Tree-huggers will enjoy the 3000 rare plants at Hackfalls, a 3km detour from the turn-off at the Tiniroto Tavern. Explore by yourself, or book a guided tour (an extra $10 per person). There's a simple two-bedroom unit here too, sleeping six at a pinch (from $120).
Hackfalls Arboretum
East Cape
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
19.35 MILES
The excellent Wairoa Museum has an Italianate facade from its former life as a bank. Inside you'll find passionately curated, creative displays on local…
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The Tairāwhiti Museum, with its fab gallery extension, focuses on East Coast Māori and colonial history. This is Gisborne’s arts hub, with rotating…
27.17 MILES
High on a hill overlooking Gisborne, Titirangi was once a pā (fortified village). Reach it via Queens Dr, or on the steep track from the revamped Puhi Kai…
Puhi Kai Iti Cook Landing Site
26.93 MILES
At the foot of Titirangi Reserve is the spot where Captain Cook first landed in NZ in 1769, and where nine Māori were killed by Cook's crew. In 2019, a $5…
17.23 MILES
An arboreal paradise, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is the largest collection of northern-hemisphere trees and shrubs in the southern hemisphere. It's…
27.11 MILES
Gisborne is already well endowed with statues, but this one commemorating the hugely popular Footrot Flats cartoons by Gisborne local, the late Murray…
27.3 MILES
This cultural centre commemorates the dedication and commitment of the famed 28th Māori Battalion of the New Zealand Army who fought bravely in the…
27.04 MILES
On the flanks of Titirangi Reserve is an impressive new sculpture of Te Maro, the first of nine Māori men killed by Cook's crew when they landed in…
Nearby East Cape attractions
17.23 MILES
An arboreal paradise, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is the largest collection of northern-hemisphere trees and shrubs in the southern hemisphere. It's…
19.35 MILES
The excellent Wairoa Museum has an Italianate facade from its former life as a bank. Inside you'll find passionately curated, creative displays on local…
20.34 MILES
Sustainable, organic, biodynamic... Millton makes all the right moves, and makes them well. Bring a picnic and kick back surrounded by sturdy-trunked…
20.37 MILES
Sustainable winery with lovely wines across the board, including a delicious malbec. Look forward to vineyard and valley views but call ahead to make sure…
21.86 MILES
Not far from the Nuhaka roundabout is Kahungunu Marae. From the roadside (it's not open to the public), check out the carving at the meeting house’s apex:…
22.47 MILES
Enjoy a picnic in bucolic splendour, accompanied by a flight of fine wines. Matawhero is home to a particularly buttery chardy, refined over almost 50…
23.01 MILES
Some 7km west of the town centre in the suburb of Matawhero, this historic Presbyterian church is the only building in the village to have survived the…
23.48 MILES
Great chardonnay, gewürztraminer and cafe lunches at sassy restaurant The Vines (www.bushmerevines.co.nz; mains $25 to $34). Live music on summer Sundays…