Why Should You Take a Vacation in Gisborne, New Zealand

New Zealand! The cleanest, greenest, most gorgeous destination on the planet, is a treat to visit for any wayfarer. While this country is home to many interesting places to visit, Gisborne stands out for its uniqueness.

Gisborne lies on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and offers a rich mix of culture and natural beauty. Here’s why you should include it in your travel bucket list.

Watch the sunrise before anyone else in the world!

If you're not a morning person, then here's a good reason to get up at the crack of dawn in Gisborne. The city is the first in the world to welcome the rising sun in the east. You get to see a brand new day before anyone else!

Gisborne is often referred to as the 'City of Rivers'. It lies at the intersection of the Waimata, Taruheru and Turanganui rivers and offers some of the scenic river views in New Zealand.

Unrivaled river views

Gorgeous vineyards

Who would say no to exploring the 'Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand' and a wine tasting trail experience in charming wineries?

Gisborne is known as New Zealand's third-largest wine-producing region. It is home to a variety of different wineries, some of the finest ones to check out are Millton Vineyards and Winery, Wrights Vineyard and Winery, and Bushmere Estate.

Sunny, glorious days to bask in.

Gisborne has amazing weather for outdoor experiences. Enjoy sun-soaked beaches or stroll down the township  during the year-round sunny days. Ideally, December to February offers the finest idyllic ambiance, but any time is a good time to visit this region.

In the 1700s, British explorer James Cook landed in Gisborne, paving the way for British colonization in New Zealand. Gisborne's outlook has been changed by these historic events - it now reflects a blend of Maori and colonial elements.

Maori culture and colonial history abound.

Cook's voyage and experience in New Zealand are reflected in the town's street art, sculptures, and architecture. Likewise the city is also deeply connected to Maori culture. The Tairawhiti Museum is an excellent resource for local history on Maori culture and colonial era.

Surf’s Up!

Gisborne is a surfer’s paradise. There are many beaches in New Zealand, but the best swells to surf on can be found at Wainui Beach. Surfers love to start their day early with sunrise surfing at this beach.

Experience the Reef Ecology Tour with Dive Tatapouri - a tour where you wade into shallow, crystal-clear waters and find yourself up close to wild kingfish, eagle rays, and short-tail stingray. This breathtaking marine attraction is perfect to snorkel, swim, and feed stingrays.

Get the chance to hand feed stingrays!

One of a kind nature adventure ride.

Getting an adrenaline rush at Gisborne's natural water slides isn't the same as sliding on plastic tubes into pools. Take on the challenge of water sliding at Rere Rockslide.

You can slip and slide your way down this nature-made slope of 60 metres long that is swathed with a steady flow of water. There are no safety nets, and all you do is grab an inflated tube or a surf board and slide down. For those who enjoy experiencing new things, this is a fantastic adventure.

Fiery fall foliage views!

Each season at the National Arboretum of New Zealand - Eastwoodhill offers different scenery, but you can witness the most breath-taking views in fall. The autumn colors you will witness here are unlike any other you've seen.

Of all the places in the southern hemisphere, this attraction boasts to have the largest collection of trees that grow in temperate climate in Northern Hemisphere. Taking a walk through dense forests filled with over 4,000 different kinds of trees and foliage is a must-do for nature lovers.

There are some lovely sceneries to view in and around Gisborne that can be easily combined with a self drive tour on the SH35 stretching from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki. It is one of the most tranquil and scenic routes to explore on a New Zealand self drive tour.

An epic spot for Self drive tours

While the whole world is in slumber, Gisborne stirs awake to a new beginning. An out-of-the-way visit to Gisborne provides an offbeat experience steeped in culture, history, and nature's splendor.