Sea Walls Tairāwhiti Murals Walk

Loop

Getting There

The walk is located right in the heart of Gisborne’s CBD, making it incredibly easy to access. Because it is a loop trail, you can start and finish almost anywhere along the route, though Gladstone Road is a natural central starting point.

• Free All-Day Parking: The best spot to park without worrying about a time limit is the War Memorial Theatre car park, located on Bright Street.
• The Farmers Car Park: Situated on Grey and Bright Street, this convenient option offers parking for just $1 per hour.
• Street Parking: There is a mix of metered and time-restricted (60-minute and 120-minute) spaces within easy walking distance of Gladstone Road. Note that time restrictions are generally enforced Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.

Wildlife Spotting

While this is an urban walk, Gisborne’s leafy streets and close proximity to the rivers and coast mean you are never far from New Zealand’s native birdlife. As you look up at the murals, keep your ears open for the distinct sounds of nature.

• Tūī (Common, Year-round): You will almost certainly hear these boisterous birds before you see them. Listen out for their metallic dials and throat-clearing chirps in the CBD's flowering trees.
• Pīwakawaka / Fantail (Common, Year-round): These friendly, inquisitive little birds love to flutter close to walkers, darting around to catch insects stirred up by your footsteps.
• Kererū (Occasional, Year-round): Keep an eye on the larger canopy trees for the heavy, swooping flight of our native woodpigeon.
• Tauhou / Silvereye (Common, Year-round): Watch for these tiny, green-and-yellow birds moving in busy, social flocks through suburban gardens and parks.
• White-faced Heron (Occasional, Year-round): If your walk takes you close to the riverbanks or harbour edges, look out for these elegant, blue-grey waders standing perfectly still.
• Kūaka / Bar-tailed Godwit (Occasional, Spring–Summer): If you head down towards the tidal flats near the river mouth, you might catch a glimpse of these incredible migratory birds feeding during the warmer months.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Sea Walls Tairāwhiti Murals Walk is a true year-round attraction. Because it is set in an urban environment, you do not have to worry about muddy tracks or winter washouts.

• Best Seasons: The walk is fantastic in any season. Summer offers classic blue-sky East Coast days, though autumn and spring bring cooler, crisper walking temperatures. Even a sunny winter afternoon is a joy, provided you wrap up warm.
• Best Time of Day: Start in the mid-morning. This allows the sun to fully illuminate the murals for the best photos, and it aligns perfectly with local cafe opening hours for a post-walk treat.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for concrete surfaces. Bring a filled water bottle, a camera or smartphone, and plenty of sun protection. The Gisborne sun can be fierce, even on cooler days, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Weather Considerations: Gisborne is famous for its sunshine, but it can experience breezy coastal winds. It is always a good idea to pack a light windbreaker to keep the chill off if you are walking near the waterfront.

Local & Regional Context

Tairāwhiti Gisborne holds a proud place in New Zealand’s geography and history. It is famously the first city in the world to see the light of each new day, giving it a unique spiritual energy. The region has a deep, ancestral connection to the moana, beginning with the arrival of the first navigating waka (canoes) from Polynesia.

The Sea Walls Tairāwhiti project, which began in 2018, beautifully bridges this rich history with modern conservation. By weaving traditional Māori concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) into contemporary street art, the murals serve as a visual contract between the community and the environment. It is a powerful reminder of our role as guardians of the coast, transforming everyday city walls into educational platforms that foster immense local pride.

After the Walk

Once you have finished your loop, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to refuelling. Gisborne’s culinary scene is fantastic, and there are several excellent spots right on or near the trail:

• Mr Clifton’s (0.1km away): Need a quick, high-quality caffeine hit? This specialty coffee shop is just a stone's throw from the trail, serving up spectacular brews using Far East Coffee Co beans.
• Ussco Bar & Bistro (0.3km away): A highly popular CBD dining spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Offering a creative contemporary menu from breakfast to dinner, it also boasts some of the best vegan options in town.
• Flagship Eatery (0.5km away): A stylish, bustling cafe in the heart of the CBD. They are famous for their excellent coffee and a menu featuring fresh, seasonal local ingredients. Don't skip their house-made brioche or kimchi!
• Crawford Road Kitchen (0.7km away): If you want to celebrate finishing your walk in style, head down to this wharf-side restaurant. It offers a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, delicious sharing plates crafted from local ingredients, and an outstanding selection of local Gisborne wines.

300m away

A popular dining spot in the CBD offering a diverse menu from breakfast to dinner, including creative contemporary cuisine and appealing vegan options in an inviting atmosphere. [13]