Are you looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends these summer holidays? With this in mind, I pulled together my top eight things to do to connect with nature from always be naturing, to reading a book about nature, visiting local walking or cycle trails that are Tairawhiti Gisborne based.
There are plenty of opportunities here to connect with nature at very little cost.
- Always be naturing – the Department of Conservation has some ideas about spending time in nature and giving back to the natural world.
- Read a book – I recommend ‘Nature and well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand’ by Catherine Knight who advocates for more natural spaces in cities, towns, and backyards. For a review and where you can buy a copy of the book read my blog.
- For something a little different, maybe hug a tree It really makes you feel better! Read my blog or forest bathing
- Take the family for a walk around the Cooks Cove Walkway at Tolaga Bay – While you are enjoying the walk, learn about the Māori and European history at the cove through reading the stories on the signage in the waharoa/gateway and on the walkway. One of the highlight projects that I have worked on and a real asset to the East Coast. While there visit Tolaga Bay and walk along the wharf (do check that it is open).
- Cycle the Motu or Rere Falls Cycle Trails – For the enthusiastic cyclist wanting to try something different or find out more about these remote areas of Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Rere Rockslide and Rere Falls along with Eastwoodhill Arboretum are along the Rere Cycle Trail so ensure you stop to check them out. Read the signage on the trails that tell of the history of these places.
- Tupapa Heritage Trail Explore the Tupapa heritage trail to discover the stunning natural environment and many unique stories of Turanganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne). Download the app and take a digital tour of the fascinating history.
- Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve – Just 20 minutes from the Gisborne city centre and a great place to take a walk along the beach, explore rockpools and enjoy a picnic
- Grays Bush Scenic Reserve is close to Gisborne city and an easy short walk. The reserve is a haven for native and introduced birdlife and boasts a canopy of impressive kahikatea and puriri forest.
Make sure you know before you go, be prepared, check the weather, wear the right footwear and clothing and take food/water to keep you sustained while you are outdoors.
“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer … one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near perfection as anything can come in this world.” – L.M. Montgomery