Gisborne

Nearby

Napier Hastings Hamilton Rotorua Tongariro National Park

Gisborne: Understand

Population ~ 37,000

Gisborne is a coastal city on the east cape of the North Island. The best reasons to visit: sunshine, wineries, surfing and Māori culture.

Gisborne: See & Do

Be the first to see the sunrise from nearby Wainui Beach. Wainui Beach is less than 10-minutes from Gisborne, and a great spot for swimming, walking, fishing, and horse trekking!

Go out for a surf (or to watch the surfers) at world-class surf beaches Makorori, Wainui Beach, Waikanae, and Midway Beach. Or if you’re new to surfing, or wanting to upskill, the crew at Walking on Water Surf have all the gear and know the best spots on the day. They’re also ready for families and groups!

If you’re not so keen on surfing, there are also good stand up paddleboarding options – hiring gear, lessons & classes.

Take a winery and vineyard tour in one of New Zealand’s famous wine-producing regions. Or rent a bike and do your own tour! Matawhero and Bridge Estate are both good wineries to include on your route.

Head over to the Rere Rockfalls (45-minute drive from Gisborne) and slide down the 60-meter natural rockslide on the river! You need a boogie board or a tyre – your accommodation may have some you can rent, or sometimes you can go to the tyre repair places in town and get one for cheap. It’s also a great river swimming spot if you’d prefer to watch the action…

Climb Kaiti Hill (Titirangi) for a prime view over the Gisborne and the area.

Or prefer having wheels? There are some great cycling options in the Motu Trails! Just the map of the trails would be enough to get you excited.

Tolaga Bay is a 45-minute drive from Gisborne. Walk out on the very impressive wharf, or walk from there over to Cook’s Cove.

There’s the Dome Cinema – a restored gentleman’s club that’s now a dine-in theatre!

If you are into trees, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum (the National Arboretum of New Zealand) is 30-minutes drive from Gisborne. It’s 131 hectares of exotic and native trees – atumn is the most spectacular time to visit, with a sea of vibrant colours.

If you’re a fan of festivals and planning to be in the North Island for New Years, Gisborne might be your place. Rhythm & Vines is New Zealand’s largest New Year’s celebration attracting local and international artists.

Another festival is the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival, which always features live music and is typically around Labour Weekend (end of October).

Gisborne: Eat

PBC Cafe (Poverty Bay Club) is a great breakfast or lunch option located in a beautiful, historic building.

Flagship Eatery is a great breakfast or lunch option, often busy but the service is prompt. Food is delicious.

Frank & Albies is another good breakfast and lunch option, serving great coffee.

Or if you fancy somethign a little different for breakfast or lunch time, pop into Muirs Bookshop & Cafe. Choose your book downstairs then head upstairs and relax on the veranda with your yummy food, a book, and views!

The Works is a delicious lunch or dinner option by the marina, super fresh food and a range of options.

Crawford Road Kitchen is another great lunch and dinner option – excellent food, top service and reasonable prices.

Tamarind is an excellent Indian restaurant in Gisborne – delicious food and great service. Their food is mid-range prices.

For European-inspired food, USSCo Bar & Bistro is a good option, walking distance from the center of town. The food is of a great standard, and the restaurant is set in a beautiful old building.

If you’re heading out to the East Cape, and need a good lunch or dinner option, Te Puka Tavern is a local pub serving decent food. They also have accommodation if you need to stay the night out here.

Gisborne: Sleep

During the Summer months (October – April) there are 9 registered campsites in the Gisborne area you can park up (or pitch up) at – you will need to purchase a permit. There are also 4 campsites where restricted freedom camping is allowed outside summer months. For more information, take a look here.

There’s the Gisborne YHA ($) which is close to the beach and city, with nice hosts and a good kitchen area. They also rent out boogie boards if you’re off to the Rere Rockfalls!

For a more comfortable stay, White Heron Motor Lodge ($$) is a good mid-range option near the centre of town. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a great shower!

Also be sure to check out Air BnB, as more and more people are putting their homes on there and you can find some great options!