List of parks in the Gisborne District facts for kids

The Gisborne District in New Zealand's North Island is a cool place with lots of amazing outdoor spots! It has many parks, beautiful beaches, sports fields, and special protected areas like marine reserves. These places are perfect for playing, exploring nature, or just relaxing with family and friends.

Parks and Green Spaces in Gisborne

The Gisborne District is home to many wonderful parks and green spaces. These areas offer different activities for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Parks for Play and Picnics

Some parks are perfect for a day out with friends or family.

• Adventure Playground in Awapuni is a fantastic spot with a playground and picnic areas. It even has public toilets, making it easy to spend hours there.
• Alfred Cox Park in Gisborne Central is a local park where you can walk your dog.
• Anzac Park in Inner Kaiti is great for picnics and has a playground. You can also use the barbecue area or launch a boat from here. It even has a football field!
• Gisborne Botanical Gardens in Gisborne Central is a beautiful place for picnics. It has an aviary (a big bird cage) and a playground, plus toilets.
• Waiteata Park in Whataupoko also offers picnic spots and a playground.

Local Parks for Dog Walking

Many smaller parks are perfect for a quick stroll with your dog. These include:

• Atkinson Street Park in Mangapapa
• Ballance Street Reserve in Whataupoko
• Blackpool Street Reserve in Te Hapara
• Fox Street Reserve in Whataupoko
• Grant Road Reserve in Whataupoko
• Hall Street Reserve in Whataupoko
• London Street Reserve in Kaiti
• Reynolds Creek Reserve / Sandown Park in Elgin
• Sheehan Street Reserve in Whataupoko
• Stafford Street Reserve in Whataupoko
• Whataupoko Reserve in Whataupoko is also great for dog walking, and you can even go mountain biking or walking there.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Gisborne has some amazing beaches where you can enjoy the ocean and coastal views.

Popular Beaches for Activities

• Kaiti Beach in Kaiti is a local beach park where you can walk your dog.
• Midway Beach / Kopututea Sand Dunes in Awapuni is a lively beach. You can have barbecues, go horse riding, jet skiing, or kite surfing. It's also a dog-friendly area.
• Waikanae Beach in Victoria is a lovely spot for a walk along the coast.
• Wainui Beach / Lysnar Reserve in Wainui Beach is perfect for boat fishing, with a boat ramp available. You can also walk your dog, go horse riding, or try kite surfing here.

Coastal Walkways and Reserves

• Makorori Headland in Okitu offers a great walkway and cycleway with stunning views of the coast.

Sports Grounds and Fields

If you love sports, Gisborne has many dedicated grounds for different activities.

• Awapuni Stadium in Awapuni is a large sports ground where you can also walk your dog.
• Barry Park in Te Hapara is a sports ground.
• Childers Road Reserve in Gisborne Central is another sports ground.
• Harry Barker Reserve in Te Hapara is a major sports hub for cricket and hockey. It also has public toilets.
• Hatea-A-Rangi Memorial Park in Tokomaru Bay is a sports ground.
• Heath Johnston Park in Tamarau is a sports ground.
• Matawai Reserve in Matawai is a sports ground.
• Nelson Park in Riverdale is a sports ground and local park where you can walk your dog.
• Oval Reserve in Awapuni is used for cricket and rugby, and has public toilets.
• Patutahi Soccer Ground in Patutahi is a sports ground for football.
• Te Arai Domain in Manutuke is a sports ground.
• Te Araroa Domain in Te Araroa is a sports ground.
• Te Karaka Recreation Ground in Te Karaka is a sports ground.
• Uawa Reserve in Tolaga Bay is a sports ground.
• Wainui Reserve in Wainui Beach is a sports ground.
• Waikirikiri Reserve in Outer Kaiti is a sports ground with areas for dog walking, picnics, and public toilets.
• Watson Park in Awapuni is a sports ground.

Special Protected Areas and Reserves

The Gisborne District also has unique reserves managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and other special places.

Scenic Reserves and Walkways

• Anaura Bay Reserve in Anaura Bay is a DOC reserve with a walking track.
• Eastwoodhill Arboretum in Ngatapa is a special place with a walkway and cycleway, perfect for exploring trees and plants.
• Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve in Waimata Valley is a DOC reserve with a walking track, great for experiencing native bush.
• Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve in Okitu is a DOC reserve with a walkway.
• Otoko Walkway in Otoko is a DOC reserve with a walkway.
• Rere Falls / Rere Reserve in Rere is a beautiful spot where you can walk or cycle. It's great for picnics, swimming, and even trout fishing. Public toilets are available.
• Titirangi Reserve / Titirangi Domain / Kaiti Hill in Inner Kaiti is a popular spot. You can walk your dog, use the fitness trail, enjoy the lookout views, have a picnic, or play at the playground.

Marine Reserves

• Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve in Whangara is a special DOC marine reserve. This means the ocean and sea life there are protected, making it a great place to learn about marine environments.

Other Unique Areas

• Waiherere Domain in Waihirere is a versatile area with a playground, cycleway, and dog walking areas. You can also go jet skiing, kite surfing, or have a picnic here.

See also

• List of marae in the Gisborne District
• List of schools in the Gisborne District