Wanderlog
  • Home
  • Travel guidesGuides
  • Hotels
  • Log in
Wanderlog
  • Home
  • Travel guidesGuides
  • Hotels
  • Log in

Makorori headland

4.7
(79)
4.7
(79)
•#25 on "Top 50 things to do and attractions in Gisborne"
Hiking area

About

The Makorori Headland walk is located between the Wainui and Makorori surfing beaches, adjacent to the Okitu walk. From the top of the headland, one can enjoy panoramic views of the expansive Pacific Ocean, extending south towards Mahia Peninsula and Portland Island, as well as north towards Tatapouri Headlands. This area also serves as a convenient spot for parking and observing surfers at 'Fat Belly Alley' or along the coastline.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Experience stunning views of Wainui and Makorori beaches along with epic vistas of the Pacific Ocean
  2. 2
  3. Great spot to view Gisborne's famous sunrise
  4. 3
  5. Explore side pathways and bird reserves for a diverse hiking experience
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
Taking a short break in Wainui and enjoying the chance to do this short, but terrific walk every morning. Can’t think there are many walks that give you a view of two stunning beaches - Wainui and Makorori - and epic views of the Pacific. It’s also a great spot to view Gisborne’s famous sunrise. While it’s steep to start, there are side pathways to explore as well. Descending the other side I also recommend crossing the highway (be careful) and walking through the bird reserve to complete a great hike and workout in pristine nature.
A really good spot a surf or like I did a easy enjoyable beach walk.. very nostalgic for me having been away for 5 years.
The view from the hill top is awesome . There are very few steps and the slope is not too steep .. there are park benches on the top to have a snack or drink and relax watching the view
Taking a short break in Wainui and enjoying the chance to do this short, but terrific walk every morning. Can’t think there are many walks that give you a view of two stunning beaches - Wainui and Makorori - and epic views of the Pacific. It’s also a great spot to view Gisborne’s famous sunrise. While it’s steep to start, there are side pathways to explore as well. Descending the other side I also recommend crossing the highway (be careful) and walking through the bird reserve to complete a great hike and workout in pristine nature.
A really good spot a surf or like I did a easy enjoyable beach walk.. very nostalgic for me having been away for 5 years.
The view from the hill top is awesome . There are very few steps and the slope is not too steep .. there are park benches on the top to have a snack or drink and relax watching the view
See all reviews
Map
Address
Okitu, Gisborne 4073, New Zealand
Website
http://www.wainuibeach.co.nz/WAINUI%20INFO/aboutthebeaches,.html#:~:text=Makorori%20Headland%20provides%20a%20spectacular,the%20hill%20alongside%20the%20highway.
Okitu, Gisborne 4073, New Zealand
http://www.wainuibeach.co.nz/WAINUI%20INFO/aboutthebeaches,.html#:~:text=Makorori%20Headland%20provides%20a%20spectacular,the%20hill%20alongside%20the%20highway.

Know before you go

  • Consider starting early to catch Gisborne's famous sunrise from Makorori headland
  • Take time to explore side pathways during the hike for added adventure
  • Crossing the highway carefully can lead you through a bird reserve enhancing your hiking experience
  • Pack snacks or drinks to enjoy on park benches at the hilltop while admiring beautiful ocean views

Reviews

Makorori headland offers a short but terrific walk with stunning views of two beautiful beaches - Wainui and Makorori, along with epic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Reviewers mention it as a great spot to witness Gisborne's famous sunrise, explore side pathways, and even cross the highway to walk through a bird reserve for a complete hiking experience in pristine nature. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, friendly locals, and helpful staff who provide recommendations for local spots to explore. The hike is described as nostalgic, enjoyable, and offering beautiful ocean views from the hilltop with park benches to relax and soak in the scenery.
Review score
4.7
out of 5
Exceptional
79 reviews
From Google
5 stars
60
4 stars
18
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
0
5/5Steve Y
•
Jan 14, 2025 from
Google
Taking a short break in Wainui and enjoying the chance to do this short, but terrific walk every morning. Can’t think there are many walks that give you a view of two stunning beaches - Wainui and Makorori - and epic views of the Pacific. It’s also a great spot to view Gisborne’s famous sunrise. While it’s steep to start, there are side pathways to explore as well. Descending the other side I also recommend crossing the highway (be careful) and walking through the bird reserve to complete a great hike and workout in pristine nature.
5/5Urban K
•
Jun 7, 2024 from
Google
A really good spot a surf or like I did a easy enjoyable beach walk.. very nostalgic for me having been away for 5 years.
5/5Athresh K
•
May 25, 2025 from
Google
The view from the hill top is awesome . There are very few steps and the slope is not too steep .. there are park benches on the top to have a snack or drink and relax watching the view
4/5S H
•
Sep 24, 2024 from
Google
Great staff and very vibrant atmosphere with friendly locals. I did a staycation and was welcomed with a wonderful country spirit. I'm not from the country but the staff were very accommodating in helping me to find awesome local spots where I could venture out and spend my weekend. They also have a hiking trail of their own which is just an added bonus! I recommend this spot to everyone and anyone who feels like a warm & fun-filled getaway.
4/5Paul H
•
May 24, 2021 from
Google
Good place to park to surf 'Fat Belly Alley' or just watch the surfing below on the point. Also good place to check out the rest of Makarori beach surf action. There is a track down to the beach from the carpark.
All Google Maps reviews
All Tripadvisor reviews
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Map
Address
Okitu, Gisborne 4073, New Zealand
Website
http://www.wainuibeach.co.nz/WAINUI%20INFO/aboutthebeaches,.html#:~:text=Makorori%20Headland%20provides%20a%20spectacular,the%20hill%20alongside%20the%20highway.
Okitu, Gisborne 4073, New Zealand
http://www.wainuibeach.co.nz/WAINUI%20INFO/aboutthebeaches,.html#:~:text=Makorori%20Headland%20provides%20a%20spectacular,the%20hill%20alongside%20the%20highway.
Made with ❤ in SF & more
© 2025 Travelchime Inc.
Wanderlog
Hotels
Road trip planner
Trip planner AI
Plan a trip
Trip planner mobile app
Travel maps
Blog
Report security issue
Terms, Privacy policy & Copyright
Browser extension
Travel budgeting & cost tracking
How to embed a map on your travel blog
Jobs
Google data disclosure
Guides and resources
Trip planners by destination
Explore cities and countries
Road trips by destination
Best places to visit by category
Popular search terms by destination
Weather around the world
Travel questions & answers
Travel itinerary guides
Maps of cities and national parks
Destinations at different times of the year
Places to visit by destination
Get the app
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
Hotels
Road trip planner
Trip planner AI
Plan a trip
Trip planner mobile app
Travel maps
Blog
Report security issue
Terms, Privacy policy & Copyright
Browser extension
Travel budgeting & cost tracking
How to embed a map on your travel blog
Jobs
Google data disclosure
Trip planners by destination
Explore cities and countries
Road trips by destination
Best places to visit by category
Popular search terms by destination
Weather around the world
Travel questions & answers
Travel itinerary guides
Maps of cities and national parks
Destinations at different times of the year
Places to visit by destination
Get the app
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
Made with ❤ in SF & more
© 2025 Travelchime Inc.