TAIRĀWHITI Discover
Gisborne2025
Discover Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti,thecoastwherethesunfirst touchesAotearoa.Naumai,haramai.Welcome.
OutEast,spanningfromthetopof theEastCapetothetreasuresof Tūranganui-a-KiwaGisborneand south-boundtowardsTeUreweraand Wairoa,theswell’son,thekaiislocal,and rushhourlastsfiveminutes.Tairāwhiti greetsthesunwithmaungathatstand tallandstoriesthatrundeep.Thisisn’t postcardAotearoa;it’stherealthing. Saltysunrises,jandalworkdays,winding trailsandvineyardessence-coasttimeis activated.
Hereyou’llfindbreathtakingnatural gems,world-classrecreation,stunning walkways,andcycletrails.Immerse yourselfintheregion’srichhistory, vibrantculture,anddynamicarts scene.Alongtheway,enjoyexceptional hospitality,boutiquewines,craftbeers,
freshlocalproduce,andmouth-watering cuisine.
Gettinghereiseasy.Ashortflight fromAucklandorWellingtonwillland youinTūranganui-a-KiwaGisborne,with accommodationrangingfrommotels andholidayparkstoprivatebed-andbreakfasts.Whetheryouplanadetailed itineraryorsimplyrelaxonthelaidbackEastCoast,there’snoshortageof opportunitiestoexplore.
Fortheultimatekiwiroadtrip,Tairāwhiti offersthreekeyentryroutes,eachlined withmust-seestops.ThelegendarySH35 windsaroundtheuntouchedbeautyof theEastCape,whileSH2fromŌpōtiki meandersthroughthepicturesque WaioekaGorge.Fromthesouth,SH2 takesyouviaWairoaandtheWharerata
Ranges.Drivewithcare,respectroad conditions,andallowtimeforoccasional stop-and-gosections.Updatedtravel informationisavailableatwww.journeys. nzta.govt.nz.
So,packyourjandals,togs,sunscreen, andgoodvibes.Hereyou’llbewelcomed inoneofthefirstplacesonearthto seethesunrise,andembracedby themanaakitanga(hospitality,aroha, compassion)ofourpeople.Discoverthe richtaonga(treasures)andstoriesofthis remarkableregion.
Asmanuhiri(guests),weinviteyouto takeupthewero(challenge)oftheTiaki Promise–caringfortheland,people,and cultureofTairāwhiti.Together,wecan protectandpreservethisuniqueplacefor generationstocome.
LocatedintheheartofbeautifulTiniroto,1.5hoursfromGisborneand1hourfromWairoa, MahaanuiFarmstayExperienceoffersthreeprivate,uniqueaccommodationoptions:
•TheMahaanuiRiverCabinRetreat–off-grid,secludedretreatfortwo
•TheMahaanuiCottage–forupto8people
•TheMahaanuiQuarters–forsolotravellersorgroupsofupto10people Walk,swim,kayak,fish,picnic,cycle,takeafarmtourorjustrelaxwithabookunderatree!Enjoy stunningrurallandscapes,incrediblesunsetsandnightskies,riverexcursions,friendly animals,farmadventuresandourlovelynativebushandbirdlife.Joinusfor anunforgettableexperience!
HOWTOGETTOHERE
Byroad:
•FromAuckland:6.5-7hours(494km)
•FromHamilton:5.5-6hours(376km)
•FromWellington:7-8hours(534km)
Byair:
AirNewZealandoperatesdailynon-stop flightstoGisbornefrombothAuckland andWellington,witheasyconnections acrossthedomesticnetwork.
•FromAuckland:1hour,10minutes
•FromWellington:1hour,20minutes. SunairAviationalsooffersservices betweenNapierandGisborne onweekdays,withflightstaking approximately45minutes. Formoredetailsand suggesteditineraries,visit www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz.
Theultimatelong weekendguide
Ifyou’relookingforaplacewherethesungreetsyou beforeanywhereelseintheworld,whererichMāori cultureintertwineswithstunningnaturallandscapes,and wherefreshkaimoana(seafood)andaward-winningwines areneverfarfromreach,thenTairāwhitiistheperfect destinationforyourlongweekendescape.
Thisregionofferstheidealblendof relaxation,adventure,andcultural immersion.
Startyourlongweekendbyexperiencing somethingtrulyunique,beingamong thefirstintheworldtoseethesunrise. AtWainuibeach,goldensandsstretch endlessly,perfectforaquietstrollasthe horizonglowswithsoftpinksandfiery oranges.Justalittlefurtheralong,Makorori headlandoffersasweepingvantagepoint, wherethePacificOceanseemstostretch forever.
Aftersunrise,easeintothedaywith astrollthroughGisborne’scompactcity centre.Popintothelocalcafésforgreat coffeeandtreats,thenwanderalongthe riverfrontwalkwaytotakeinviewsofthe harbourasitconnectstotheOneroa walkwaytakingyoubeachside.
Astheafternoonrollsaround,step aboardthehistoricWa165steamtrain andjourneythroughGisborne’scharming countryside.Thisuniquerideevenchugs
acrossthecity’sworkingairportrunway,an unforgettablehighlightfoundnowhereelse intheworld.
Ifunwindingwithawinetastingatone oftheregion’srenownedwineriesismore yourpace,Gisborneisfamousforits chardonnay,butyou’llalsofindexceptional gewürztraminer,pinotgris,andsyrah.Pair yourtastingwithaplatterandbaskinthe afternoonsuninthevines.
Dedicateyourseconddaytoexploring thenaturalplaygroundofTairāwhiti.Ifyou’re keenonwateractivities,takeasurflesson orhireasurfboardorpaddleboard.These surfbreaksareiconic,andthefriendly localsurfschoolscatertoalllevels.For somethingcalmer,considerkayakingor stand-uppaddleboardingontheWaimatā River,wherelushgreeneryframesyour journey.
Forlunch,don’tmisssamplingfresh seafood.Manylocaleateriesspecialisein kaimoana(seafood),thinkpāuafritters, kina,andsnapperstraightfromtheocean.
Gisborne’sfishandchipsenjoyedbythe beachisasimplepleasurethatfeelslike pureluxury.Fortheultimateindulgence, whynottry‘allsauces’,EastCoaststyle meansnoholdingback.
Aseveningfalls,checkoutthelocallive musicvenuesandbars.Theregionhasa livelycreativecommunity,andanightoutis agreatwaytomeetlocals.
Onyourfinalday,journeyfurtherafield. TakeadriveuptheCoastalongState Highway35,oneofNewZealand’smost scenicroutes.Theroadwindspastdramatic coastline,goldenbeaches,andsmallrural communitiessteepedinMāoriheritage.
ContinuetoAnauraBayorTokomaru Bayforapicnicandswimincrystal-clear waters.Thesebaysarelesscrowdedthan citybeachesandgiveyouatruesenseof theEastCoast’suntouchedbeauty.Along theway,you’llalsopassbeautifullycarved maraeandhistoricalsitesthatspeaktothe deepculturalsignificanceoftheregion.
BackinGisborne,wrapupyourweekend
withdinneratoneoftheregion’svibrant restaurants.Manychefsheretakepridein celebratinglocalproduce,fromlamband beeftofreshfruitsandvegetablesgrown underthewarmEastCoastsun.
Don’twantthefuntoendthere?Once nightfalls,theskiesofTairāwhitibecome astargazer’sdream.GisborneAstroTours, locatedjustoutsidetown,offersguided toursbeneathpristinedarkskies.Ledbyan expertastronomer,you’lljourneythrough galaxies,planets,andconstellationsrarely seenelsewhere.It’sanintimate,2-hour voyagetothefarcornersoftheuniverse.
AlongweekendinTairāwhitiisthe perfectblendofrestandadventure.From soakinginthemorningglowtoafternoon steamtrainadventures,culturaltreasures tocoastaljourneys,theregionoffers experiencesthatlingerlongafteryou’ve returnedhome.Whetheryou’rehereto recharge,reconnect,orsimplyexplore somewherenew,Tairāwhitideliversinevery sense.
ScenicState Highway35
StateHighway35(SH35),knownasthePacificCoast Highway,isoneofthemostscenicdrivesinAotearoa.
WindingnorthfromGisbornearound theEastCoasttoŌpōtiki,this journeyrevealswildcoastlines, rollingfarmland,andwelcomingcommunities steepedinMāoricultureandhistory.It’snot justaroadtrip,it’sanexperiencewhereevery bendbringssomethingnewtosee,taste,and explore.
gatewaytotheiconicEastCapeLighthouse, andhometoTeWahaoRerekōhu,reputedto bethelargestpōhutukawatreeintheworld. NextupisWaihauBay,apicturesqueseaside fishingvillagewherestunningcoastalviews meetlocalcharm,andwheretheiconicfilm Boywasbroughttolife
HighlightsalongthewayfromGisborne, SH35leadsyoupastsomeofthecountry’s mosticonicsurfbreaksatWainuiandTolaga Bay.TakeinthesightsattheTolagaBay Wharf,NewZealand’slongestpier,andtakein sweepingviewsofturquoiseseas.Ashortwalk furtherbringsyoutoCooksCoveWalkway, whereCaptainCookonceanchored,nowa walkingtrailrichinhistoryandbeauty. ContinuenorthtoTokomaruBay,acharming coastalvillagewithgoldensandsandarelaxed pace.Hereyou’llfindlocalart,wharfhistory, plentyofspotstopicnicorswim,andrevelin thedelicacythatisthefamouspāuapieatCafé 35.Furtheralong,Ruatōriasitsbeneathsacred MaungaHikurangi,amountainofdeepcultural significanceandhometouniquesunrise experiencesledbyNgātiPorou.
OnthereturnstretchtowardsŌpōtiki, adventureawaitswithMotuRiverJet’sthrilling ridesalongtheMotuRiverandStandfast HorseTreks’sceniccoastalandbushtrailson horseback.TakeabreakandrefuelatBhanga, themuch-lovedroadsidecoffeecart.Serving upexcellentespressoandfreshbiteswitha friendlysmile,it’stheperfectstoptostretch yourlegs,grabapick-me-up,andsoakupa sliceofEastCoasthospitality.
SH35offersarangeofwelcoming accommodationoptionstosuiteverytraveller. Stayincosymotels,boutiquelodgesand beachsidebachesintownslikeUawa/Tolaga BayandTokomaruBay.Forthoseseeking nature,campgrounds,freedomcampingsites, andholidayparksdotthecoast,offeringthe chancetosleepbeneaththestarswiththe soundofwavesasyoursoundtrack.
Astheroadbendstowardsthetipofthe rvedStMary’s masterpieceof ith.Adorned ukutukupanels, aiwhaipatterns, dwhakairo carvings,it’s astunning blendof Christianand Māoritraditions. istakesyou oTeAraroa,
long-establishedwineregion,Tairawhiti-Gisborne.Enjoy gourmetplattersandwinetastingorvisitourlocalon-site ArtGallery.Stayamongstthevinesinoneofournewluxury cabinsforatruevineyardexperience.
Throughoutthedrive,stopforfresh kaimoana,homebaking,andlocalcoffee inroadsidecafésandvillagestores.Visit communitygalleriesandcraftshopstosee thecreativityofTairāwhitiartisans.Everywhere yougo,you’llfindmanaakitanga,thegenuine EastCoasthospitalitythatmakesSH35 unforgettable.
Whetheryou’rechasingwaves,seeking culturalconnections,orsimplyenjoyingthe openroad,SH35isaroadtriplikenoother. Startplanningyouradventureat www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
PicturesqueStateHighway2
ApproachingTairāwhiti fromtheBayofPlenty,the adventurebeginsonState Highway2(SH2),aroute thatthreadsitswaythrough someofthemostdramatic landscapesinAotearoa.
TravellinginlandfromŌpōtiki,the roadwindsthroughSH2passes throughtheWaioekaGorgeScenic Reserve.This60-kilometrestretch followstheWaioekaRiver,framedby lushnativebushandruggedcliffs.Picnic spots,swimmingholes,andshortwalks makeitawonderfulplacetopause. Storyboardsalongthewayhighlightthe area’sMāoriheritage,pioneerfarming, andmilitaryhistory,givingdepthtothe naturalsplendour.Keepaneyeoutfor kererū,tūī,andothernativebirdlifethat thriveintheforestcanopy.Asitenot-tobe-missedisthepouofHinetapuarau northofMatawai.Carvedwithcareand toweringwithgrace,thismajesticpou marksthefootstepsoftūpuna,theloveof HinetapuarauandMāhaki,andthejourney ofgenerations.
Emergingfromthegorgetowards Gisborne,thesceneryopenstorolling farmlandandvineyards,thefirsthintof
theregion’sfamedfoodandwineculture. MaketimetostopatMatawaiorMōtu, thehomeoftheMōtuTrailsandMotu OutdoorAdventuresbeforeheadings towardsthecoast.
Theattractionsmultiplyasyoureach Gisborne,thebirthplaceofthenation, renownedforgoldenbeaches,world-class surf,andarelaxedcoastalvibe.Afterthe drive,rewardyourselfwiththeregion’s freshestflavours.GisborneisNew Zealand’sunofficialchardonnaycapital, soavineyardlunchisamust.Inthecity, cafésandrestaurantsoffereverything fromthelocalsgo-tocoffeespots, casualbitestofinedining,withkaimoana featuringprominentlyonthemenu.
AccommodationoptionsalongSH2 andintoGisborneareplentiful.Choose fromboutiquevineyardstays,modern motels,beachsideholidayparks,orluxury lodges.Inthecity,centralhotelsprovide easyaccesstodining,shopping,andthe waterfront,whilecoastalbachesofferthe perfectretreatforfamiliesandgroups.
Headingsouth,SH2hugsthecoast beforeopeningintorollingfarmlandand historicsettlements.InMōrere,soakyour travelwearybonesatNgāHuaoMōrere, wherenaturallyheatedmineralpoolsare nestledamonglushnativerainforest, offeringatranquilescapeontheEast Coast.
Furtheralong,MāhiaPeninsulabeckons
withstunningbeaches,surfing,and fishing–aswellasRocketLab’slaunch site,linkingthiscoastalparadisetothe stars.Thepeninsulaofferscamping grounds,baches,andboutiquestaysfor thosewantingtoslowdownandsoakin thescenery.
Atthesouthernendofthejourney liesWairoa,atownwithastrongMāori identity,proudheritageandgatewayto TeUreweraandLakeWaikaremoana,one ofNewZealand’sGreatWalks.Strollthe riverbankwalkways,explorelocaleateries,
orbaseyourselfherebeforeventuring inlandtotheforesttrailsandwaterfalls.
SH2connectsTairāwhitiwithHawke’s Bay,weavingthroughrichfarmland, historictownships,anddramaticcoastal scenery.FromŌpōtikiinthenorth, throughthewildbeautyoftheWaioeka Gorge,downtoGisborneandonwardto Wairoa,thishighwayismorethanaroad; it’sajourneyfilledwithdiscovery,and theperfectintroductiontoaregionthat shineswithmanaakitanga. www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
Familyfun inthesun
Abrightandbreezydayoutwiththewhānauispacked withjoy,adventure,anddelightfulsurprises,perfectfor littleonesandgrown-upsalike!Here’sahappy-sunshine itinerarytomakememoriesthat’lllastalifetime.
Startyourdaybysettlingintothe WaikanaeTOP10HolidayPark,atop pickandjusta10-minutewalkfrom Gisbornecitycentreandrighton thesandyWaikanaeBeach. Whetheryou’recamping, bunkinginacosycabin orbeachfrontbach, it’sgotallthefamily must-haves:an indoorheatedpool, playground,jumping
theirnaturalhabitat.Watchasthese elegantcreaturesglideuptosayhi.It’s interactive,educational,andfullofawe!
Gatherthewhānauandmake themostofthesunshine withTouchwood Charters.Theirfamilyfriendlytripsareall aboutfunonthe waterfromcruising thesparkling coastlinetocasting
SoarbeyondthetrackwithMotu OutdoorAdventures,wherefamilyfun getsfuelledbyfreshair,nativebush, andruggedterrain.Locatedinthewild heartofMatawai,thisisyourchanceto stepoffthebeatenpath,exploreremote landscapes,andmakesun-soaked memoriestogether.
Bustsomeenergyrushingthrough thepeacefulwondersoftheNational ArboretumofNewZealand,Eastwoodhill, hometotoweringtrees,hiddentrails, andachildren’splaygroundinapeaceful, outdoorenvironmentwithlushgreenery galore.It’stheperfectspotforwild running,natureexploration,andapicnic surroundedbyleafygiants.
naturalrockchutesisaguaranteedgigglefestandabrilliantwayforkidstoletloose inthefreshair.
Allthatfunneedsfuelling.Luckily, Gisbornehasthegoods,fromquirkycafés servingepicbrekky,theGisborneFarmers’ Marketforfreshlocalbitestopopular coffeespotsofferingtheperfectpickme-up.CooldownwithVillageBerries’ realfruiticecream,wherecreamyswirls meetfreshlyblendedberries,arefreshing summerfavouriteforfamiliesenjoyingfun intheTairāwhitisun.
Holdontoyoursunnies,nextupis anexhilaratingwhizzdowntheRere Rockslide!Racingdowna60-metre
Roundoffyouradventurewithsandy toes,leafymemories,andstingray stories.Whetheryou’rechasingwaves, exploringarboretumcanopies,orzipping downrockslides,thisTairāwhitijaunt ispurefamilysunshinemagic–warm, joyful,andfullofcharm.
Walkthestories,ridethecoast
Frommaungatomoana,Tairāwhitiisaregionmadefor exploration.Withgoldencoastlines,lushforests,and world-classcycleroutes,there’snobetterwaytodiscover theEastCoastthanonfootorbybike.
Whetheryou’reafteragentle riversideride,amulti-day cyclingadventure,ora scenichīkoi(walk)throughrichcultural landscapes,trailsinTairāwhitioffer somethingforeveryone.
Makeyourjourneyeasywiththecycle chicksatCycleGisborne.Theyprovide qualitybikeande-bikehire,shuttles,and guidedtourstohelpyougetthemost
outofthetrailsoftheregion.Whetherit’s ashortfamilyride,winerytourbybike,or afullmulti-dayadventure,CycleGisborne willgetyouontherighttrack.
Foratruetestofenduranceand beauty,theMōtuTrailsareamongthe premierNgāHaerenga,GreatRides ofAotearoa.StartingnearŌpōtikiand weavingdeepintoremotebushcountry, thesetrailstakeyouthroughdramatic
gorges,forestedvalleys,andouttothe ruggedPacificcoastline.Optionsrange fromthefamily-friendlyDunesTrailto thechallengingMōtuRoadandPākihi Track,offeringbotheasycoastalrides andepicbackcountryadventures.It’san unforgettablewaytoexperiencetheraw landscapesthatmaketheEastCoastso unique.
Richwithhistory,culture,andstunning views,theTapuwaeTairāwhitiTrailsinvite youtowalkinthefootstepsoftūpuna (ancestors).Explorepathwaysthat connectsacredmaunga(mountain),pā sites,rivers,andtheocean,withstories wovenintoeverystep.Fromshortwalks aroundTūranganui-a-KiwaGisborne
andwaterfronttocoastaltracksand hillclimbs,thesetrailsblendrecreation withheritage,creatingopportunitiesto connectdeeplywiththewhenua(land). Eachtrailispartofagrowingnetwork designedtoinspirelocalsandvisitors aliketoenjoytheoutdoorsandcelebrate thestoriesoftheregion.TheTapuwae TairāwhitiTrailsisyourcompassto thrillingexplorations,sceniclandscapes, hiddengems,andunforgettable memories.
Pedalyourwayintoauniqueadventure withGisborneRailbikeAdventures, wheredisusedrailwaylineshavebeen transformedintoafunandaccessible cyclingexperience.Speciallydesigned tandemrailbikesletyouglideside-by-side alonghistorictracks,takinginsweeping viewsofthecountryside,coastline,and riversatyourownpace.Suitableforall fitnesslevels,it’sanunforgettablewayto explorelandscapeswhilesharingplenty oflaughsandfreshair.
Withsunshine,openspaces,anda communitythatembracesoutdoor adventure,thesetrailsaremorethanjust walksandrides,they’rejourneysintothe heartofTairāwhiti.Whetheryou’recycling throughvineyards,tacklingrugged backcountry,ortakingasunsetstroll bythemoana,you’llfindunforgettable experienceswaitingoneverypath. Discoveryoursat www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
Naumai,haeremai kiteTairawhitiGisborne Naumai,haeremai kiteTairawhitiGisborne
OuruniquecornerofAotearoa, NewZealand: Tairāwhitimeans 'thecoastuponwhichthesunshines acrossthewater,' whichisfittingsinceinthesummermonths
Beechforests
LOCALKNOWLEDGE 068387440 190MarineParade .visitwairoa.co.nz
LOCALKNOWLEDGE 073153031 70BridgeStOpotiki.opotikinz.co.nz
LOCALKNOWLEDGE 068686139 209GreySt,Gisborne .tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
Whanokao
MANUTUKE
thecoastuponwhichthesunshines wearethefirsttoseethesuneachmorning. TePuiaSprings
Homeofhotsprings,thefamousparengo pieatTePuiaGeneralStoreandascenic golfclubwithsweepingviews.
Ruatoria
LakeWaikaremoana
TheSeaofRipplingWatersissetperfectlyin 225,000hectaresofthelargestuntouched nativeforestreserveintheNorthIslandand isoneofNZ’sGreatWalks.
Wairoa
Wairoaisaquaintriversidetownoozing characterandEdwardianarchitecture. Checkouttheriversidewalkandlocalcafes.
MāhiaPeninsula
Surfers,fishingenthusiasts,beachwalkers, boaties,holidaymakersrejoice!Māhia
Peninsulahassomethingforeveryone.
Mōrere
Naturalhotspringsandpools,cabinsand beautifulwalksthroughnativeforest,you havetoseeittobelieveit,Mōrereisa must-stop.
GisborneRailbikeAdventures
Experienceanamazingcyclingadventure onthescenic90kmsofcoastalrailway betweenGisborneandWairoa.Atotally uniquetandemcyclethatallowsyouto pedalside-by-sidealongtheactualrails!
RereRockslide
Naturalforceshaveconspiredtocreatean epicandanexhilaratingexperienceoffering 60metresofpureadrenaline,perfectfor thrillseekers.
EastwoodhillArboretum
ThisnationalarboretumcontainsNZ’s largestcollectionofNorthernHemisphere treesandshrubssetamong131hectaresof hills,valleysandpondswithanetworkof easywalkingtracks.
GisborneWineRegion
Gisborne’swarmdryclimateismoderated bythenearbyocean,withcoolingafternoon seabreezes,typicaloftheworld’sgreat winegrowingregions.
GisborneCity CityhighlightsincludetheWa165Steam Train,TairāwhitiMuseum,CycleTours,Smash Palace,TupapaHeritageTrails,Sunshine Brewery,DomeCinema,TouchwoodCharters andcitybeaches.
SurfingGisborne ReleaseyourinnerMickFanningor StephanieGilmore.TairāwhitiGisborne hassomeofthebestandmostconsistent surfinNZ.There’sarangeofwavestosuit beginnersthroughtoexperts.Havefunand respectthelocals!
DiveTatapouri
Thereefecologytourallowsyoutowalk outatlowtidetoobserveandinteractwith stingray.Amust-doactivity!
Uawa-TolagaBay Hometotheworld-famousTolagaBayWharf whichreachesoutintothebluepacificfor 660metres.
TokomaruBay Abeachsidesettlementrenownedforits excellentfishing.Don’tmissCafé35fora pāuapieandtheTePukaTavernforadrink withamillion-dollarview.
HometotheMaungaHikurangiexperience, whereyoucanbeamongthefirsttoseethe sunrise—amust-doexperience.
Tikitiki
StMary’sChurchhasbeautifulMāori carvingsandtukutuku(wovenpanels) inside.It’sconsideredoneofthefinestMāori churchesinNewZealand.
TeAraroa
Hometothelargestpōhutukawatreeinthe world,TeWahaoRerekohu,reputedtobe 600yearsold,quintessentialkiwicamping, andthestunningEastCapeRoad,fullyof surprises.
Wharekahika-HicksBay
AtthenorthernendofWharekahika, beneaththeheadlandofMatakaoaPoint, thecrumblingruinsoftheoldfreezingworks canbeseennearanoldwharfwhichis popularforfishing.PullintoOnepotoBay andenjoyashortbeachwalk.
LottinPoint
Thisquietcoastalspotispopularforlandbasedfishing,andit’stranquilsurroundings makeitidealforarelaxinggetaway.
WaihauBay
Quaintseasidevillage,WaihauBayandthe surroundingareaiswherethemovie‘Boy’ wasfilmed.
RaukokoreChurch
Thiscentury-oldAnglicanchurchisone ofthemostphotographedplacesonthe EastCape.RaukokoreChurchstandsona promontorynexttothePacificOcean.
MaraehakoBay
Anear-perfectcampinggroundrightbeside thesea.Pōhutukawa-shadedbeachand shelteredcovesofferssafeswimmingand boatlaunching.
TeKaha
Tastefreshbitesandbrewsfromroadside foodandcoffeecarts,relaxattheTeKaha BeachHotel,orchooseadventurewith StandfastHorseTreksortheexhilarating MotuRiverJet.
Tōrere
Famousforitsmacadamiasandalarge oceanbaywithdeepwaterclosetoshore. Idealforfishing.
Ōpōtiki
Ōpōtikicombinessmall-towncharm withcoastalbeauty,outdoorrecreation, vibrantcommunityspirit,andisagateway toTairāwhiti.
MōtūTrails
TheMōtūTrailsofferbreathtakingcycling journeysthroughcoast,forest,andriver landscapes,whileMotuOutdoorAdventures providesguidedoff-roadexperiences,from thrillingPolarisridestosafe,family-friendly explorationinstunningnaturalsettings.
Findoutmoreat:
www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
532WhangaraRd,StateHighway 35,Tatapouri,Gisborne
www.hackfalls.org.nz
HackfallsArboretumissetbetweentwo naturallakeswithpicturesqueviews. 3500differentspecies/largestcollection ofoaksinthesouthernhemisphere. 187BerryRoad,Tiniroto Phone/Fax:068637083
E-mail:hackfalls.station@xtra.co.nz
TheEastCoastMuseumofTechnologyisafullyvoluntary,not-for-profitorganisationwithavastcollectionofhistoryfrom theTairāwhitiregionandwiderNewZealand.Atruenostalgicdiamondindisguise,ECMOTisaperfectlyimperfectmuseum. Itbringsstoriesfrompasttopresentlifeforyou,friendsandwhānautoshareandenjoyfromnearandafar.
StayyourwayinTairāwhiti
Whereveryouland,all accommodationsradiatelocal warmth,culture,andasense ofbelonging.Lookingforhospitalitywith heart?TryastayatNaureaHomestead, acharming108-year-oldcountryB&B setmomentsfromGisborne,perfect forexploringnearbywineriesorthe arboretum.
Forsomethingalittleluxurious,The BlackhousepercheshighaboveWainui Beachonaworkingfarmoffering uninterruptedoceanviews,countryside wandering,andtotalserenity.
OptionsincludeAnauraBayMotor Camp(beachfrontspots,campshop, communalkitchen),TeAraroaHoliday Fromcozystaysto campingunderthestars, Tairāwhitihasastaying styletosuiteverytraveller, fromcharacter-filled boutiquestaystoseaside campgrounds,andeven freedom-campadventures forthosechasingthefull nomadicexperience.
Preferaglampingvibe?Manutūkē EcoRetreatservesupaglampingcabin surroundedbywetland,walkingtrails, abundantbirdlife,andevenpaddleboard orkayakoptions.It’sacompleteescape inthegreatoutdoors,butwithatouchof luxe.
Forboutiqueconvenienceclosetotown, CedarHouseisalovely4-starB&Bnestled ingardenswithriverandcityviewsjust minutesfromcafes,markets,andshops.
ImmerseyourselfinauthenticEastCoast farmlifeatMahaanuiFarmStay.Experience warmhospitality,farmadventures,and tranquilescapessurroundedbynative bush,rivers,andexpansiveviews.
Andforavineyard-luxecombo, MatawheroLuxuryCabinssitnextto theMatawheroWineryCellarDoorwith well-appointedcabinsandoutdoorspaces amongthevines.
Cravingclassiccampingcomfort? HolidayparksinTairāwhitideliver-from beachfrontsitestobushyretreats,with poweredpitches,communalkitchens, playgrounds,andfriendlylocalflair.
Park(greatsurf,motelunits,burgerkart) EastCapeCampground(native-bush setting,ablutions,fish-cleaningstation), WaikanaeBeachTOP10HolidayPark (stepsfromsandandtown),WaihauBay HolidayPark(grassynative-treegrounds), LakeWaikaremoanaHolidayPark, TirohangaBeachHolidayPark,Maraehako Campground,andsoon-to-openonSH35 istheTolagaBayHolidayPark.
Forthosewithself-containedvehicles, freedomcampingopensaworldofflexible overnightstopsonafirst-come,firstservedbasis,andoftenwithunbeatable beachfrontviews.Freedomcamping
seasonopensLabourweekendintimefor thesummerseason,witheachsiteoffering itsownblendofconvenience,coastal charmorruralcalm.Pleasenote,these aredesignatedzonesonly.Noopenfires, nopre-booking,stayamaximumofthree nights,self-containedvehiclesonly,and remembertopackyourwaterandleaveno trace.
Whetheryoucraveacosyhomestead, vine-sideboutiquecabin,full-oncamping withfacilities,orfreedom-campingunder thestars,Tairāwhitiofferstheperfect blendofcomfort,flexibility,andthat unmistakableEastCoastmana.
Enjoyamorningcoffeeorafternoonice-cream. DiscoverthecharmofMahiaBeachResort,where relaxationmeetsadventure.Offeringtheperfectbase foryourholidaydreams.StudioRoom,FamilyCabins andCampingoptionsavailable.Calltobooktoday! www.mahiabeachresort.nz
Fromhumbleroadsidecoffeeandkaicartstoabreakfast ofchampions,startyourdaywithabeachsidebrewora heartyfry-upatoneoftheregion’sbelovedcafés.
Whetherit’sacoastalcoffee stop,theclassiccomfortof apiewithatwist,orjusta friendlylocalatmosphere,thesepitstops hitthesweetspot.
RoadsidestopsarepartoftheEast Coastexperience.Headingeastfrom Ōpōtiki,BhangaCoffeeCartisamuchlovedcartservingespressoandsnacks onthewaytotheEastCape,theperfect pausebeforetacklingthecoastroad. You’llalsofindavarietyofkaicarts scatteredalongSH35,dishingupfresh bitesthatreflectlocalflavour.InTokomaru Bay,Café35islegendaryforitspāua pie,atTePuiaSpringsGeneralStore,the parengopie(madewithnativeseaweed) isatrulyuniqueEastCoasttreat,while attheEastCapeManukaCaféindulgein aporkbellypienestledinhome-made pastry.
Gisborneishometoavibrantcafé culture.FlagshipEatery,closetothe waterfront,isknownforcreative,fresh brunchplatesandaseasonalmenu.PBC Caféoffersarelaxed,communityfeeland consistentlygoodcoffee,whileVerve Caféintheheartoftowniscelebrated foritsgenerousbreakfastsandfriendly service.Alittlefurtherout,8888Café isafavouriteforclassicKiwifareand delectablebakeddelights,andCurbside Kitchenservesupinventivedishesfroma tucked-away,industrial-stylesetting. Forthosechasingtheseabreeze, ZephyrWainuiisalocalhangoutwith surfsideviewsandgreatcoffee.Tatapouri Cafépairsbagelswithoceanoutlooks, whiletheWaikanaeBeachCaféisa summerstaple,rightonthebeach,
SUNSEEKERTOURS
BROUGHTTOYOUBYECOKABSGISBORNE
HiDeHiNewZealand!Springishere,thebirdsaresinging,theflowersareblooming,thedaysaregetting warmerandwearejustonthecuspofwhatpromisestobeafantasticsummer.Let’sdothispeople! Let’sgetyouGizzy-boundforourSunseekerTour!
Gisborne–nestledontheEastCoastoftheNorthIslandofNewZealand,thehomeofRnV,spectacular beaches,world-classwineriesand,ofcourse,oneofthefirstplacesintheworldtoseethesunrise. Geographicallypositioned,TairāwhitiGisborne,knownasthefirstcityofthesun,offersyousomething soveryuniqueandspecial.
perfectforpost-swimcoffeeorcasual diningwithunbeatableviews.
Gisbornealsoboastsastrongline-upof coffeespecialists.MrCliffton’sisknown forexcellentbrewsandastylishvibe, whileTheWorkshopblendsindustrial designwithqualityespresso.Raglan Roasthasbecomeago-toforstrong, fuss-freecoffee,andAdrian’sEspressois areliablefavouritewithlocals.Rounding outthemix,VivaLaCoffeeservessome ofthefreshestcupsintownandifyou’re jet-settinghome,DartonFieldCaféatthe GisborneAirporthasgotyoucovered. WhatmakeskaiandbrewsinTairāwhiti uniqueistheconnectiontoplace. Whetheryou’reenjoyingtheflavoursof theregionorchattingtotheownerofa roadsidecoffeecart,Tairāwhitiservesit withgenuinemanaakitanga.
Joinusonourtwo-daySunseekerTour.Wewillpickyouupfromyourhotelortheairport,thenroad tripdownthe35stoppingoffalongthewaytoviewourregion’sspectacularscenery,whileproviding youwithanarratedtourofourEastCoastlandmarksofsignificance.Wow,checkthisout–arrivingin Ruatoriaforanovernightstay,youwillbeprovidedwiththeopportunityofalifetimetoviewthesunrise fromthetopoftheworld!
n overnightstay,youwillbeprovidedwiththeopportunityofalifetimetoviewthesunrise f theworld!
HandingyouovertoourMtHikurangitourguidesat4.00am,youwillcommenceanamazingtwo-hour journeytothetopofthemightyMaungaHikurangi,arrivingjustintimetotakeinthemostbreathtaking viewsasthesunstartstocomeuponthehorizon.
overtoourMtHikurangitourguidesat4.00am,youwillcommenceanamazingtwo-hour topofthemightyMaungaHikurangi,arrivingjustintimetotakeinthemostbreathtaking unstartstocomeuponthehorizon.
S w r’.Bethefirstintheworldtoexperiencegreatness!
TOURSSTARTINGFROMNOVEMBER1ST,2025UNTILAPRIL25TH,2026
Callusnoworemailecokabs@yahoo.comandwewillsendyouatouritinerarypackage ‘Sunseeker’.Bethefirstintheworldtoexperiencegreatness!
Platesandpours
Thecoastlineandcountrysideserveupmorethan breathtakingviews,they’rehometoafoodanddrink scenefilledwithheart,freshtoyourplateorglass.
Forsomethingtrulyunique,TheDome BarandCinemadeliversablendof entertainmentandindulgence,sip onboutiquecocktailsorlocalwineswhile enjoyinganintimatecinemaexperience insideoneofGisborne’smoststriking heritagebuildings.
Outinthecountryside,HillRoadOrchard offersatasteoftheregionstraightfrom thesource,withcrispapples,stonefruit, andseasonalproducethatcapturethe essenceofEastCoastgrowing.Besureto stopbytheorchardshop,whereyoucan purchasehomemadejams,chutneys,and preserves,adeliciouswaytotakeapieceof Tairāwhitihomewithyou.
Restaurantsaren’tjustmeals; they’restoriesyoucantaste. Thinkheritageportsides likeTheWorks,offering seafoodandseasonal bitesinabeautifully revampedbuilding.Or Tahu,perchedabove MidwayBeachwith awe-inspiringcoastal viewsandnative-infused menusthatreflectdeep connectiontotheland. AddCrawfordRoadKitchen’s Mediterranean-stylesharedplatesand wineshopcharm,andTheWharfBar&Grill withitsharbourfrontambience,andyou’ve gotdiningoptionsasdiverseastheyare delicious.
flavourwithMexican-stylestreetfood, whileHANKSNZisago-toforhearty, moderndishesandarelaxedatmosphere. SipyourwaythroughGisborne’s winemakinglegacyatlaid-backcellar doorsandboutiquevineyards.AtWrights Vineyard&Winery,tastewinesgrownfrom someofthecountry’soldestgrapevines andenjoya“BuildYourOwnPicnic”among therows.
Notfaroff,MatawheroWinesinvitesyou toexploreanundergroundcellar,relaxing withdry-farmedChardonnayandolive-tree views.Foraconvenientfix,GisborneWine Centreoffersself-guidedtastings. Discovertheperfectpairingoffinewine anddiningatBushmereEstate. Beginwithaguidedtasting oftheiraward-winning wines,savourthedistinct flavoursthatreflectthe region’srichsoilsand longsunshinehours, thenlingeralittle longeratTheVines Restaurant,setamong thevines. Notjustaboutwine, Tairāwhitialsoservescraft beerwithasideofsurfculture.
Foramorelaid-backvibe,enjoy woodfiredpizzasatNeighbourhood Pizzeriaorseafood-inspiredslicesat Neptune’sPizzeria.NeighbourhoodCantina inWainuibringsaburstofcolourand
SunshineBrewery,thecountry’soldest independentbrewery,pourslocalbrews withlaid-backcharmincludingbeernames inspiredbyiconicsurfbreaks. Whetheryou’reloungingwithalocal Chardonnayamongthevines,savouring localkaiwithsunsetviews,orsinking intosurf-inspiredbeers,Tairāwhitioffers adiningexperiencethathitseverynote: local,lively,andoh-so-satisfying.
ofF-road adventure!
Cultureonthecoast:arts, legends,andstories
Tairāwhitiisaplacewherethelandliterallytells stories,ofvoyagersfromthePacific,tribalbeginnings, earlyencounters,andartisticreinvention.
EmbarkontheTupapaHeritageTrail, abeautifullycrafted4kmwalkthat beginsattheTūranganui-a-Kiwa waterfrontandrisesuptothepanoramic summitofTitirangi/KaitiHill.Alongthe way,you’llencountersail-shapedpou, interpretivemarkersinstalledwithmana whenua,thattracenarrativesfromearly wakalandingsthroughtothosefirst fraughtmeetingswithBritishnavigators.A freedigitalappdeepensthejourneywith videos,animatedgraphicnovels,waiata, oralhistoriesandevenwaka-building
quizzesinvitingyoutotrulyconnectwith over800yearsofMāoriandcolonial history.
AtthePuhiKaiIti/CookLanding NationalHistoricReservenearby,history layersdeepen.Thissitehonoursboth theMāoriwakasuchasHoroutaandTe Ikaroa-a-Rauru,whichbroughtancestors toTairāwhitiinthe1200-1300s,and the1769arrivalofCaptainJamesCook. Theoriginalgraniteobeliskmemorial datesbackto1906,andmorerecently theareawasrevitalisedwithevocative
tukutukupanelsandsteelartworks commemoratingbothsidesofthis sharedheritage.
ThestrikingWaiKahuaWakaFootbridge, settoopenthissummer,isinspiredby theformofatraditionalwakaoffering panoramicviewsoverTūranganui-a-Kiwa andthePacificOcean,whiletellingthe storiesofvoyagingandarrival.Thebridge providesaspectacularlinkbetweenPuhi KaiIti/CookLandingNationalHistoric ReserveandthewalkingtracksofTitirangi/ KaitiHill,makingittheperfectspotto pause,takeinthescenery,andconnect withtheregion’srichculturalheritage.
into howlife oncelookedontheEastCoast,withplenty tosparkimaginations.
Nearby,thestrikingTeMarosculpture standsagainsttheskyatRuatanuika LookoutonTitirangi,apowerfultribute totheancestorTeMaro,oneofninelocal Māoritragicallykilledduringearlycontacts. It’sanemotionalreminderofthecomplex storiesthelandholds.
Stepintohistorywithavisittothe TairāwhitiAviationMuseumwhere beautifullyrestoredaircraftandhandsonexhibitsbringaviationhistoryto life.Amust-seeforbuddingpilotsand curiouskids.TheEastCoastMuseumof Technologyhasanincrediblecollection ofvintagemachinery,vehicles,and householdtreasures.It’safascinatingpeek
TheTairāwhitiMuseumisalsowellworth avisit.It’saculturalanchoroftheregion, showcasingMāoritaonga(treasures),local art,andfascinatingstoriesofEastCoast history.Nextdoor,CCompanyMemorial Househonouringthe28thMāoriBattalion isalivingspaceforreflection,connection, andeducation,ensuringthelegacyof thosesoldiersisrememberedbyfuture generations.
Whetheryouwanttorelaxinstyle, adventureintheoutdoors,orbuilda bespoketourtosuityourneeds,takea guidedtourwithExperienceGisborneand uncoverhiddengems,hearuniquestories, andexperienceTairāwhitiinawaythat’s authenticandmemorable.
Cultureisn’tconfinedtoagalleryor amonument,it’swovenintothetrail underfoot,thesculpturesagainstthesky, andthecreativeenergyinitsartists.It’sa placewherestories,art,andmemorylive ineverycorneroftheland.
Treasuresandlocalfinds
Whetheryou’relooking fordesignerfashionor homewares,handmade jewelleryorvintage treasures,visitorsto Tairāwhitiarespoiltfor choicewhenitcomesto boutiqueshoppingspots.
ThecitycentreinGladstoneRoad ishometoadiversemixoflocally ownedshopsandnationalretail stores.Fordesignerwomenswearlabels fromNewZealandandabroad,payavisit toBeaufoy’sbeforecheckingoutTruly
BoutiqueandBMS.Thelatteralsohasthe widerfamilycovered,withleadingfashion labelsforwomenswear,menswear,and kidstoo,includinganamazingrangeof footwearandaccessories.
Ifyoupreferamorecuratedvintage selection,leavethecityandheadtoRetro intheBallanceStreetVillage.Inthefront ofownerRoDarrall’sstylishvilla,you’ll findantiques,CrownLynnpottery,midcenturyfurniture,andcovetablevintage clothesandaccessories.Whetheryou’re lookingforagiftorsomethinguniqueand timelessforthehome,Retroliterallynever disappoints.
WhileintheVillage,checkoutother locallyownedstoresincludingTouchstone forgardeningandplantsupplies,Downto
Earthfor naturopathy, gifts,and organicfoods, and,forallthings homerelated,theVillage HomewaresStore.
Ifinteriordécorisyourinterest,also besuretostopinatTheWorkshopon CarnarvonStreet.Convertedfromanold industrialworkshop,thisinspiringretail spacefeaturesfurnitureandhomewares, Moroccanrugs,andworksfromlocal artisans.Theshopissuchavisualdelight tobrowse,itwillcomeasnosurprisethat it’sownedbythewinnerofTheBlockNZ in2018,AmyMoore.She’softenin-store andoffersinteriorstylingservicesfrom there.
TheAviaryCollectivelocatedinthe historicPovertyBayClubbuildingwill tickseveralboxesontheshopping itinerary.It’sasharedspacebetweenfour smalllocalbusinesses–ethicallymade lifestyleandhomepiecesfromIslaand Olive,uniquehandmadejewellery byHelenaAndersson, houseplantsand accessoriesfromHello Petal,andbeautiful papercrafts,weaving andgiftitems handmadebyThe BookApothecary. Whileyou’reatthe PBC,headinsideto MediterraneanLiving forstunningTurkish lighting,rugs,ceramics, andcopperkitchenware. Outsideofthecity,plana visittoTheStoneStudiointhe industrialsubdivisiononStanleyRoad. OneofthemostrenownedGreenstone carvingbusinessesinNZ,youcanwatch carversatworkinthestudiobefore choosingfromthebeautiful,finished productsondisplay.Thestoreisfilled withjewellery,carvings,crystals,art, andsouvenirs–it’stheperfectplaceto findalittlepieceofTairāwhititotake homewithyou.Theyalsosellarange ofdecadentfudgebytheslice–think CrèmeBrulee,mintchocolate,and passionfruit–allsupertemptingandone flavourisneverenough!
Fromsunrisetoshowtime
Frommusictomarkets,artshows tosurfcompetitions,something’s alwaysstirringontheCoast.Want todiveintotheheartofTairāwhitithis summer?GizzyLocalhasyoucovered withthebestgigs,festivals,and communityevents,it’syourticketto livinglikealocal.
TeTairāwhitiArtsFestival
When: 26September–6October
Where: variouslocationsinTairāwhiti
This‘Rā’seasonfeaturesfreeevents includingwhānaufavouriteTeArai Whiti-thelighttrail,andticketedshows toseemusiclegendsAnnie&PapaWill Crummer,aswellasTamaWaiparawith TynaKeelan,KirstenTeRitoandMaisey Rika.www.tetairawhitiartsfestival.nz
TheLonglineClassic
When: 25October2025
Where: GisborneSoundshell
AquintessentialKiwisummerfestival inGisborne.EnjoyNZ’sbestliveand electronicacts,greatkai,andrefreshing drinks.HeldoverLabourWeekend,it’s theunofficialstarttosummerbringing friendstogethertocelebratemusic, sunshine,andtheendofwinterkicking intosummertherightway. www.thelonglineclassic.co.nz
GisborneWineandFoodFestival
When: 26October2025
Where: TWWinesandMatawheroWines CelebratesummerinTairāwhitiat NewZealand’soriginalwineandfood festival.Setamongthevines,enjoy
world-classwines,localkai,andlive musicinGisborne’srelaxedcoastal setting.Adayofflavour,culture,and sunshine–wherethefirstlightmeets unforgettableexperiences.www. gisbornewineandfoodfestival.co.nz
RhythmandVines
When: 29–31December2025
Where: WaiohikaEstate WelcometheNewYearwherethe sunrisesfirst.RhythmandVinesis Aotearoa’siconicmulti-daymusicand campingfestival,setinthelushWaiohika EstatevineyardsofGisborne.Celebrate withworld-classacts,vibrantenergy, andunforgettablesummermoments beneaththestarsandamongthevines. www.rhythmandvines.co.nz
FirstLightMarathon
When: 24January2026
Where: StartandfinishlinesatMidway Beach
Experiencetheworld’sfirstsunrise asyouconquersteephills,sweeping coastalviews,andgoldenbeachesalong thisspectacularcourseinTairāwhiti. Thisuniqueeventblendschallengeand culturewithdistancesforall–Marathon, Half-Marathon,ora6kmFunRun.Atrue celebrationofendurance,beauty,and spirit.www.first-light-marathon.com
D1NZNationalDriftingChampionship–Round4
When: 20–22March2026
Where: HBlackbeeDriftPark
FeeltheadrenalineasNewZealand’s bestdrifterstakeoverGisbornefor Round4oftheD1NZNationalDrifting Championship.High-octanebattles, roaringengines,andedge-of-your-seat actionmakethisunmissable.Celebrate driftculturewithepicdriving,localflair, andanelectricsummeratmosphereon theEastCoast.www.d1nz.com/round-4gisborne
RhythmandVines TheLonglineClassic
