Gisborne

Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a region like no other,  a beautiful, remote corner of New Zealand where the pace slows, the horizons widen, and every sunrise feels like a gift.

Perched on the easternmost edge of New Zealand, its isolation has shaped a city with a warm coastal character and a region that’s perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Compact and easy to navigate, Gisborne is surrounded by world-class surf beaches, boutique vineyards, citrus groves, and wild rivers that tumble towards untouched bays. For those travelling by motorhome or camper, freedom is found in the abundance of wide-open spaces, scenic reserves, and friendly small towns dotted along the coast.

Rich in culture and history, Tairāwhiti is where the great waka Horouta and Takitimu first landed more than 800 years ago, and where Captain James Cook stepped ashore in 1769. These encounters mark Gisborne as a cradle of the nation’s story, woven deeply with Māori heritage.

And of course, Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the new day. Watching the sun climb out of the Pacific Ocean,  whether from Wainui Beach just minutes from the city, or further along the coast  is a moment that stays with you long after your journey ends. From there, venture further up and around the legendary Pacific Coast Highway 35, through seaside towns like Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Waihau Bay and Te Kaha.  

Gisborne District Council, 15 Fitzherbert Street | Ph: 0800 653 800