Gisborne rockfalls: Beachgoers cautioned after Kaiti Beach slip

A slip at the north end of Kaiti Beach has been identified by Murry Cave, principal scientist of Gisborne District Council. The "failed area" of the cliff can be seen in light brown. Photo / Murry Cave

A “substantial” rockfall on Kaiti Beach has prompted Gisborne District Council to caution people against walking under the bluffs.

The council had used a drone to observe the rockfall.

“The rockfall at the north end of Kaiti Beach is of substantial size, and there is risk of a further failure as drone footage indicates an open tension crack on the head scarp, along with unstable rock material on the slip face,” the council’s principal scientist, Murry Cave, said.

“This and other rocky headlands around the region are prone to rockfall, and this is especially the case after the region having a wet winter.”

He said the risk was not isolated to Kaiti.

“Other areas where rockfall has been observed recently include around the Makorori and Tatapouri headlands and some reactivation of the Te Kuri a Paoa/Young Nicks large-scale landslide that occurred in 2024,” Cave said.

A tension crack and unstable material on slip face at Kaiti Beach. Photo / Murry Cave

It was important for beachgoers to exercise caution.

“Beach walkers need to be aware that rockfall from these areas can occur at any time, and people should avoid walking under these bluffs, particularly at high tide,” Cave said.

The council said there was no risk to anyone’s homes from the slip.