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New Zealand > EastLand > Gisborne
 Gisborne is the first major city in the world to see
the sunrise each day, and as such the city is filled
with warmth and freshness. At an average of 2200
hours of sunshine each year, Gisborne is one of the
sunniest areas in the country, giving plenty of
opportunity to enjoy the golden sand beaches which
fringe the area.
Among Gisborne’s most famous features are the
abundant surf beaches. Surfing enthusiasts flock
from around the world flock to Gisborne to ride the
waves. The beach which borders Gisborne city is a
gentle beach with golden sand. It’s ideal for
family picnics and children can safely swim in the
ocean. However, ten minutes from the city centre is
Wainui beach. This is the beach which gives
Gisborne its fame as a surfing region. The surf
seldom fails to be pumping at Wainui! It’s also a
popular venue for the New Zealand Surfing
Championships. If you’re a beginner, surf gear is
available to hire, and professional instructors can
teach you the basics. A further ten minutes down
the road and you reach Makorori Bay, with waves to
equal Wainui, but is slightly less crowded.
As well as being bordered by beautiful beaches,
Gisborne has several rivers wending through it. In
fact, you’ll find the world’s shortest river in
Gisborne Turanganui River is just 1200m in
length. After dark, the bridges spanning the rivers
are lit up in an spectacular array of colours,
creating a focal point for the city and highlighting
the architecture of the bridges. A riverside walk
is a peaceful and relaxing way to spend an
afternoon, or if you’re after something a little
more active you can try your hand at kayaking on the
rivers.
 Gisborne is a city steeped in history. It is the
location of Captain Cook’s first landing in New
Zealand in 1769. The landing site is found at Kaiti
Beach, near Gisborne’s port. Kaiti Hill is the site
of a historic Maori Pa (fort). At the base of the
hill is Te Poho-o-Rawiri, one of the country’s
oldest marae (carved meeting houses). Permission is
necessary to view the inside of the marae, but
public can view the outside.
Inland, you’ll find a thriving wine industry with
producing particularly notable Chardonnays. There
are 12 wineries within a 15km radius of Gisborne
city, so following a wine trail is a vital part of
any visit to the area. Some wineries, such as the
Lindauer cellars, have full shop facilities, along
with barbecue areas and cafes/restaurants. Others
you will have to phone ahead to make arrangements to
visit. The Gisborne Visitors Centre on Grey St will
be able to provide you with full information about
the area’s wineries.
The kids are sure to love the Olympic Pool Complex
on Centennial Marine Drive. As well as the standard
swimming pools, there are hydroslides for the older
kids and a paddling pool for toddlers. Outside,
there is a play ground and a picnic area. For
teenagers, the Kaiti Skate Bowl gives the
opportunity to show off their skills on skateboards,
rollerblades and stunt-bikes. And for kids of all
ages, the bumper boats at Anzac Park are a perennial
family favourite.
Gisborne offers a wide range of dining options with
fresh tastes accompanied by the best Gisborne
wines. Being so close to the sea and fertile
farmland, you can expect an excellent range of
seafood complemented with the freshest produce. Of
interest is the harbour side cafe's and a wall of tiles created by the
children.
Much of the accommodation in the Gisborne area is
in the form of motels and motor lodges. If you’re
after something a little more unique or secluded,
try a hidden bed and breakfast or one of many
private beach-front cottages available to rent by
the night. The Visitors Information Centre will
have more information on accommodation options.
Population:
43,971 in the greater Gisborne district, with 32,754
in Gisborne city.
Main employment: Agriculture and Fishery
Workers accounts for 18.9 percent of jobs.
Age Distribution: 27.5% under the age
of 15, 60.8% between the ages of 15 and 65, 11.7%
over the age of 65.
Median income: $15,300
Major Exports: Wine, fruit, timber.
Tourism: 354,000 visitors in 2001, 80%
domestic tourism
Gisborne links
and Accommodation
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