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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllMr 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.
Zephyr Wainui
Walking into Gisborne's Zephyr is like walking into a ray of sunshine. That’s the only way we can describe it.
Hill Road Orchard & Farm Shop
Hill Road Orchard is the beating heart of Gisborne’s famous Hill Road Orange Juice: fresh, unpasteurised, and squeezed straight from oranges grown on their own...
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.
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...
Neighbourhood Pizzeria
Beyond slinging exceptional dough, a pizzeria must above all be fun – and luckily Neighbourhood Pizzeria in Gisborne has an oversupply of this key ingredient in stock.
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...
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.
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...
Smash Palace
Smash Palace serves as a reminder of why bars and pubs were created in the first place.
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.
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.
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...
Siduri Wine Bar & Deli
Walking down Peel Street in Gisborne, you don’t necessarily expect to stumble upon a petite and polished wine bar – but you’ll be delighted to find...
