As the first city in the world to see the first light of day, the sun shines that extra bit brighter on Gisborne Tairāwhiti.
Known for its laid-back surf culture (thanks to an endless rugged coastline), superior Chardonnay and aromatic wines, fertile soils and ocean floors, historical landmarks and a community of locals as sunny as the weather, everyone who visits this town leaves impressed and sun-kissed.
Sure, it plays host to Rhythm and Vines, one of New Zealand’s most popular three-day music festivals, but there are countless reasons to explore this remote East Cape gem the other 362 days of the year.
From Midway Beach to Wainui to Makorori, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a sandy spot to stroll, swim or surf. And once you’ve had your fill of fresh salty air, the town offers a variety of dining, drinking, shopping and sightseeing options to stuff into your itinerary.
Wake up at specialty coffee shops and sip local craft brews in the afternoon; visit museums, waka landing sites and the very spot where James Cook first set foot in Aotearoa; browse century-old bookshops, second-hand boutiques and one-of-a-kind cinemas; and enjoy the freshest produce sourced from nearby gardens, vineyards and local artisan kitchens.
Whether you’re visiting in real fruit ice cream weather or the depths of winter, every day feels like a holiday in the happy and carefree world of Gisborne.
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Highway 35: The Slow Road to Something Special
The route north from Gisborne is more than just a road, it’s an experience, unfolding through landscapes as striking as they are diverse. State Highway 35 is a ribbon of tarmac draped along the Pacific Coast, curving past surf breaks, sleepy bays, and tiny townships where the welcome is as warm as the sun. Rich in Māori culture and framed by pristine natural beauty, this is not a drive to hurry. If possible, it’s a journey to linger over, one stop at a time.
Explore our Directory
View AllThe Stone Studio
In a soft sea green building on Stanley Road in Gisborne, the soothing sound of rolling waves in the distance sets the scene for exploring some of Aotearoa’s greatest...
Masami Clothing
In an era where new clothing is produced at a terrifying rate, thoughtful one-off garments are at risk of becoming a dying breed.
Neighbourhood Cantina
Neighbourhood Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that has quickly become Wainui’s “local” and, thanks to Gisborne’s compact nature, a go-to spot...
Flagship Eatery
This contemporary cafe could be easily stealing the show in any big city across the globe – but it’s quite happy to be stealing the hearts of locals right here...
Crawford Road Kitchen
The reality of a small town is that dinner options are more limited – but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, especially with Crawford Road Kitchen...
Neptunes Pizzeria
A slice of magic (and really good pizza) awaits down Gisborne’s main drag. Neptunes Pizzeria was never destined to blend into the Gladstone Road streetscape.
Smash Palace
Smash Palace serves as a reminder of why bars and pubs were created in the first place.
Mr Clifton's
There are several places you can grab your daily brew in Gisborne, but few serve just coffee – and serve it as spectacularly as Mr Clifton’s.
The Village Berry
Most of us can only dream of having a supermarket alternative like The Village Berry in our neighbourhood.
Tairāwhiti Museum
Located in a lush park setting along the river in Gisborne, Tairāwhiti Museum plays a significant role in showcasing the rich art, culture and heritage of the region.
Curbside Kitchen
As soon as the clock strikes 7am in Gisborne, Curbside Kitchen’s coffee machine kicks into gear with a throng of regulars stopping by for their daily brew before work...
Tahu
Located on the shores of Midway Beach with sweeping views looking out across the breathtaking coastline, Tahu stands out in Gisborne’s restaurant scene for many reasons.
Dome Cinema
Ask any local where to go for a one-of-a-kind experience in Gisborne, and chances are their answer will lead you through the doors of the historic Poverty Bay Club building.
Blitz Surf Shop
Providing the town with their sun, sand and surf uniforms since 1983, Blitz is quite the Gisborne icon.
Retro
Set in an old villa on Ballance Street in Gisborne, you’d kick yourself for mistaking this as just another residential home in the neighbourhood.
Muirs Bookshop
On Gladstone Road in Gisborne, you’ll likely encounter the iconic statue of a short elderly man straining under the weight of a hefty stack of books – a feeling...
The Works
As soon as you pull up to The Works, you know you’re in for something special.
