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Ngātapa
5.1 km
3 hours
0 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Nestled in the picturesque Ngātapa Valley, just a scenic 30-minute drive from Gisborne, lies Eastwoodhill Arboretum—the National Arboretum of New Zealand. This spectacular 131-hectare sanctuary is a living library of trees, holding the prestigious title of the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees in the Southern Hemisphere. While the arboretum boasts over 25 kilometres of walking tracks catering to all fitness levels, the Green Walk is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in this botanical wonderland.
The Green Walk is an engaging 5.1-kilometre loop that takes approximately three hours to complete. Rated as moderate with some steep sections, this trail is a true journey of discovery. It begins gently near the Visitor Centre, winding along flat, tree-lined paths where the air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. As you venture deeper, the terrain transitions, leading you through lush, dense woodlands and open pockets of green farmland.
The real adventure begins as the trail starts to climb. You will test your legs on a series of steeper, well-formed tracks, rising from the lowest gullies of the arboretum to its highest point, the summit of Mt Arateitei. The effort is well worth it. As you reach the top, the canopy opens up to reveal glorious, expansive views of the arboretum’s rolling canopy below and the wider, sun-drenched Gisborne countryside stretching out to the horizon.
This walk is wonderfully kid-friendly, with plenty of space for little ones to run, explore, and marvel at the giant trees. However, to protect the delicate plant collections and resident stock, please note that the trail is not dog-friendly. The only exceptions are special, pre-scheduled 'Paws in the Park' weekends, so it is best to leave your furry friends comfortable at home for this one.
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Off-street parking is available for cars, coaches, and buses at the Visitor Centre. Separate parking is also provided for accommodation guests and fully contained campervans.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
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Eastwoodhill Arboretum is located at 2392 Wharekopae Road, Ngātapa. From Gisborne, it is an easy and incredibly scenic 30-minute drive heading west. Simply follow the signs toward Ngātapa and continue along Wharekopae Road until you reach the arboretum gates.
Upon arrival, you will find excellent, spacious off-street parking at the Visitor Centre. There is plenty of room for cars, campervans, and coaches. If you are staying overnight in the onsite accommodation or travelling in a fully self-contained campervan, there is separate, dedicated parking provided to make your stay seamless.
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The sheer diversity of tree species makes Eastwoodhill a five-star resort for local birdlife. The mixture of exotic fruits, seeds, and native nectar means you are guaranteed to hear a symphony of birdsong during your walk. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for these local residents:
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Eastwoodhill is more than just a beautiful park; it is a monument to one man's extraordinary vision. The arboretum was founded in 1910 by William Douglas Cook. Following his return from World War I, Cook became deeply concerned about the global destruction of forests. He decided to use his Ngātapa property to create an "arboreal ark"—a safe haven where trees from the Northern Hemisphere could be preserved for future generations.
Cook spent his life and fortune importing seeds and plants from all over the world. Today, the arboretum is a globally significant conservation site, recognized as the National Arboretum of New Zealand. It serves as a vital research hub for scientists studying climate change, plant diseases, and global biodiversity, ensuring Cook's passionate legacy lives on.
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After conquering the climb to Mt Arateitei, you will have worked up quite an appetite. While the arboretum has beautiful picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch, a drive back towards Gisborne offers some fantastic options to refuel:
Gymnorhina tibicen
An introduced species, these intelligent, black and white birds are a common sight in New Zealand's rural and urban landscapes, known for their distinctive carolling song.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
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