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.
One of the Locals: Your Insider's Guide To Gisborne
Most Kiwis are familiar with one type of Gisborne experience – you know, the one that involves jumping up and down in a vineyard to ring in the new year with 20,000 other people. And okay, that does seem like a pretty good time, but we’re here to tell you there’s a lot more to uncover along Aotearoa’s sunny East Coast. We spent a good many days hanging out with the friendly residents of Gisborne Tairāwhiti, following them to well-loved local haunts and finding out what makes this such a special place to call home. Next time you’re in the region, here’s everything you’ll want to include on your itinerary.
One-of-a-Kind Finds in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Gisborne is a town that likes to be a bit different. And let’s be honest, when you’re heading towards one of the country’s most remote regions, why would you want to be met with the same old? From the wild untouched beaches to the world-class Chardonnay, everything here has that distinct East Coast flair.
The Food & Drink Heroes of Tairāwhiti Gisborne
There’s a lot of goodness popping out of the East Coast soil, boosted by a healthy dose of sunshine and a community of foodies looking to shake up at-home pantries and restaurants around town. These individuals and businesses are responsible for keeping Gisborne’s plate full, creating joyful destinations to wine and dine, crafting artisan products unique to the region, and building spaces for residents to shop and celebrate local produce every day. Without people like this, the town just wouldn’t be the same.
Explore our Directory
View AllBollywood Indian Restaurant
Every town needs a reliable Indian restaurant that they can depend on for delicious food and warm service. In Gisborne, it’s Bollywood Stars.
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...
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.
The 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...
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.
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.
Sunshine Brewery
A couple of streets back from Waikanae beach, the sun shines down on New Zealand’s oldest independent brewery.
The Works
As soon as you pull up to The Works, you know you’re in for something special.
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...
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.
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.
Raglan Roast Gisborne
As soon as the first light touches Gisborne, the Raglan Roast coffee machine is up and at ‘em, ready to wake up the town with strong brews.
The Aviary
Tucked away in a light and bright sanctuary on Childers Road in Gisborne, The Aviary is the sort of place you walk into and exhale deeply.
Smash Palace
Smash Palace serves as a reminder of why bars and pubs were created in the first place.
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.
