GLORIOUS GISBORNE
Whether you want to dive into history, hit the beach, drink wine, dine in style or gaze at the stars, you’ll always treasure your trip to ‘Gizzy’.
Whether you want to drink wine, dine in style or just gaze at the stars, you’ll always treasure your trip to ‘Gizzy’.
Probably one of the best places in New Zealand to see the sunrise is in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, located on the east coast of Aotearoa’s North Island. It’s a three-hour drive north of Hawke’s Bay and around a six-hour drive from Auckland or Wellington. Unless you really like driving, the best way to get there is by plane and then hire a car.
Also known colloquially as ‘Gizzy’, Gisborne is a coastal town looking out into Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Bay, also labelled on many maps as Poverty Bay.
There is important historical significance for New Zealand here – the foreshore of the Turanganui River is one of the world’s great voyaging sites. It is the landing place of the Horouta canoe, celebrating the achievements of the Polynesian star navigators, and is the place where Captain James Cook and crew first came ashore in New Zealand. Tupaea, the Ra’iatean high priest navigator who sailed with Cook, first met Māori here, marking the links between local people and their ancestral homelands. The local Tairawhiti Museum, Wyllie Cottage along with cultural and historical guided tours provide plenty to learn if you need a more in-depth story of the region.
There are a number of secluded beaches to discover, plenty of good surfing and picnic spots and, for the more adventurous souls, there are mountain walks, cycle tracks and rail biking. There is a highly recommended get-your-feet-wet stingray encounter and you can also get close to dolphins with the odd whale ocean kayaking opportunity.
Gisborne is also one of the best places in New Zealand to see the stars, with very low light pollution just
outside town with an Astro tour available as well. Best coffee in Gizzy is at Far East Coffee Co, although other cool options are around.
If you’re looking for a pre-dinner cocktail, be sure to stop into Siduri Wine Bar and Deli – Sam Millton makes one of the best negronis around and his wine selection by the glass will let you explore local, some international, natural and conventional wine options. Late afternoon or early evening dining is my recommendation when in Gisborne. The Works on the Esplanade, Cranford Road Kitchen and the Dome Bar & Cinema are a lot of fun, all an easy walk within town and with excellent food.
Vineyards, cellar doors and wine experiences at the market are all good reason to head to the region. All of the classic varieties and sparkling wine are there to try, but it’s a good idea to check ahead of time with each producer just in case an appointment is necessary. Bushmere Estate, Hihi Wines, TW Wines, Spade Oak, Kirkpatrick Estate, Matawhero Wines, Bridge Estate, Bond Block Wines, Wrights Vineyard, Millton Vineyards, Stonebridge and Longbush should all be on your tasting list.
Don’t leave without staying at the Manatuke Eco Retreat. It uses solar power, is off the grid and has no wi-fi. If you can cope with this for the minimum two-night stay, then this waterside, forested location is perfect. Accommodation is in either a safari-style or bell tent options.