Emma’s guidebook for Gisborne
Sightseeing
Meet Tamariki of Tangaroa, the Children of the Maori God of the Sea, on an exciting stingray-feeding tour with Dive Tatapouri. See just how gentle stingrays and eagle rays are on the reef ecology tour where you’ll meet the reef inhabitants and even pet them as they swim up to you. The tour takes place at low tide, where people of all ages can enjoy thanks to the banana boat to pull the little ones out onto the reef if it’s too deep for them.
Location: 532 Whangara Road, 15km (9 miles) from Gisborne city centre.
532 Whangara Road
532 Whangara RoadMeet Tamariki of Tangaroa, the Children of the Maori God of the Sea, on an exciting stingray-feeding tour with Dive Tatapouri. See just how gentle stingrays and eagle rays are on the reef ecology tour where you’ll meet the reef inhabitants and even pet them as they swim up to you. The tour takes place at low tide, where people of all ages can enjoy thanks to the banana boat to pull the little ones out onto the reef if it’s too deep for them.
Location: 532 Whangara Road, 15km (9 miles) from Gisborne city centre.
Ride the Gisborne City Vintage Railway
Kids love riding the Gisborne City Vintage Railway, a ride in the train carriages pulled by a Wa165 steam locomotive! Ride through Gisborne city, out to the suburbs, over the 329m (1,080ft) Waipaoa River bridge and even over an operating airport runway on this family-friendly tour which takes place on weekends in summer and on holiday weekends.
Tickets can be purchased from i-SITE (information centre- 06 868 6139)
Contact: info@gcvr.org.nz
Location: The Engine House, 109 Customhouse Street Gisborne 4010
109 Customhouse Street
109 Customhouse StreetRide the Gisborne City Vintage Railway
Kids love riding the Gisborne City Vintage Railway, a ride in the train carriages pulled by a Wa165 steam locomotive! Ride through Gisborne city, out to the suburbs, over the 329m (1,080ft) Waipaoa River bridge and even over an operating airport runway on this family-friendly tour which takes place on weekends in summer and on holiday weekends.
Tickets can be purchased from i-SITE (information centre- 06 868 6139)
Contact: info@gcvr.org.nz
Location: The Engine House, 109 Customhouse Street Gisborne 4010
Build Sandcastles, Swim or Learn to Surf at Waikanae Beach
Keep a family trip to Gisborne affordable with some of the free things to do, such as relaxing on Waikanae Beach. The main beach of Gisborne is a long stretch of golden sand with a stroller-friendly boardwalk running alongside it. The waters are shallow with a sandy bottom, making it safe for swimming and even learning to surf with local operators like Surfing with Sarah, who do great lessons for kids. Otherwise, simply building sandcastles is another way to enjoy your time here with the little ones.
Location: Access is off the end of Grey Street, Roberts Road and Centennial Marine Drive, Gisborne city. 19 Salisbury Road, Gisborne
Salisbury Road
Salisbury RoadBuild Sandcastles, Swim or Learn to Surf at Waikanae Beach
Keep a family trip to Gisborne affordable with some of the free things to do, such as relaxing on Waikanae Beach. The main beach of Gisborne is a long stretch of golden sand with a stroller-friendly boardwalk running alongside it. The waters are shallow with a sandy bottom, making it safe for swimming and even learning to surf with local operators like Surfing with Sarah, who do great lessons for kids. Otherwise, simply building sandcastles is another way to enjoy your time here with the little ones.
Location: Access is off the end of Grey Street, Roberts Road and Centennial Marine Drive, Gisborne city. 19 Salisbury Road, Gisborne
Race Down the Rere Rockslide
For families with kids who have a lot of energy, buy a cheap bodyboard or inflatable mattress from The Warehouse and head to the Rere Rockslide. This natural waterslide could well be the happiest place in New Zealand, where kids race each other down the flat rock with shallow water running over it to the pool at the bottom. It’s so fun, you’ll want to try it out too! When you’re done, take a picnic to the neighbouring Rere Waterfall for a scenic place to enjoy lunch.
Location: Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, approximately 48km (30 miles) from Gisborne city centre. (Free activity) 3692 Wharekopae Rd Rere 4072
3692 Wharekopae Road
3692 Wharekopae RoadRace Down the Rere Rockslide
For families with kids who have a lot of energy, buy a cheap bodyboard or inflatable mattress from The Warehouse and head to the Rere Rockslide. This natural waterslide could well be the happiest place in New Zealand, where kids race each other down the flat rock with shallow water running over it to the pool at the bottom. It’s so fun, you’ll want to try it out too! When you’re done, take a picnic to the neighbouring Rere Waterfall for a scenic place to enjoy lunch.
Location: Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, approximately 48km (30 miles) from Gisborne city centre. (Free activity) 3692 Wharekopae Rd Rere 4072
Play a Round of Gisborne-Themed Mini Golf
Affordable, fun and a good excuse to bond as a family, mini golf is always a winner and Gisborne’s mini golf is arguably one of the best in New Zealand. Kids love the fun challenges, while parents will enjoy the puns and Gizzy-related jokes of each hole. If you know nothing about Gisborne, each hole will educate you on things to do in the area!
Location: Gisborne i-SITE, 209 Grey Street, Gisborne city centre.
209 Grey Street
209 Grey StreetPlay a Round of Gisborne-Themed Mini Golf
Affordable, fun and a good excuse to bond as a family, mini golf is always a winner and Gisborne’s mini golf is arguably one of the best in New Zealand. Kids love the fun challenges, while parents will enjoy the puns and Gizzy-related jokes of each hole. If you know nothing about Gisborne, each hole will educate you on things to do in the area!
Location: Gisborne i-SITE, 209 Grey Street, Gisborne city centre.
Visit Morere Hot Springs
For a relaxing day escape, head to the village of Morere where you can find a fantastic hot pools complex nestled in native nikau palm forest. Not only will you find large swimming pools for the kids to have a splash, but you can even relax in some private pools with the little ones. On the reserve are also stroller-friendly bushwalks.
Location: 3968 State Highway 2, Morere, approximately 58km (36 miles)
3968 State Highway 2
3968 State Highway 2Visit Morere Hot Springs
For a relaxing day escape, head to the village of Morere where you can find a fantastic hot pools complex nestled in native nikau palm forest. Not only will you find large swimming pools for the kids to have a splash, but you can even relax in some private pools with the little ones. On the reserve are also stroller-friendly bushwalks.
Location: 3968 State Highway 2, Morere, approximately 58km (36 miles)
Explore the Eastwood hill Arboretum
A great place to let the kids roam while enjoying the beautiful surroundings for yourself, the Eastwood hill Arboretum is New Zealand’s national arboretum. It’s the largest collection of exotic trees in the country, which families can enjoy along the well-signposted “Blue Walks” that are flat and easy. Look out for native birds like tui, wood pigeons and fantails, and learn more about them at the Visitor Centre.
Location: 2392 Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, approximately 34km (21 miles) from Gisborne city centre.
2392 Wharekopae Road
2392 Wharekopae RoadExplore the Eastwood hill Arboretum
A great place to let the kids roam while enjoying the beautiful surroundings for yourself, the Eastwood hill Arboretum is New Zealand’s national arboretum. It’s the largest collection of exotic trees in the country, which families can enjoy along the well-signposted “Blue Walks” that are flat and easy. Look out for native birds like tui, wood pigeons and fantails, and learn more about them at the Visitor Centre.
Location: 2392 Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, approximately 34km (21 miles) from Gisborne city centre.
Take to the rails on the Gisborne Railbike Adventure
The Gisborne Railbike Adventure Tandem cycles are designed to slide onto the disused local railway lines allowing you to sit back and pedal, side-by-side your way along the flat tracks and soak up the scenery. (E-bikes also available for hire). Cycle over bridges, through old railway tunnels and key an eye out for wildlife along the way. The tours range from shorter 1-hour trips to ½ day journeys that cross Waikokopu Lagoon, the Nuhaka River bridge and then runs along the coast. It’s a great adventure for all outdoor enthusiastics.
Contact: Geoff on 021 525 700, email us at gisborne@railbikes.nz
Location: Pop into Gisborne I-Site, 209 Grey Street for ride options and bookings.
209 Grey Street
209 Grey StreetTake to the rails on the Gisborne Railbike Adventure
The Gisborne Railbike Adventure Tandem cycles are designed to slide onto the disused local railway lines allowing you to sit back and pedal, side-by-side your way along the flat tracks and soak up the scenery. (E-bikes also available for hire). Cycle over bridges, through old railway tunnels and key an eye out for wildlife along the way. The tours range from shorter 1-hour trips to ½ day journeys that cross Waikokopu Lagoon, the Nuhaka River bridge and then runs along the coast. It’s a great adventure for all outdoor enthusiastics.
Contact: Geoff on 021 525 700, email us at gisborne@railbikes.nz
Location: Pop into Gisborne I-Site, 209 Grey Street for ride options and bookings.
Learn About Gisborne’s History and Culture at the Tairawhiti Museum
There are even some educational experiences to be had in Gisborne, including the Tairawhiti Museum. Tairawhiti is the Maori name for Gisborne and the museum is where you can learn more about the local culture and history through interesting relics and displays. Climb up into the wheelhouse of the Star of Canada that was retrieved from Gisborne’s shores, visit the oldest European house in Gisborne and much more.
Location: 10 Stout Street, Gisborne city centre.
10 Stout St
10 Stout Street Learn About Gisborne’s History and Culture at the Tairawhiti Museum
There are even some educational experiences to be had in Gisborne, including the Tairawhiti Museum. Tairawhiti is the Maori name for Gisborne and the museum is where you can learn more about the local culture and history through interesting relics and displays. Climb up into the wheelhouse of the Star of Canada that was retrieved from Gisborne’s shores, visit the oldest European house in Gisborne and much more.
Location: 10 Stout Street, Gisborne city centre.
Commemorating the hugely popular Footrot Flats cartoons by Gisborne local, the late Murray Ball, this is one of our favourites and a must see.
The statue is of Wal – the kiwi farmer standing with his devoted canine companion.
Location: Outside HB Williams Memorial Library, Bright Street entrance.
Murray Ball Footrot Flats Tribute Statue
34 Bright StCommemorating the hugely popular Footrot Flats cartoons by Gisborne local, the late Murray Ball, this is one of our favourites and a must see.
The statue is of Wal – the kiwi farmer standing with his devoted canine companion.
Location: Outside HB Williams Memorial Library, Bright Street entrance.
East Coast Museum of Technology (ECMOT)
Discover the rich, eclectic and large collection of vehicles, instruments and machines that have sprung from the spirit of human inventiveness and housed in an all-weather museum. Just 6k from the centre of town located in Makaraka, this is a fascinating way to spend a few hours. Visitors will find delights that surprise the mind and the eye at the museum which was once a dairy factor.
Opening hours Sun-Mon 10 – 3 and Saturday 1-4.
Location: 67 Main Road Makaraka.
67 Main Rd
67 Main RoadEast Coast Museum of Technology (ECMOT)
Discover the rich, eclectic and large collection of vehicles, instruments and machines that have sprung from the spirit of human inventiveness and housed in an all-weather museum. Just 6k from the centre of town located in Makaraka, this is a fascinating way to spend a few hours. Visitors will find delights that surprise the mind and the eye at the museum which was once a dairy factor.
Opening hours Sun-Mon 10 – 3 and Saturday 1-4.
Location: 67 Main Road Makaraka.
Tolaga Bay (Uawa), its Wharf and Cooks Cove Walkway
Tolaga Bay (Uawa) is both a bay and a small town on the East Coast and this is a nice day trip. Allow time to walk to the end of New Zealand’s longest wharf – at 600 metres in length it is no ordinary pier. Take a picnic and relax under the Pohutukawa trees or the picnic tables set up along the beachfront by the wharf.
While in Tolaga head to and visit Cooks Cove Walkway – allowing 2 hours to cover the 5.8k return trip. There is a small car park adjacent to the walkway entrance. On your walk you will venture to “The Hole in the Wall” (Te Kotere o te Whenua) a narrow coast cliff ridge with an impressive sea arch formed by the sea cutting its way through a narrow passage. Great photo shots to be had here.
Located: Tolaga Bay, Gisborne, New Zealand. 45kms Northeast of Gisborne travelling Northeast of Gisborne
Tolaga Bay
Tolaga Bay (Uawa), its Wharf and Cooks Cove Walkway
Tolaga Bay (Uawa) is both a bay and a small town on the East Coast and this is a nice day trip. Allow time to walk to the end of New Zealand’s longest wharf – at 600 metres in length it is no ordinary pier. Take a picnic and relax under the Pohutukawa trees or the picnic tables set up along the beachfront by the wharf.
While in Tolaga head to and visit Cooks Cove Walkway – allowing 2 hours to cover the 5.8k return trip. There is a small car park adjacent to the walkway entrance. On your walk you will venture to “The Hole in the Wall” (Te Kotere o te Whenua) a narrow coast cliff ridge with an impressive sea arch formed by the sea cutting its way through a narrow passage. Great photo shots to be had here.
Located: Tolaga Bay, Gisborne, New Zealand. 45kms Northeast of Gisborne travelling Northeast of Gisborne
Kaiti Hill is recognised for its spectacular views over Gisborne, and it is known as a great place to get some exercise in, walk, run or bike (there is the Titirangi Mt Everest Challenge for the locals in October/November). Simply find a park down Kaiti Beach Road and follow the tracks up the hill or if you want to take someone that has a disability or struggles to walk long distances then drive up Titirangi Drive there is even an accessible carpark. If walking with the kids, you can coax them with a midway playground stop. There is exercise equipment. It is a FREE fun thing to do Motel Version
PLEASE NOTE no toilet so go before you start this adventure.
Kaiti Hill Walk
9 Ranfurly StKaiti Hill is recognised for its spectacular views over Gisborne, and it is known as a great place to get some exercise in, walk, run or bike (there is the Titirangi Mt Everest Challenge for the locals in October/November). Simply find a park down Kaiti Beach Road and follow the tracks up the hill or if you want to take someone that has a disability or struggles to walk long distances then drive up Titirangi Drive there is even an accessible carpark. If walking with the kids, you can coax them with a midway playground stop. There is exercise equipment. It is a FREE fun thing to do Motel Version
PLEASE NOTE no toilet so go before you start this adventure.
Go low tide and do some amazing rock pooling. Our kids love it but I am pretty sure I love it more.
Makorori beach
Go low tide and do some amazing rock pooling. Our kids love it but I am pretty sure I love it more.
City/town information
A little About Gisborne
Gisborne is a city with a population of just over 40,000 as at June 2020. Gisborne is rich in history. This is where the Maori migratory waka Horouta first landed and where Captain James Cook made his first New Zealand landfall in 1769. Our region is known as Tairawhiti which means “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”.
Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning. Watch the sunrise from Maunga Hikurangi. Be the first to see the new day dawn on the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island.
Gisborne has a reputation for amazing food, wine / beer and surf beaches. As the unofficial ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand’, Gisborne has a comprehensive wine trail leading to boutique wineries.
Agriculture has been Gisborne region's most important industry since earliest settlement. In fact, this humble, sunny settlement produces a whopping 56 percent of New Zealand’s citrus, with the deliciously sweet Meyer Lemon being the biggest crop. You must try Gisborne Navel Oranges and our mandarins – you won’t be disappointed.
There are also some awesome walking and cycling tracks to be had all within 9 km of the city centre. Walks start as easy as a flat stroll along beachside/boardwalks to more demanding afternoon missions up to stunning lookouts. Whatever your style or fitness level, there is a walk for you in Gisborne.
If you are here on the weekend every Saturday morning between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on the corner of Stout Street (opposite the museum) you will find the Gisborne Farmers Market. Here you will find locally grown seasonal produce, enjoy live music, delicious ready to eat food and fair-trade coffee. Take home a bounty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan cheese, wine, macadamia nuts and other crafted products.
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Gisborne
A little About Gisborne
Gisborne is a city with a population of just over 40,000 as at June 2020. Gisborne is rich in history. This is where the Maori migratory waka Horouta first landed and where Captain James Cook made his first New Zealand landfall in 1769. Our region is known as Tairawhiti which means “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”.
Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning. Watch the sunrise from Maunga Hikurangi. Be the first to see the new day dawn on the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island.
Gisborne has a reputation for amazing food, wine / beer and surf beaches. As the unofficial ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand’, Gisborne has a comprehensive wine trail leading to boutique wineries.
Agriculture has been Gisborne region's most important industry since earliest settlement. In fact, this humble, sunny settlement produces a whopping 56 percent of New Zealand’s citrus, with the deliciously sweet Meyer Lemon being the biggest crop. You must try Gisborne Navel Oranges and our mandarins – you won’t be disappointed.
There are also some awesome walking and cycling tracks to be had all within 9 km of the city centre. Walks start as easy as a flat stroll along beachside/boardwalks to more demanding afternoon missions up to stunning lookouts. Whatever your style or fitness level, there is a walk for you in Gisborne.
If you are here on the weekend every Saturday morning between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on the corner of Stout Street (opposite the museum) you will find the Gisborne Farmers Market. Here you will find locally grown seasonal produce, enjoy live music, delicious ready to eat food and fair-trade coffee. Take home a bounty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan cheese, wine, macadamia nuts and other crafted products.
Food scene
The Dome – Restaurant, Bar and Cinema.
The artful Dome is located inside the charming old Poverty Bay Club building built in 1874. The cinema now occupies the glass-domed ballroom and features art-house/rialto movies nightly. Sit on beanbags, enjoy a wine, beer and/or pizza (brought to you at intermission) and relax and enjoy a movie in a charming mixture of old elegance and fun.
The bar and The Troff (the restaurant) are open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm. Great atmosphere either for a drink, meal or movie.
Location: Cnr Customhouse Street and Childers Road.
The Dome
The Dome – Restaurant, Bar and Cinema.
The artful Dome is located inside the charming old Poverty Bay Club building built in 1874. The cinema now occupies the glass-domed ballroom and features art-house/rialto movies nightly. Sit on beanbags, enjoy a wine, beer and/or pizza (brought to you at intermission) and relax and enjoy a movie in a charming mixture of old elegance and fun.
The bar and The Troff (the restaurant) are open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm. Great atmosphere either for a drink, meal or movie.
Location: Cnr Customhouse Street and Childers Road.
Bushmere Estate
166 Main Road
Makaraka.
David and Shona Egan will welcome you to Bushmere Estate. The vineyard is 17 hectares and growing mainly Chardonnay grapes, along with smaller plantings of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangrovese. The Bushmere logo represents the three elements vital to the growing of grapes – earth, water and sun. The Vines restaurant is located among the vines and open for lunch and dinner. If you don't like wine that is fine, their platters are amazing and a must do!
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Bushmere Estate
166 Main RdBushmere Estate
166 Main Road
Makaraka.
David and Shona Egan will welcome you to Bushmere Estate. The vineyard is 17 hectares and growing mainly Chardonnay grapes, along with smaller plantings of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangrovese. The Bushmere logo represents the three elements vital to the growing of grapes – earth, water and sun. The Vines restaurant is located among the vines and open for lunch and dinner. If you don't like wine that is fine, their platters are amazing and a must do!
Inspired by Gisbornes’ notoriously long summer and surf breaks, Sunshine is a boutique brewery from the East Coast that celebrates some of the import things in life: sun, surf, friends and good beer. Bottling up a range of quality beers since 1989 including its flagship Gisborne Gold lager, Gisborne’s pioneering craft brewery as a fabulous tasting room near Waikanae Beach, and with 20+ tap beers, this means there is something for most tastes.
Pop in for tasting boards of mixed beers, pizza’s and there is local wine available also. A fun relaxed atmosphere close to the beach and open 7 days a week.
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Sunshine Brewery
49 Awapuni RdInspired by Gisbornes’ notoriously long summer and surf breaks, Sunshine is a boutique brewery from the East Coast that celebrates some of the import things in life: sun, surf, friends and good beer. Bottling up a range of quality beers since 1989 including its flagship Gisborne Gold lager, Gisborne’s pioneering craft brewery as a fabulous tasting room near Waikanae Beach, and with 20+ tap beers, this means there is something for most tastes.
Pop in for tasting boards of mixed beers, pizza’s and there is local wine available also. A fun relaxed atmosphere close to the beach and open 7 days a week.
Daily Donut, Ballance Street
9 Ballance StGreat coffee & some tasty food.
This place has a great atmosphere and if you're staying down railway lane this is a must visit. Meet some locals and have a few beers and walk back to your accommodation.
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Neighbourhood Pizzeria
57 Ballance StThis place has a great atmosphere and if you're staying down railway lane this is a must visit. Meet some locals and have a few beers and walk back to your accommodation.
Ormond Road cafe
78 Ormond RdGreat little Cafe down Ormond Road
Zest Cafe
22 Peel StA nice place to dine in the heart of Gisborne
Flagship Eatery
14 Childers RdYummy food!!
The Poverty Bay Club
57 Customhouse StAlso known as PBC