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Gisborne
5.6 km
2 hours 30 minutes
230 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself in the sunny Tairāwhiti region with a morning to spare, there is one local secret you simply can't miss. Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Gisborne lies the Te Kuri Farm Walkway, a trail that perfectly captures the essence of the East Coast. It’s a place where the rugged charm of a working New Zealand farm meets the untouched beauty of native semi-coastal forest, all topped off with views that will quite literally take your breath away.
Whether you’re a local looking for your weekly cardio fix or a tourist wanting to see beyond the city streets, this 5.6-kilometre loop offers a fantastic slice of the "real" New Zealand. It’s a moderate challenge that rewards every ounce of effort with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the fertile Poverty Bay flats.
The journey on the Te Kuri Farm Walkway is a classic tale of two halves. Starting from the end of Shelley Road, the first part of the walk eases you in gently. You’ll find yourself wandering through flat, lush farmland where the rhythmic sounds of rural life set the pace. It’s a great chance to warm up the legs before the real work begins.
As you move away from the flats, the trail begins a steady, honest climb. You’ll be gaining about 230 metres in elevation as you head towards the summit of Town Hill, which sits proudly at 290 metres above sea level. The terrain is a bit of a mixed bag — you’ll navigate gravel farm roads, grassy paths, and narrow single tracks. The way is well-marked with orange triangles on yellow posts, so you can spend less time worrying about your map and more time soaking in the surroundings.
One of the best things about this walk is the variety. One minute you’re walking through open paddocks alongside grazing stock, and the next, you’re plunged into the cool, dappled light of a forest remnant. However, a word to the wise: this is a working farm, and the "clay" sections of the track can get notoriously greasy after a bit of Gisborne rain. This is particularly true on the steep descent under the Tasmanian blackwood trees. Because of this, most locals will tell you to walk the circuit in a clockwise direction. It makes the climb a bit more manageable and keeps the footing a little safer on the way down.
Expect to spend about 2.5 hours on the trail, though you’ll likely want to add some extra time for "photo stops" (or just catching your breath) at the top. It’s a very kid-friendly outing, provided the little ones are used to a bit of a hill, but remember to leave the four-legged friends at home — dogs are strictly prohibited to protect the farm’s livestock.
A large car park and picnic area are available at the end of Shelley Road. However, the last 1km of Shelley Road is unsealed and can be in poor condition with potholes. It is recommended to park your vehicle on the road verge at the last house, number 123 Shelley Road, and walk the remaining 500 metres to the trailhead.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
4.5km away
A charming cafe on Ballance Street, known for its rich coffee and delightful treats like sugar-coated custard donuts and fluffy brioche, perfect for a post-hike refuel.
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The absolute crown jewel of this hike is the Town Hill lookout. Once you reach the summit, the world seems to open up. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of spectacular. To the south, you can trace the curve of the coastline all the way to the Māhia Peninsula. Looking west, you’ll see the distant, rugged peaks of Maungapohatu on the fringes of the legendary Te Urewera wilderness. Directly below you, the city of Gisborne and the vast Poverty Bay flats spread out like a green and gold quilt.
Aside from the views, the semi-coastal forest is a major highlight. This is a rare remnant of the type of bush that once blanketed the foothills of this region. As you walk through the gullies, keep an eye out for massive pūriri and kohekohe trees. These native giants provide a lush, tropical feel that contrasts beautifully with the open ridges covered in kānuka and the rows of plantation radiata pine. It’s a unique ecological sandwich that tells the story of how the New Zealand landscape has evolved over the decades.
Finding the trailhead is relatively straightforward, but the final approach requires a bit of local knowledge. From Gisborne, head towards the northern outskirts to Shelley Road.
While there is a large car park and picnic area at the very end of the road, the last kilometre is unsealed and often peppered with potholes that can be a bit treacherous for smaller cars. To save your suspension (and your nerves), we recommend doing what the locals do: park your car on the road verge near house number 123 Shelley Road. From there, it’s a pleasant 500-metre walk to the official start of the track. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind!
The mix of open pasture and dense forest makes the Te Kuri Farm Walkway a haven for birdlife. As you move through the bush-clad gullies, the most common sound you’ll hear is the melodic chime of the tūī. These boisterous birds are present year-round and are often seen swooping between the pūriri trees.
Keep your eyes peeled for the kererū (New Zealand pigeon). You’ll likely hear the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see them perched heavily on a branch. In the quieter, scrubbier sections, the friendly pīwakawaka (fantail) will often flit around you, hoping your footsteps stir up a few insects for their lunch. If you’re lucky and have a keen ear, you might even hear the delicate, high-pitched warble of the riroriro (grey warbler) hiding in the kānuka.
Because this is a working farm, you’ll also be sharing the trail with plenty of four-legged residents. Cattle and goats are common sights. While they are generally used to walkers, always give them plenty of space and remember the golden rule of the New Zealand backcountry: leave all gates exactly as you found them.
The Te Kuri Farm Walkway is best enjoyed in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
The Tairāwhiti region is steeped in history, and Te Kuri Farm is no exception. The name Te Kuri refers to "The Dog," and you’ll notice the prominent white cliffs of Young Nick’s Head (Te Kurī-a-Pāoa) across the bay, which was the first land sighted by the crew of Captain Cook’s Endeavour in 1769.
Walking this land offers a window into the agricultural heritage that built Gisborne. The Poverty Bay flats are some of the most fertile lands in the country, and seeing them from the heights of Town Hill gives you a real sense of why this area is known as the "Garden of New Zealand." The presence of the native forest remnants amidst the farmland is a testament to the ongoing balance between production and conservation in the region.
After you’ve conquered the hill and made it back to your car, you’ve well and truly earned a treat. Luckily, Gisborne has some fantastic spots to refuel.
If you’re after a quick, high-quality fix, head to Curbside Kitchen on Ballance Street (about 4.5km away). Their sugar-coated custard donuts and fluffy brioche are local legends — perfect for replacing those burnt calories.
For a more substantial "brunch vibe," Flagship Eatery near the Inner Harbour is a must-visit. Their homemade crumpets and exceptional coffee are the stuff of dreams. If your walk finishes a bit later in the day, head to the Wharf Bar & Grill or Lone Star at the Inner Harbour. Sitting outside at the Wharf with a cold drink and some fresh local seafood while watching the sunset over the water is the perfect way to cap off your Te Kuri adventure.
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
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
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
5.5km away
A trendy cafe near the Inner Harbour, celebrated for its good food, great coffee, and homemade crumpets, offering a vibrant atmosphere for breakfast or brunch.
5.5km away
Overlooking the Gisborne Inner Harbour, this restaurant offers fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, and local produce, with a large alfresco dining area perfect for watching the sunset.
5.5km away
Located in the Inner Harbour, Lone Star is known for its generous portions of delicious food, including steaks, seafood, and vegetarian options, served in a vibrant atmosphere.