Rere: Waterfall and cycling route

Rere offers two different scales of activity: a visit to Rere Falls and the 103-kilometre Rere Falls Trail. Rere Falls is on the Wharekopae River. On the trail, the sealed road resumes shortly before Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls. The route is listed as taking one to three days and is graded 3.

Route and directions

From Gisborne, the approach is west along SH 35, then via Wharekopae Road to the Rere Falls car park. As road conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out. There are toilets and a picnic area at the car park; check in advance whether both facilities are available. The picnic area gives you the option of combining your outing with a break.

When looking for a holiday rental in Rere, it helps to plan how you will divide your time. Decide whether visiting the waterfall is your main focus or whether you plan to spend one to three days on the trail. If you want to combine both experiences, allow for their different time scales when planning your stay. The approach and car park are important reference points for visiting the falls, while the cycling route takes several days.

Nature and cultural highlights in the wider Gisborne District

In the wider Gisborne District destination, the Rere Falls Trail also connects with the Motu Trails. At Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve, a marked, wheelchair-accessible circular track takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk through the reserve. Check current conditions and accessibility before your trip. The reserve protects the only remaining example of the nationally rare Kahikatea-Puriri forest type on the Gisborne Plains. It provides habitat for kererū; the rare North Island kākā visits seasonally, but sightings are not guaranteed. At Eastwoodhill Arboretum, tracks range from flat, tree-lined paths to a steep climb up Mt Arateitei, with views of the arboretum and surrounding landscape. The contrast between the loop track and the climb illustrates the different track profiles in the Gisborne District.

Historic sites in the Gisborne District offer a different focus. The Wi Pere Monument commemorates Wi Pere’s contribution to the development of the Tairāwhiti region as a Māori leader, politician and outspoken critic of government land policy. As a riverside landmark, it is clearly visible from the road. The Star of Canada is part of the Tairāwhiti Museum on the banks of the Taruheru River. The wharf at Hicks Bay is open to the public and is listed as a Category 2 historic place. Tokomaru Bay Wharf is used for fishing by visitors and residents; recreational boats moor there, and people use the wharf for walking.

Discover more destinations: Gisborne

View the wider travel overview: Gisborne District.