Gisborne looks onto Poverty Bay on the east coast, where the sun reaches the main islands first on long summer mornings. The city is smaller than Napier, with a long waterfront and wineries in the hills behind town growing chardonnay and pinot gris.
The East Cape road loops north past marae and cliff-top views to the lighthouse at the island's eastern tip, on narrow roads that reward slow driving.
The Raukumara Range separates Gisborne from Opotiki and the Bay of Plenty, so allow extra hours when you cross the range.
What to do in Gisborne
Surf beaches such as Wainui and Makorori pick up east swell, and local shops rent boards when conditions suit beginners. Wine tasting and vineyard lunches fill afternoons when the coast is flat. The East Cape lighthouse day is best started at dawn to avoid sharing narrow roads with oncoming campers. Gisborne suits travellers combining East Coast and Manawatū with Hawke's Bay or a slow route north.
Booking on adventuro
On the Book here tab, look for coastal guided trips that list Gisborne or Wainui meeting points.
