Best Swimming Spots on the East Coast & Gisborne (Complete Guide)
The East Coast and Gisborne region (Tairāwhiti) has two of New Zealand's most loved freshwater swims: a natural rock waterslide and a wide curtain waterfall, both on the Wharekopae River. Both are in our Swim New Zealand – North Island guide.
Find this and dozens more in Swim New Zealand – North Island: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →
Why Swim on the East Coast & Gisborne?
The East Coast is one of New Zealand's most remote and beautiful regions. Rolling farmland, rock formations and the Wharekopae River make for swims you won't find anywhere else, and the region sees fewer tourists than most of the North Island.
Natural Waterslides & Waterfalls
1. Rere Rockslide: A 60 m Natural Waterslide
Location: Wharekopae Road, about 46 km inland from Gisborne
Water: Cool freshwater
Best for: Sliding, summer swims
Rere Rockslide isn't just a swimming spot, it's a natural waterslide worn smooth by the river. A long slab of rock angles down into a deep emerald pool, and the Wharekopae River runs over it in a thin, steady sheet that sends you skimming down the 60-metre slide.
What makes it special: a 60-metre natural slide, a deep pool at the bottom, and pure East Coast summer atmosphere. Bring a boogie board or tube. It's a free roadside reserve with no facilities, so bring what you need and take everything home, including broken boards and tubes.
2. Rere Falls: A Wide Curtain Waterfall
Location: Wharekopae Road, just around the bend from the rockslide
Water: Cool freshwater
Best for: Families, picnics, photography
Rere Falls spreads wide like a silver curtain across a smooth rock ledge, dropping about five metres in one clean sheet into a calm pool. Unlike towering alpine waterfalls, this one is approachable: gentle, symmetrical and set against rolling farmland. You can swim in the pool and even stand behind the curtain of water.
What makes it special: a wide curtain waterfall, easy access and a free reserve with parking, toilets, picnic tables and big lawns. There are no shops on site.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December to March): the best time for Rere Rockslide, with warm air temperatures. Come early or late to avoid the crowds.
- After rain: the falls look more dramatic, but the river runs faster and stronger.
- High river flow: check river levels before you slide, and don't slide when the river is up.
How to Get to Rere Rockslide & Rere Falls
Both spots are on Wharekopae Road, inland from Gisborne. The rockslide is about 46 km from the city, and the falls are just around the bend, so it's easy to visit both in one day trip.
What to Bring
- A boogie board or inflatable tube for the rockslide
- Sturdy water shoes (the rocks are very slippery)
- Towel and swimwear
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Food and water (Rere Falls has picnic tables and toilets; the rockslide has no facilities)
Safety Tips
- Use a boogie board or tube for protection and control on the slide
- Check the water depth before sliding, and never dive into water of unknown depth
- Rocks are extremely slippery at both spots
- Don't slide when the river is high; flow increases fast after heavy rain
- There are no lifeguards, so supervise children closely
Visit Both in One Day
Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls sit close together on the same road, and most people combine them in a single day trip from Gisborne. Start with the rockslide in the morning while you've got energy, then relax at the falls in the afternoon.
Respecting the East Coast
The East Coast is one of New Zealand's most culturally significant regions for Māori and is home to Ngāti Porou and other iwi. Please respect the land, the water and local communities when you visit.
East Coast & Gisborne Swimming FAQs
How far is Rere Rockslide from Gisborne?
About 46 km inland from Gisborne on Wharekopae Road. Rere Falls is just around the bend, so you can easily see both on one trip.
Is Rere Rockslide free?
Yes. It's a free roadside reserve with free parking, open all year. There are no toilets or other facilities at the slide.
Can you swim at Rere Falls?
Yes. The falls drop about five metres into a calm pool you can swim in, and you can stand behind the curtain of water. The reserve has toilets, picnic tables and lawns.
Is Rere Rockslide safe?
It can be great fun, but there are no lifeguards and the rock is very slippery. Use a boogie board or tube, check the depth first, and don't slide when the river is high after rain.
Get the Guide
Want maps, GPS coordinates, seasonal swimming notes and local tips for these spots and many more across the North Island? Check out Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Whether you're after the rush of the rockslide or a lazy afternoon under the falls, the East Coast delivers. For more ideas, see our 20 best swimming spots in the North Island.
