Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 30 minutes’ drive from Gisborne, is the National Arboretum of New Zealand. The 135-hectare site has an outstanding collection of Northern Hemisphere trees, regarded as the largest and most comprehensive south of the equator. Founded in 1910 by the eccentric William Douglas Cook who used to wander around the property stark naked apart from gumboots and a sunhat, it is planted in over 25,000 exotic and native trees, shrubs, climbers and flowers.

The many pathways are lovely to walk anytime of the year but the trees are at their most spectacular in autumn when the leaves are on fire with red, gold and amber.

Walks cater for all levels of fitness and ability, from flat tree-lined paths to a steep climb up Mt Arateitei with magnificent views of the arboretum and the surrounding countryside.

More than 40 species of native and exotic birds come to feast on the seeds, insects and berries within the arboretum.

* The arboretum is 30 minutes’ drive (34.5km) from Gisborne via the Wharekopae Rd.