Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trails

Loop

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Getting There

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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Wildlife Spotting

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:

• Tūī: These cheeky, iridescent birds are common year-round. You will likely hear their distinctive, metallic gurgles and chiming notes long before you see them darting through the flowering gums.
• Kererū (New Zealand Woodpigeon): Look up into the branches to spot these large, heavy birds. With their smart green-and-bronze coats and white "singlets", they are easy to identify, especially when their wings make a loud, heavy whoosh-whoosh sound as they fly.
• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds will often flutter right alongside you on the trail. They love to follow hikers to snatch up the tiny insects kicked up by your boots.
• Grey Warbler (Riroriro): Listen out for their long, delicate, trilling song high up in the canopy. They are small and grey, making them hard to spot, but their song is unmistakable.
• Blackbirds and Australian Magpies: You will often see blackbirds rustling through the fallen autumn leaves, while the occasional magpie can be heard warbling from the open farmland boundaries.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Seasonal Splendour: Eastwoodhill is spectacular in any season. Autumn is arguably the most famous time to visit, as the maples, oaks, and liquidambars erupt into a fiery palette of reds, oranges, and deep yellows. Spring brings a soft romance with carpets of daffodils, blooming magnolias, and delicate cherry blossoms. Summer offers cool, deep-green shade beneath the leafy canopies, while Winter reveals the dramatic, stark silhouettes of the bare deciduous trees.
• Best Time to Start: To get the most out of your three-hour hike, aim to start mid-morning. This gives you plenty of time to tackle the climb to Mt Arateitei before the midday sun hits, and gets you back down in time for lunch.
• What to Pack: Good quality walking shoes or light hiking boots are highly recommended, as the clay tracks can get slippery after rain. Bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a light windproof jacket for the summit of Mt Arateitei, where the wind can pick up.
• Navigation: Be sure to pop into the Visitor Centre before you set off. The friendly staff will provide you with a physical map of the Green Walk and can give you up-to-date trail conditions.

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Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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:

• The Sunshine Brewery (Gisborne): Located on the way back into town, this local legend is the perfect spot for a celebratory drink. Grab a cold, locally brewed craft beer and share a wood-fired pizza in their relaxed, family-friendly taproom.
• Crawford Road Kitchen: Situated on the Gisborne inner harbour, this stylish eatery offers delicious local wines, excellent coffee, and a menu showcasing the best of Tairāwhiti's fresh produce. Sitting by the water is the ultimate way to unwind after a day on the trails.
• Ormond/Patutahi Wineries: If you fancy a glass of Gisborne's famous Chardonnay, take a slight detour through the nearby Patutahi area to visit local cellar doors, where you can pair award-winning wines with a delicious platter.

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