Gisborne is a small city, famous for its surf beaches and the sea of extraordinary chardonnay that seems to flow endlessly, keeping the town in a state of constant contentment. It’s a place with a naturally sunny disposition – and one that also rather proudly claims to be the first city on Earth to see the sun rise each day.

Rhythm & Vines

If you’re lucky enough to be in Gisborne for New Year’s Eve in late December, then Rhythm & Vine is something you should definitely consider. The annual music festival is held at Waiohika Estate vineyard, several kilometres outside the city of Gisborne. The festival began in 2003, and has since grown into an award-winning phenomenon, famous for being the first place on Earth to ring in the New Year. The festival hosts local and international acts, with plenty of New Zealand’s extraordinary food and wine also thrown in for good measure.

Māori Culture

For those interested in learning about Māori culture and the history of the region, Gisborne has plenty to offer. The Tairawhiti Museum on Stout Street offers an overview of the local area’s history and houses historical artefacts, including an array of Māori weapons. Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill, which overlooks the city, is also culturally significant. From the 14th century, Māori villagers built defensive settlements on the hilltops of the North Island, with some still buried underground at Kaiti Hill. The hill is also a significant landmark in the history of British imperialism, as the base of the hill was the place where Captain Cook first came ashore in New Zealand.

Coastal Sunshine and Beautiful Beaches

Gisborne is widely known for its claim to be the first city on earth to see the sun each day. The city is located in the Tairāwhiti region, which in Māori, translates as "the coast upon which the sun shines across the water". It’s no coincidence then that people flock here for the beautiful beaches that litter the coastline. Popular beaches include Makorori Beach, with its sprawling picnic areas and rock pools to explore in the warmer months, and Sponge Bay, which is fantastic for surfing and swimming. Gisborne is the perfect place for a beach getaway during the summer months. Surfers will find the best waves at Midway Beach, Waikanae Beach, Wainui Beach and Makorori Beach. If you are looking to learn a spot of surfing, there are a few surf schools in Gisborne to cater to your needs.

A unique experience lies at Tatapouri Bay, which is a 15-minute drive from the city. At low tide, the reef at Tatapouri can be explored with Dive Tatapouri. Here you can feed wild stingrays on a reef tour or even snorkel with the fascinating creatures. If you’ve explored everything Gisborne has to offer, why not travel along Whangara Road on the east coast and you’ll come across quaint towns and beautiful beaches.