1 / 3Eastwoodhill Arboretum
📍 Ngātapa, Gisborne
Best for a slow day in autumn or spring. Eastwoodhill at Ngātapa is the national arboretum, 131 hectares of trees planted from 1910, with six colour-coded walks from flat paths to a hill climb, picnic spots, a playground and under-fives free.
Terrific combination of beautiful surroundings, extraordinary staff who are committed to helping you, good selection of tracks to hike. Te Ah at reception (I hope I spelled his name correctly) was like a friend trying to ensure I had the best possible visit. I enjoyed plunger coffee and a cheese toasty (with onions) - $5/ea. I can understand where most scenic reserves/conservation areas are free; the idea of paying a fee may be problematic. This is worth your time and money.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A calm day out that suits families who like walking more than rides: toddlers can potter on the flat paths and the playground, and older kids can take on the hill walk. Under-fives are free and children pay a small rate. Pack a picnic, follow the coloured markers closely, and come in autumn or spring if you can, when the colour is at its best.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →463 Google reviews
David Vincent
“Terrific combination of beautiful surroundings, extraordinary staff who are committed to helping you, good selection of tracks to hike. Te Ah at reception (I hope I spelled his name correctly) was like a friend trying to ensure I had the best possible visit. I enjoyed plunger coffee and a cheese toasty (with onions) - $5/ea. I can understand where most scenic reserves/conservation areas are free; the idea of paying a fee may be problematic. This is worth your time and money.”
Chen Chi Wu
“Autumn is definitely the best time to go,it’s so colorful and beautiful! I’ve been there twice to do different walks.There are six different walks you can do. The Yellow Walk is a must, but the Green Walk is my favorite for sure. The only downside is that it’s easy to get lost, even with a map.”
Kirk Scharein
“This arboretum contains a large selection of Northern hemisphere tree species that were collected and planted a hundred years ago and is absolutely stunning and gorgeous. Well worth the trip and the walk-through. The staff is very informative.”
Dubs Z
“Such a special place you ciukd spend a whole day here plenty of picnic areas and amazing specimen. Tress follow the sings or get lost”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Eastwoodhill is the National Arboretum of New Zealand, 35 kilometres inland from Gisborne at Ngātapa, where Douglas Cook began planting Northern Hemisphere trees in 1910. It now holds the biggest such collection south of the equator, more than 25,000 different trees, shrubs and climbers across 131 hectares. Six colour-coded walks run from flat paths suited to prams and mobility scooters to the climb of Mount Arateitei. There are picnic areas, a playground, basic refreshments and accommodation.
