GISBORNE BIKE RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Rere Express • Supported — Slide, Cycle and Descend through Gisborne’s Wild Edges
A roughly six‑hour supported loop from Gisborne that pairs a 60 m natural rockslide with a scenic, intermediate 50 km bike circuit finishing at Sunshine Brewery.
Rere Express • Supported — Slide, Cycle and Descend through Gisborne’s Wild Edges.
Adventure brief
Rere Express • Supported — Slide, Cycle and Descend through Gisborne’s Wild Edges
This supported six‑hour outing from Gisborne moves from a raw pocket of adventure to cultivated gardenland: a transfer to Rere Rockslide sets the tone with a 60‑metre natural slide, followed by riverside picnic time at Rere Falls, a hilly 14 km push to Eastwoodhill Arboretum and a fast descent down Ngatapa Hill before winding back across the Poverty Bay Flats to Sunshine Brewery.
Gisborne, located on New Zealand’s rugged East Coast, offers visitors a rare blend of raw natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor excitement. One standout adventure that captures the spirit of the region is the Rere Express • Supported tour — a six-hour experience packed with adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and local flavor. This tour kicks off at the famous Rere Rockslide, a natural rock formation carved over millennia that functions as one of the longest natural water slides in the Southern Hemisphere. As you launch yourself down this smooth, slick basalt slide, the sheer thrill of speeding through the clear waters sets the tone for the day.
From there, you hop onto bikes for a scenic 14-kilometer ride along forest trails and rural roads. The route takes you to the serene Rere Falls, a graceful curtain of water cascading over volcanic rock into a cool pool, perfect for a relaxing picnic. This stop not only offers a moment to recharge but also an opportunity to appreciate the lush native flora and the soundscape of flowing water and birdsong.
The ride continues to Eastwoodhill Arboretum, New Zealand’s national arboretum and a treasure trove of rare and exotic trees from around the world. Cyclists will find the terrain moderately challenging but rewarding, especially when you reach the arboretum’s peaceful groves filled with centuries-old oaks, pines, and maples. After soaking in the tranquil arboretum atmosphere, the real treat follows: a thrilling downhill descent that winds back towards Gisborne.
The adventure wraps up with a visit to Gisborne’s renowned Sunshine Brewery — a perfect spot to sample local craft beers and share stories from the day. This journey offers a unique combination of natural wonders, physical challenge, and cultural taste, making it a must for visitors seeking an active way to experience Gisborne’s landscape.
What makes the Rere Express • Supported tour special is its seamless flow – blending water play, cycling, and relaxation with a local touch. It’s an excellent introduction to the stunning East Coast region, with highlights like Rere Rockslide and Eastwoodhill Arboretum known for their geological and botanical significance. The adventure caters to a broad audience with its moderate activity level, supported guidance, and the chance to explore lesser-known outdoor treasures.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, family, or group, this trip promises a memorable day of diverse outdoor experiences uniquely tied to the heart of Gisborne’s nature and heritage. Prepare for a day filled with laughter, scenic views, and the refreshing embrace of New Zealand’s East Coast wilderness.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops along the supported loop, from the slide to the brewery.
Transfer to Rere Rockslide
A shuttle carries the group to Rere Rockslide where participants can slide down a 60 m natural slope or observe others before cycling.
Rere Falls (Picnic)
A scenic stop at Rere Falls for a relaxed picnic lunch beside the falls.
Ride to Eastwoodhill Arboretum
A challenging 14 km hilly ride to Eastwoodhill, with time to walk around the gardens if time allows.
Ngatapa Hill descent
An exhilarating downhill stretch down Ngatapa Hill on the return leg.
Poverty Bay Flats and Sunshine Brewery
Cross the productive Poverty Bay Flats—home to vineyards—and finish with a visit to Sunshine Brewery including beer tasting and pizza.
This tour is described as intermediate riding and covers approximately +/- 50 kilometres; participants should be prepared for hilly terrain and sustained cycling.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rere Rockslide — a 60 m natural run
The day begins with a 60‑metre natural rockslide at Rere. Sliding is free of charge but requires something to slide on and is undertaken at your own risk; alternatively you can watch others before mounting up on bikes.
Rere Falls, Eastwoodhill and Ngatapa Hill
A relaxed riverside picnic at Rere Falls precedes an intermediate, hilly 14 km ride to Eastwoodhill Arboretum, time permitting for a garden walk, then a change of pace with an exhilarating downhill run down Ngatapa Hill.
Poverty Bay Flats to Sunshine Brewery
Return to Gisborne across the productive Poverty Bay Flats—an area of vineyards—culminating in a visit to Sunshine Brewery for beer tasting and pizza included in the tour.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a start that leans into pure, immediate fun at the rockslide, then a varied bike day: riverside riding and a picnic, a testing 14‑kilometre hilly section to the arboretum (with an optional garden walk), followed by an invigorating downhill and a pastoral return through vineyard country—roughly 50 km in total on an intermediate ride.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this supported outing suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Comfortable riding clothes and shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a warm jacket and/or raincoat, and a water bottle are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The experience runs for approximately 6 hours.
Is sliding at Rere Rockslide included?
Sliding is free of charge but you need something to slide on and you do so at your own risk; you may also choose to watch instead.
What equipment and inclusions are provided?
The tour includes a shuttle to Rere Rockslide, bike and helmet, and beer tasting & pizza at the finish.
Can I add a guide or entry to Eastwoodhill Arboretum?
Yes — a guide for the day, entry into Eastwoodhill Arboretum, jeep/walking tours and shuttle outside city limits are available as add‑ons by enquiry.
What is the route difficulty and distance?
The tour is described as intermediate riding and covers approximately +/- 50 kilometres, including a 14 km hilly section to Eastwoodhill.
Is food or drink included?
Beer tasting and pizza at Sunshine Brewery are included in the tour.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-28T03:38:34.197Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.