expert local guides
- Close encounters with wild stingrays and marine life
- Experience the unique reefs of the East Coast
Closing Thought
Exploring the Top 5 Things to Do in Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast gives you a taste of the region’s wines, nature and culture. Yet what lingers most is the vast coastline, where golden beaches stretch endlessly and the smell of fresh seafood drifts from small towns and roadside stops. This is a region that feeds both your spirit and your senses, reminding you why Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is so unforgettable.
“He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui.”
The person with a narrow vision sees a narrow horizon, the person with a wide vision sees a wide horizon.