Discover the land of the first light Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Tairāwhiti Gisborne is full of golden experiences for travellers of all kinds.
Tairāwhiti translates to “the coast where the sun shines”. It’s an apt name for a region that’s one of the first places in Aotearoa to see the sun. Pay this unique corner of Aotearoa a visit and discover magical nature, worldclass surf, a rich history, awesome adventures and mouth-watering cuisine.
1. NATURAL MAGIC
Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s magical scenery soothes the soul and ignites the senses.
Enjoy it with a stroll amongst the parks and gardens at Eastwoodhill Arboretum and Mander Road MTB Parks or by bike at Whataupoko Park. There are gentle riverside and coastal tracks and more challenging rides along the region’s network of mountain biking trails, such as the Motu Trails.
Watch surfers in action from The Blackhouse, a luxury lodge perched above renowned Wainui Beach. Once the sun goes down, the display only gets more dazzling. Learn about Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s celestial skies with Gisborne Astro Tours, far from light pollution in the heart of the east coast backcountry.
2. ENCHANTING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
The eastern corner of the North Island is rich in history and cultural experiences.
Learn about the mountain’s significance to Ngati Porou and be the first in mainland New Zealand to greet the sun at Maunga Hikurangi. Explore Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s history at your own pace along the fascinating Tupapa Heritage Trail or by browsing the exhibitions at the Tairāwhiti museum. 45 minutes north of town lies Tolaga Bay, a site of special significance that you can learn about on a Tipuna Tours Māori cultural tour.
Ahi Kaa is the perfect place to rest your weary head after a day of exploring; the small family-run motel ensures each guest feels a part of the whānau.
3. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Gisborne and the East Coast are filled with adventures for outdoor lovers. Luxury glamping retreat Manutuke Eco Retreat offers standup paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking and walking in beautiful surroundings.
Get up close to stingrays in the wild with Dive Tatapouri’s Reef Ecology Tour. Take a boogie board and enjoy nature’s theme park at one of the region’s coolest activities, the Rere Rockslide, and try the Gisborne Railbike Adventure for a cycling adventure with a difference.
4. CULINARY PLEASURES
From superb boutique wineries and breweries to rural delicacies and the farmers’ markets, foodies are in for a real treat.
Discover boutique wineries on a wine tour with Gisborne Tours or Experience Gisborne. Visit New Zealand’s oldest independent brewery, Sunshine Brewing or taste awardwinning cider at Harvest Cidery’s cellar door. Enjoy the homemade kai at Flagship Eatery, grab a harbourside beverage at Crawford Road Kitchen and don’t leave without trying a famous pāua pie from Cafe 35 in Tokomaru Bay.
Cedar House B&B is a short stroll from the Gisborne Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday morning, the perfect place to grab some fresh fruit & veg, honey, lavender and other delectable treats.
Discover what other incredible adventures the land of the first light has to offer at tairawhitigisborne.co.nz.
Grey Lynn houses in 1983, which is actually a bigger story than the one you published.
This makes Auckland’s housing market look like Weimar Berlin, where at one point you needed a wheelbarrow full of money to buy a loaf of bread.
Chris Harris, Auckland