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.
A Taste of Tairāwhiti’s Food Trucks: Your Guide to Gisborne's Best
Gisborne’s food truck scene is bursting with flavour, creativity, and community spirit, offering everything from authentic Greek souvlaki to indulgent desserts, handcrafted pizzas, and real fruit ice creams. Whether it’s at a private or public event, parked up by the beach in summer, or simply going with the flow, Gisborne’s food trucks sure know how to serve up delicious dishes that reflect both the diversity of global cuisine and the abundance of local Tairāwhiti ingredients.
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.
Fresh and Local in Gisborne: Tairāwhiti's Food Producers on Show
In sunny Tairāwhiti Gisborne, food is more than just what’s on the plate. It’s also about the hands that sow, tend, harvest, bake, press, pour and shape it. A tumultuous few years (featuring both a global pandemic and multiple severe weather events!) have seen an already closely knit region band even more tightly together to survive and thrive.
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllMasami 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.
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...
Sunshine Brewery
A couple of streets back from Waikanae beach, the sun shines down on New Zealand’s oldest independent brewery.
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.
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.
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.
Smash Palace
Smash Palace serves as a reminder of why bars and pubs were created in the first place.
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...
Truly
Truly, a sweet blend of owners’ Trish and Julie, is a Gisborne boutique designer store housing a well-curated selection of brands from both Aotearoa and further afield.
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...
Bollywood 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.
The Works
As soon as you pull up to The Works, you know you’re in for something special.
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...
