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FijiRegion · Central North Island
Gisborne
Gisborne (Te Tairāwhiti) is the easternmost coast of the North Island: surf beaches, chardonnay vineyards, the East Cape road and the site of James Cook’s first landing in the country.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Gisborne
Gisborne, or Te Tairāwhiti, occupies the eastern corner of the North Island, between Hawke's Bay and the East Cape. It is a remote region of hills, rivers and long beaches, with a strong Māori presence: the Ngāti Porou people live along the East Cape coast. The town of Gisborne is the regional center.
It was in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Bay, where Gisborne now stands, that James Cook’s expedition made its first landing in New Zealand in October 1769. Mount Titirangi, above the town, has a lookout over the bay and markers that recall the arrival of Polynesian canoes and the ship Endeavour.
The town has surf beaches a few minutes from the center, such as Wainui and Makorori, and the surrounding plain is a wine region known for chardonnay. Further north, Tolaga Bay wharf extends more than 600 meters out to sea.
SH35 skirts the East Cape to Ōpōtiki, passing villages, carved Māori churches and sheltered bays. The East Cape lighthouse, at the easternmost point of the North Island, is reached by a staircase of about 700 steps.
When to go
The climate is sunny and drier than much of the North Island. From December to March, the beach and surf season draws the most visitors, especially during summer holidays. April and May have mild days, and winter, from June to August, is cooler and wetter.
Getting there
Gisborne Airport (GIS) has flights from Auckland and Wellington. By road, Gisborne is about 215 km from Napier via SH2. The East Cape loop, via SH35, is roughly 330 km between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki and needs at least two days with stops.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Gisborne
Is it worth doing the East Cape loop?
For those who like remote roads, yes: SH35 passes bays, Māori villages and the East Cape lighthouse. Services are spread out along the route; refuel beforehand and book accommodation in advance.
Is Gisborne good for surfing?
Yes. Wainui and Makorori, a few minutes from town, are among the most sought-after surf beaches on the east coast, and there are surf schools in town.
How do you get to the East Cape lighthouse?
Access is via an unsealed road of about 20 km from the village of Te Araroa, followed by a staircase of roughly 700 steps up to the lighthouse. Many climb before dawn to see the sun rise over the Pacific, when weather permits.
How many days should you stay in Gisborne?
One or two days are enough for the town, Mount Titirangi, the beaches and the plain’s wineries. The East Cape loop adds another two to three days.