About Gisborne

Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. With around 45,000 inhabitants, Gisborne is the main centre of the Eastland region.

Gisborne has the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and features brilliant white sand beaches ideal for surfing.

The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti, which means "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water." Kaiti Beach, near the city, was the first meeting place of the European and Maori but the prime voyaging waka, Horouta is said to have come ashore somewhere within Poverty Bay, the region in which Gisborne is located.

Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769 and then European settlement was established in 1831 and the town that developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870.

Over December and New Year, Gisborne explodes with tourists coming to bathe in our great climate and hospitality.

Around Gisborne

Surfing

Gisborne region is home to some of the best beach, point and reefs breaks in New Zealand, so make the most of the warm water. Wainui and Makarori beaches are renowned for surfing and people travel from all over New Zealand to sample the great beaches due to the coastline being affected by long ocean swells coming from both the east and south.  Summer generally means that many people want to surf so don't forget your manners and surfing etiquette. There are plenty of stores in town where you can hire gear.

Surf Beaches

Town beaches – right out in front of BW Campground – famous ‘pipe’ break – a wave that caters to all skill levels

Wainui beach – 6kms from Gisborne – popular surf spot for surfers of all levels as it consistently provides good waves throughout the year.

Makorori – 8kms from Gisborne is a famous surf location - a right-hander break over a shallow reef system sets up a long sweeping ride.

Mahia Peninsula – 45mins south – multitude of quality breaks.

East Cape – north of Gisborne – good beach breaks at Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay and Hicks Bay.

Cafes / Bars

Gisborne may be small but there is a great range of quality local café's and bars to check out…Soho, The Works, Gordon Gecko, The Wharf, Marina, USSCO, Cafe Ruba, Verve Cafe, Muirs Café (above the bookshop) and Café Villagio.  If heading to the beaches check out Tsunami at Wainui, The Irish Rover, Liquid and Sessions. All the bars and clubs have an extensive list of great entertainment on the nights you are not at Rhythm & Vines.

Vineyards

Gisborne is one of New Zealand's largest grape growing regions with just over half its 2000 hectares of vineyards planted with internationally award winning Chardonnay.

You may need to phone ahead to make appointments for tasting as not all the wineries are open to the public at all times. Each of the vineyards and wineries listed here are within a 15km radius from Gisborne City: Amor Bendall, Brunton Road, Bushmere Estate, Lindauer Cellars, Millton's Vineyard, Poupare Park, Kew and Tjietjen Witters.

Walks and Reserves

Following are the most popular walks and reserves in the Gisborne area.
Gisborne Historic Walk: 1-3 hours. Enjoy a leisurely historic walk through Gisborne City taking in rivers, harbour and sea. Take in the districts past, present and future.

Titirangi Domain / Kaiti Hill: Provides great views of the city. Hike up the walkways to make the most of Titirangi Recreational Reserve's native trees, picnic areas, fitness trail.

Wainui - Makarori Headland: A short but steep climb to a headland with views over two sweeping surf beaches.

Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve: 2.6ha of scenic bush and a 20- 30 min track. Adjacent to Wainui - Makarori Headland walkway.

Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve: Popular 12ha remnant of original kahikatea forest close to Gisborne. 10-20min loop tracks.

Other Activities

Rere Falls…50km from Gisborne is the photo opportunity of a lifetime, an amazing water fall and swimming hole and the famous Rere Rock Slide. The rock slide is a natural, very exciting, 100m waterslide that is great with a bodyboard or even a good piece of cardboard – go prepared!

Horse Treks…available on Waimoana farm, taking you across farmland and through native bush with breathtaking ocean and high-country views, followed by a trek across Makorori Beach – One, two and twighlight treks available.

Golf…Poverty Bay Golf Club is a nationally ranked links championship course – undulating course with large, fast and true greens and very well bunkered.
www.gisbornegolf.co.nz

Gisborne Park Golf Club; Chocrane Street – tree-lined fairways, easy walking 18 hole course.

Mini Golf…18 hole course…$3 per person…Gisborne Information Centre.

Driving Range…all weather driving range and professional golf shop, two minutes drive from city centre – hire clubs or bring your own.

Olympic Pools…aquatic and activity centre at the Olympic Pool Complex – 50m indoor heated pool, 33m outdoor pool, dive pool, spa and therapy pool, hydro slide and BBQ facilities.
olympicpool@gdc.govt.nz
 
Morere Hot Pools…Public and private thermal pools in a beautiful bush setting.  Also includes freshwater, cold swimming pools, BBQ and picnic areas.
www.morerehotsprings.com

Road Trips

The East Coast region boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in New Zealand, so take a look around the region, you've come this far so a little further will only lead to the enlightenment well known to East Coasters… hot picks are Wainui Beach, Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Beach (climbing Mt Hikurangi), Morere Hot Springs and Mahia Peninsula.