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Gisborne
1 km
18 minutes
14 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself in Gisborne looking for a slice of paradise without leaving the city limits, you would usually head straight for the Elizabeth Williams Walkway. Tucked away within the beautiful Tūranga Gardens, this trail is often described by locals as a "gem in the middle of suburbia." It is the kind of place where the hum of the city fades away, replaced by the rustle of native leaves and the melodic call of the Tui.
While it is a short loop, it packs a lot of character into its one-kilometre length. It is a testament to what a community can achieve when they decide to turn a patch of land into something extraordinary. However, before you lace up your sneakers, there is some very important information regarding its current status that you need to know—but we will get to that shortly. For now, let’s take a virtual stroll through what makes this walkway so special.
The Elizabeth Williams Walkway is an easy, 20-minute loop that feels much further from the suburban streets than it actually is. The terrain is a delightful mix that keeps things interesting; you aren’t just walking on a flat pavement here. Instead, you’ll find a charming combination of wide main thoroughfares perfect for a side-by-side chat, and narrower, winding trails that invite a bit of quiet contemplation.
As you descend into the gully, the air feels cooler and fresher. The path leads you across quaint wooden bridges that span the lower sections of the garden, giving the whole experience a bit of a "Secret Garden" feel. There are gentle steps to navigate as you climb the opposite side of the gully, which adds just enough movement to make it feel like a proper "walk" rather than just a stroll, despite the modest 14-metre elevation gain.
For those using it as a thoroughfare, the walkway serves as a scenic link between Hospital Road and Valley Road. If you follow the path up towards the alternative access point on Hospital Hill, you’ll emerge near The Farmyard Early Childhood Centre. It’s a favourite for families, as the varied path keeps kids engaged—one minute they are crossing a bridge, the next they are peering through the bush at a hidden corner of the garden.
Street parking is available in the residential area surrounding Tūranga Gardens. Access to the gardens is typically found by walking up Hospital Road and Hillview Terrace, then turning left into Diana Avenue. The gardens are near the end of Diana Avenue.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
A popular Gisborne cafe known for its strong coffee, generous portions, and delicious all-day breakfast and lunch menu, often praised as one of the best breakfast spots in New Zealand. [cite: 5 (previous search), 23, 24, 26 (previous search), 27 (previous search), 33 (previous search)]
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Loop
The real star of the show at Tūranga Gardens is the sheer diversity of the plantings. It is a meticulously landscaped oasis where native New Zealand giants rub shoulders with exotic beauties.
* Floral Displays: If you visit during the right window, the vibrant rhododendrons and camellias are a sight to behold. They add splashes of brilliant colour against the deep greens of the regenerating native bush. * The Gully Experience: Standing on the wooden bridge in the heart of the gully is the best photo opportunity on the trail. Looking up at the canopy from the bottom of the gully makes you feel completely immersed in nature. * Community Spirit: One of the most significant "features" isn't something you can see, but something you can feel—the history of the place. Knowing that this was built by the Tūranga Lions Club and the Williams Family Trust adds a layer of warmth to the walk. It’s a garden built by the people, for the people.
Finding the entrance can feel like being let in on a local secret. Street parking is your best bet, usually found in the quiet residential streets surrounding the gardens.
To find the main entry, head up Hospital Road and turn into Hillview Terrace. From there, take a left into Diana Avenue. You’ll find the gardens situated near the end of the cul-de-sac. It’s a very residential area, so please be mindful of the neighbours when parking your vehicle.
Gisborne is blessed with a climate that birds love, and the Elizabeth Williams Walkway is no exception. Because of the mix of native trees and flowering exotics like camellias, there is almost always something for the local birdlife to snack on.
Tui & Bellbirds (Korimako): You’ll hear them before you see them. The Tui are common year-round and are particularly boisterous when the kōwhai or exotic flowers are in bloom. The Bellbird* is a bit more occasional but keep an ear out for their clear, bell-like notes. Fantail (Pīwakawaka*): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you along the narrower sections of the track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up as you walk. * Kererū: Look up into the higher branches of the larger native trees. The heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings usually signals the arrival of these large, colourful wood pigeons. Sacred Kingfisher (Kotare*): If you are lucky and visiting during the spring or summer, you might spot the flash of electric blue from a Kingfisher. They are rare here, but they do make appearances.
The beauty of a landscaped garden like this is that it offers something different in every season.
* Spring: This is arguably the best time to visit. The rhododendrons and camellias are in full bloom, and the bird activity is at its peak. * Summer: The deep gully and thick canopy provide much-needed shade from the biting East Coast sun. It’s a great spot to escape the heat of a Gisborne afternoon. * Autumn & Winter: The gardens remain lush and green, and on a crisp, clear Gisborne winter day, the walk is a great way to get some fresh air without committing to a massive hike.
What to Bring: Since it’s a short 20-minute walk, you don’t need much. Comfortable walking shoes or even sturdy trainers are fine. There is no water fountain on the trail, so bring a bottle if it’s a hot day. Because of the bush setting, a bit of insect repellent might be handy in the summer months.
Important Safety Note: Please be aware that the Elizabeth Williams Walkway and Tūranga Gardens are currently closed for the foreseeable future. Recent heavy rainfall caused significant erosion, which unfortunately exposed old asbestos waste from the demolition of the former Cook Hospital. The Gisborne District Council has closed the reserve to ensure public safety until remediation can be funded and completed. Always check the Council website for the latest updates before you head out.
The Tūranga Gardens represent a massive community achievement. Established in 2001, the project was a collaboration between the Tūranga Lions Club, the Williams Family Trust, and the Gisborne District Council.
Volunteers have poured thousands of hours into clearing the gully, planting, and maintaining the paths. It’s a significant part of the local "Green Network" in Gisborne, showing how former hospital land or neglected gullies can be transformed into vital ecological corridors. The name "Williams" is synonymous with philanthropy in the region, and this walkway is a living legacy of that family's contribution to the Tairāwhiti community.
Once you’ve finished your stroll (and once the gardens reopen!), you are perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the best hospitality Gisborne has to offer. The gardens are just a short drive—or a decent walk—from several top-tier spots.
* PBC Cafe (0.5km away): This is a local institution. Known for some of the best breakfasts in the country, it’s the perfect place for a big post-walk brunch. Their coffee is strong, and the portions are legendary. * Flagship Eatery (0.6km away): If you’re after something a bit trendier, Flagship is the spot. They focus on whole foods and seasonal ingredients. Their brunch menu is fantastic, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for the health-conscious hiker. * Zest Cafe (0.8km away): A great choice if you just want a light meal and a fantastic cup of coffee in an inviting, vibrant atmosphere. * The Wharf Bar & Grill (0.8km away): If you finish your walk late in the afternoon, head down to the Inner Harbour. Sitting outside at The Wharf with a cold drink and some fresh local seafood while the sun sets over the water is the quintessential Gisborne experience.
The Elizabeth Williams Walkway is a small but mighty part of Gisborne's landscape. While we wait for it to be restored to its former glory, it remains a reminder of the beauty that can be found right in our own backyards.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
A vibrantly coloured bird renowned for its precision diving to catch fish, also eats insects and small lizards.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
600m away
A trendy cafe focusing on homemade whole foods and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, offering delicious brunch classics, vegan, and gluten-free options in a warm and modern setting. [cite: 14 (previous search), 15 (previous search), 19 (previous search), 22 (previous search), 26, 29 (previous search), 40 (previous search)]
600m away
Located in a historic former shipping company building, this bistro offers contemporary cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, featuring a daily updated menu. [cite: 3 (previous search), 12 (previous search), 13, 17, 21 (previous search), 22 (previous search), 25 (previous search), 34 (previous search), 35 (previous search), 36 (previous search)]
700m away
Situated in the Inner Harbour with views over the water, this eatery offers a bistro-style menu with fresh, local ingredients, perfect for sharing, and is also home to Gisborne Wine Merchants. [cite: 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 20 (previous search), 25 (previous search), 28 (previous search), 31 (previous search), 32 (previous search), 34 (previous search)]
800m away
A delightful cafe offering a vibrant coffee culture and diverse menu with vegetarian options, known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious light meals and desserts. [cite: 4, 6 (previous search), 15 (previous search), 18 (previous search), 21 (previous search), 22 (previous search), 28 (previous search), 30 (previous search)]
800m away
Overlooking the Gisborne Inner Harbour, this bar and grill offers fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, and local produce in a casual yet upmarket setting with a large alfresco dining area, ideal for watching the sunset. [cite: 10, 11, 13 (previous search), 18, 19, 20 (previous search), 23 (previous search), 27 (previous search), 29 (previous search), 38 (previous search), 39 (previous search), 42 (previous search)]