Around 30 minutes drive out of Gisborne along winding, metal roads, we came across our destination. An understated carpark with an understated signpost, and a grassy path leading to the banks. What we discovered looked like a sheet of water, 60 metres long, down a rock incline.
When we arrived, we were the first. Early risers, perhaps. Eager, perhaps. We had a big day ahead of us, and we certainly weren't going to miss out of the Rere Falls due to beauty sleep.
Photo Credit | Rere Rockslide, Gisborne
The water wasn't cold, good. The rock floor beneath the flowing waters was smooth and slippery. How hard could it be? Surely one pushes off and skids laughing into the swimming hole at the bottom?
Well, there is knack. A running jump works (if you're used to it). If not fool-hardy and flexible to throw yourself down, gradually push yourself off, weight evenly distributed - but not too far forward otherwise you're body will act like an anchor.
Within an hour the carpark was full. The slide was a motorway of shrieking, giggling bodies hurtling down the rock face. In the upper parts of the stream before the slide, youngsters safely paddled and splashed. Picnic blankets sprawled on the grassy banks, and happy chatter filled the air.
Firstly, be warned: it's deep at the bottom, so you'll need to be able to swim (note for little members of the family); this is a rock face, so while it's a beautiful slide, there are bumps and ridges, and if you come off your board/tube/inflatable mat, you may get a few bruises!
Before you reach the carpark (on your right) you would have passed a signpost to the Rere Falls some 2km earlier. This is NOT the rockslide, but well worth a look (and quiet in comparison to the Rere Rockslide some 5 minutes on).
Photo Credit | Rere Falls, Gisborne
Where on Earth is the Rere Rockslide?
Gisborne, North Island, NZ
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