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Gisborne
16.2 km
4 hours
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a gentle, scenic, and deeply rewarding way to experience the coastal beauty of Gisborne, the Coastal Waipaoa River Trail should be right at the top of your list. Stretching over an easy-grade 16.2km out-and-back route, this flat gravel trail is a local favourite for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Situated at the coastal end of the famed Rere Falls Trail, it serves as a wonderful introduction to the unique landscapes of Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Because the trail has an elevation gain of just 50 metres, it is incredibly accessible and rated as easy. It will take you about 4 hours to complete at a leisurely walking pace, though you can easily customise your journey by turning back whenever you please. It is a fantastic option for families with kids who want to bring their bikes for a safe, traffic-free ride. Just keep in mind that to protect the local wildlife, dogs are not permitted on this track.
As you step onto the wide, flat gravel pathway, you will find yourself walking along the top of the Waipaoa River stop banks. This elevated position gives you a brilliant vantage point. To the south, you can gaze out across the expansive river mouth where the freshwater meets the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. To the north and northeast, the views open up across the lush, green patchwork of the Poverty Bay Flats, framed by rolling hills in the distance.
There is an incredible sense of space here. With the salty sea breeze in your hair and the wide-open East Coast sky above, the trail feels beautifully remote, even though you are just a short drive from the heart of Gisborne.
Parking is available at the carpark located at the end of Centennial Marine Drive in Gisborne. You can drive directly to the start of the trail.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
A beachfront restaurant focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and embracing local culture, offering stunning ocean views and a calm, cozy ambiance. It also houses 'The Kiosk at Tahu' for coffee and food to go.
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Out and back
Finding the trailhead is incredibly straightforward. From the centre of Gisborne (Tūranganui-a-Kiwa), head south towards the coast and make your way to Centennial Marine Drive.
Drive right to the very end of the sealed road, where you will find a dedicated, spacious gravel carpark. You can park your vehicle here free of charge. The trail begins directly from the carpark, allowing you to lace up your walking shoes or unload your bikes and head straight onto the stop bank.
The Waipaoa River estuary and the surrounding wetlands are a haven for native birdlife. Because the trail is elevated, you will have a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the birds foraging in the shallows and nesting in the riverside vegetation.
Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, especially if you plan to walk near dawn or dusk when the birdlife is most active.
Best Time of Day: We highly recommend starting your walk early in the morning. Gisborne is famous for being one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise. Watching the morning sun lift over the Pacific Ocean while walking along the stop bank is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, a late afternoon walk offers beautiful golden-hour light across the Poverty Bay Flats.
To walk this trail is to walk through layers of rich New Zealand history. The river itself holds immense cultural significance to local iwi. Its Māori name, Wai-o-Pāoa, translates directly to "Pāoa's river." This is a tribute to the great chief Pāoa, the commander of the historic Horouta voyaging canoe, who later lived in the mountainous interior of the East Coast.
The very path you walk on is also a monument to human engineering. The stop banks form the backbone of the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme. Historically, the river was prone to devastating floods that threatened local communities and ruined agricultural land. Initiated in 1949 and completed in 1973, this massive engineering project successfully tamed the river. By protecting over 9,900 hectares of fertile floodplain, it allowed the region to transition from basic pastoral farming to high-value horticulture, paving the way for the world-renowned vineyards and orchards you see today.
After spending a few hours on the trail, you will have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, Gisborne's thriving culinary scene is just minutes away. Here are three fantastic spots to refuel and relax:
Anas gracilis
A small dabbling duck with mottled brown plumage and a distinctive crimson iris, often seen up-ending to feed in shallow waters.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
2.5km away
Overlooking the Gisborne Inner Harbour, this establishment offers a fresh look and feel with an alfresco dining area. Specialising in fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat, with a great selection of local and imported beverages.
2.5km away
A delightful dining spot on The Esplanade offering a diverse menu from breakfast to dinner, with a focus on fresh ingredients and an excellent selection of Gisborne wines. Ideal for drinks, bar snacks, or dinner.