Rere Rock Slide — New Zealand’s Natural Waterpark

Rere Rock Slide is pure Kiwi ingenuity—Mother Nature’s own water slide nestled in the bushy backroads of Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) region. Imagine a smooth, 60-metre ribbon of greywacke rock, slick with cool spring water, winding through a fern-lined gorge. On any warm day you’ll find locals and travellers alike lining up for adrenalin-packed runs, hollering as they soar down on boogie boards or stand-up paddleboards. It might look tame at first glance, but once you feel that velocity and hear the basalt hum beneath you, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.

Why Rere Rock Slide Captivates Every Traveller

There’s something intrinsically joyful about sliding down solid rock with water splashing your face. Rere Rock Slide doesn’t require fancy infrastructure or an entry fee—it’s a gift from volcanic forces and centuries of river flow. Whether you’re a thrill seeker craving steep turns or a family looking for a laugh-out-loud afternoon, this slide delivers. Its remote, unspoiled setting also means you’re swimming and sliding in a genuine Kiwi landscape, surrounded by native bush and the distant call of tūī.

Getting There & What to Bring

Rere Rock Slide sits about 45 minutes northwest of Gisborne, just off Wharekopae Road. Follow brown heritage-site signs through rolling farmland until you reach the Department of Conservation carpark at Rere Reserve. The final few hundred metres of gravel track are best navigated with reasonable ground clearance, but most rental cars manage fine at low speed. Pack a boogie board or plastic dustpan (the classic local hack), sturdy water shoes, a towel and plenty of sunscreen. A dry bag for your phone and car keys will keep them safe while you tackle multiple runs.

Sliding In Style — How It Works

Once you arrive, slip into your water shoes and wade upstream to the slide’s crest. There’s no one “official” starting point—pick a spot where the flow is strong but not too shallow. Sit or lie on your board, lean back slightly, and let gravity—and a steady stream of spring water—carry you downhill. The smooth rock curves in fun, unexpected ways: a slight pinch here, a gentle roller there. At the bottom, a shallow pool slows you to a stop, and you can wade back up or use the pebble beach launch pad for your next run.

Safety Tips & Local Wisdom

Rere Rock Slide is wonderfully simple, but you’ll move fast enough that taking precautions matters. Always wear water shoes to protect toes from exposed edges, and consider a helmet or sturdy cap if you’re planning steep runs. Never slide alone—in case you lose your board or nick yourself on hidden gravel. Keep an eye on younger sliders, as shallow rapids can be unpredictable. And remember, no glass bottles or rubbish—pack everything out to keep this spot pristine for the next wave of visitors.

Beyond the Slide — Rere Falls & Valley Walks

Just a two-minute stroll from the slide stands Rere Falls, a 5-metre plunge into a deep, clear pool. It’s a perfect cooldown after multiple rock-slide laps. A swing rope hangs from a native rata tree, begging for a Tarzan-style leap. If you’re keen to stretch your legs, the Rere Falls Loop Track winds for 30 minutes through ferns and nikau palms, offering bird song and the creek’s gentle gurgle as a soundtrack. For a longer wander, the nearby Hikuwai Valley Road leads to quiet fishing spots and weekend farm-gate stalls serving fresh eggs and plums.

When to Visit & Beat the Crowds

The slide is at its best when fresh spring flows keep the water speed consistent—usually from late spring through early autumn. Summer weekends can draw families from Gisborne, so mid-week mornings or late afternoons are magic: fewer queues and softer light filtering through the canopy. Winter visits work too, especially after rain, but pack an extra mid-layer—you’ll feel the chill on descent. Check DOC’s local flood warnings if heavy rain is forecast; high water can create stronger currents than expected.

Local Eats & Refreshment Stops

After you’ve conquered the slide, satisfy your appetite at nearby café bars in Wharekopae or pop into Gisborne for fresh flat whites and sea-salt doughnuts. If you prefer self-catering, stop at farm gates for stone-fruit in season, free-range eggs and raw honey. Pack a picnic and spread out by the riverbank—there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing sandwiches while swapping slide-tales and watching the next group cheer their way down the rock.

Final Thoughts — Why You’ll Want to Return

There’s an unfiltered joy in revisiting Rere Rock Slide: the thrill of your first run, the friendly high-fives as you clamber to slide exit, and the unexpectedly spiritual hush of the bush when you pause to listen. It’s simple, it’s free, and it flawlessly showcases the playful side of Aotearoa’s wild heart. Plan a half-day trip—or make a weekend of it by adding waterfalls, walks and local brews—and you’ll leave with a grin that lasts long after you’ve rinsed off the last of that turquoise spray. Pack your sense of wonder and your slide board; Rere is waiting.