the walk

Walk Gisborne begins on Karakaroa Farm, the original homestead block of the 1200 hectare Rimunui Station, and continues across the 576ha Makorori Station. Rimunui is a working cattle and sheep station, farmed by the Colin Williams family since 1985, and home to the renowned Kaharau Angus Stud. It was once part of the far larger land-holding Rimuroa. Makorori Station has been farmed by Richard and Robyn Busby since 1987.

Each day’s hike takes between three and six and a half hours depending on speed and fitness levels. The walk is unguided with the track being very well marked with alternative track options on most days. A trail map with detailed instructions, along with a full de-briefing each night gives you everything you need for an interesting and exciting walking adventure ! Moderate fitness, walking boots and a walking pole are recommeneded.

Day 1

The Girls Brigade Lodge to The Shearers' Quarters (5 hours)

Wake up to the sound of the gently flowing Waimata River, leave the Girls’ Brigade Lodge and begin your walk through Rimunui Station. Enjoy an attractive riverside tramp through open farmland, centuries-old stands of kanuka and native bush. A moderate to challenging hike up hills and along chiselled stock tracks brings you to The Peak (323 metres) and enjoy views en route of the Waimata River and Longbush, where the Salmond family have undertaken extensive replanting over the past eight years. Stop for lunch at The Peak and absorb the breathtaking 180 degree views over Poverty Bay to Young Nicks Head, beyond to Mahia Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and Gisborne’s highly productive horticultural flats. Descend down the trail through bush and The Stairway of Roots to the Whainukota Stream and follow the track up to the three tanks and on to The Shearers' Quarters.

Day 2

The Shearers' Quarters to the sea and back (4 - 6.5 hours - different track options are available )

Wake to the sound of birds … or maybe sheep dogs and sheep in the yard. Leave The Shearers' Quarters and begin the hike out through Makorori Station, open farmland and areas of regenerating native bush where nikau palms and an enormous puriri tree reign supreme. This Busby’s Bush has been protected by a QEII covenant since 1992 Follow the track to The Trig – 239 metres and take in idyllic views over Wainui and Makorori beaches. Walk on to see evidence of about 16 Maori kumara pits, storage for a pa site closer to the coast.

From The Trig, there are three options

The main walk ( moderate option ) follows the orange markers and the track to the white sands of Makorori beach, feel the sand between your toes while you linger, swim and sunbathe. Climb the track back to ridgeline & onto The Shearers' Quarters and remember to take a last look at the awesome cabbage tree-framed views of the beach and coastline from Duncans Lookout ( 5 1/2 hours )
Follow the trail ( easiest option ) along the ridgeline, with magnificient views over the beach and coastline and back to The Shearers’ Quarters ( 4 hours )
Descend to the coast and hike up the track to Tatapouri headland ( challenging option ) for the most spectacular views of Gisborne’s coastline, a good spot for lunch, before descending to the white sands of Makorori beach ( an extra 1 ½ hours = 6 1/2 hours plus in total )

Day 3

The Shearers' Quarters to The Girls Brigade (3 hours)

An easier day. Follow the track down through Toi Toi Valley, open farmland and tramp past several areas of mud volcanoes (see your information pack for more on this interesting phenomenon). Follow the track past The Creek Paddock and up Coops Creek to more mud volcanoes. Retrace the hike a little before heading up through bush and open farmland to the Lookout and hike down to the Whainukota Stream and home to Karakaroa Farm.

Walk Gisborne provides a unique opportunity to hike or tramp in this beautiful New Zealand Farm & Coastal Environment