Cook's Cove Walkway
A walk through farmland and along sea cliffs to the small bay where Captain Cook once anchored, passing the famous Wall Cave arch.
The walk starts beside the wharf at Tolaga Bay and is about 5.8 km return, taking 2.5 hours. It passes through pasture, scrubland, and cliff-top lookouts before descending to Cook's Cove, where Captain Cook anchored in 1769 to take on supplies. You can also detour to the natural rock arch Te Kotere o te Whenua, known as the “Wall Cave,” which the expedition's artist once painted. The track crosses private farmland and is closed from August to October during lambing season. Some sections are steep, so bring plenty of water. Admission is free.
Opening hours
Daytime only (closed August–October)
Nearby sights
- Tolaga Bay Wharf
- Whāngārā (Whale Rider Location)
- Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour (Dive Tatapouri)
- Makorori Beach
- Wainui Beach
- Tairāwhiti Museum
- Gisborne Botanical Gardens
- Gisborne Inner Harbour