The Eastwoodhill National Arboretum has the most comprehensive collection of exotic trees in NZ, with 4,000 different kinds of trees, shrubs, and climbers on its 135 hectares. There is a modest access fee and several mostly easy walks through the arboretum, plus a historic one-hectare homestead garden dating from 1910.
Douglas Cook initially established the Arboretum, which has since been expanded by the Eastwoodhill Trust Board. It includes 170 species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's endangered list. Although it is worth visiting any time of the year, autumn could be the most interesting for Kiwis, as it is full of mature deciduous trees that put on a colour show.
Access is from Wharekopae Road off SH2 to the east of Gisbourne. Follow this scenic road, initially through vineyards, then along a valley and into rolling hills, for 20 minutes to the Arboretum. Continue west on the road after the Arboretum to reach Rere Falls and Rockslide.
