From cruising the iconic State Highway 35 to watching the first sunrise in the world illuminate the coastline, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a region that rewards those willing to slow down and explore. Spanning rugged East Coast beaches and hidden bays to rolling vineyards and thriving local food spots, this breathtaking part of New Zealand offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and authentic local experiences.
Spend your days road tripping along the East Cape, discovering a remote coastal region bursting with surf beaches, enticing small towns and uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy meeting the locals who give the region its laidback charm, and in between adventures like jet boating, diving with marine life and cycling incredible trails, settle in for long lunches at boutique wineries or sip your way through local breweries. From breathtaking natural beauty to unforgettable food and wine and iconic road trip routes, this is a place to help you recharge and reconnect, experiencing the essence of a true Kiwi escape.
Whether you’re planning an overdue escape, a long weekend getaway or a deeper dive into the East Coast, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered in Tairāwhiti. From sunrise walks and cultural encounters to scenic drives and unforgettable stays, here are five unmissable ways to spend time in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
1. Road trip State Highway 35
Widely regarded as one of the ultimate New Zealand road trips, State Highway 35 (SH35) winds its way around the spectacular East Cape of the North Island, stretching from Ōpōtiki through to Gisborne. Hugging the coastline for much of the journey, this unforgettable drive showcases some of the country’s most untouched coastal scenery, rich Māori culture and laidback seaside communities.
A place to discover it all, SH35 takes you from the bustling city of Gisborne to small rural towns like Hicks Bay, Te Araroa and Tolaga Bay, where life slows down and the scenery does all the talking. Think rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, historic wharfs, roadside fruit stalls and endless Pacific Ocean views around almost every corner.
Channel your inner explorer and embrace the freedom of the open road, because the more time you can spend exploring SH35, the better. A week-long (or more!) adventure allows you to properly experience this breathtaking stretch of New Zealand paradise while uncovering hidden gems along the way.
Travelling north to south, set off from Ōpōtiki and cruise along the scenic, winding coastal road, stopping at scenic lookouts, local cafés and quiet beaches as you make your way toward Gisborne. Less than an hour into your trip, kick things off with jet boating through incredible river and native bush scenery, and then horse trekking along the beach in Te Kaha. Further along the coast, stop in Whanarua Bay for coffee, macadamias and ice cream at The Nuthouse Cafe and Pacific Coast Macadamias. Don’t miss Raukokore Church at Raukokore, perched right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, before visiting Te Waha o Rerekohu, New Zealand’s oldest and largest pōhutukawa tree.
Te Araroa is one of the true highlights of SH35, being the gateway to Maunga Hikurangi, Kai Kart Takeaways (a Kiwi classic) and the world’s first sunrise. It’s the birthplace of Sir Āpirana Ngata (see him on the $50 note), and the doorstep to New Zealand’s most easterly point. Grab a bite from local favourites including Rua Pies, the East Cape Manuka Cafe and 35 Eat St before continuing south to Tokomaru Bay, Anaura Bay and Tolaga Bay. Along the way, enjoy unforgettable cultural experiences with Tipuna Tours, then finish your adventure with an extended stay in Gisborne to discover experiences like interacting with wild stingrays and checking out surf beaches and brunch spots along the coast.
Keep the road trip alive and drive to Tairāwhiti from major cities like Auckland (494km), Hamilton (376km) and Wellington (534km). Whether you’re chasing surf, culture, adventure or simply the joy of discovering somewhere new, SH35 is a journey that captures the very best of Tairāwhiti Gisborne and the East Coast.
2. Plan for Adventure
From rugged coastlines and world-class surf breaks to unforgettable cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a destination made for those wanting to get out and explore. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, slowing down in nature or simply trying something new, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the region.
Known for its warm climate and stunning beaches, surfing is a must while visiting the East Coast, with beginner-friendly waves and legendary breaks scattered throughout the region. Check out mobile surf coaches Learn Surfing with Sarah to help you catch the perfect wave. Fishing is another local favourite, whether you’re casting a line from the beach, joining an East Coast Fishing Charter or discovering hidden coastal spots along SH35.
For a truly unforgettable experience, Dive Tatapouri offers the chance to get up close with wild stingrays and other marine life in their natural environment, one of Tairāwhiti’s most iconic activities. Horse riding adventures along the coastline with Standfast Horse Treks provide another incredible way to soak up the scenery, East Coast style, while jet boating on the remote Motu River delivers a thrilling experience deep in the wilderness.
Tairāwhiti is also home to a range of incredible walks and hikes, many made even more special when paired with a sunrise. Start your day early and experience the first sunrise in the world from scenic coastal lookouts or the sacred slopes of Maunga Hikurangi on a guided and insightful tour.
For something a little different, explore the region aboard Gisborne Railbike Adventures or wander through Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand and home to an extraordinary collection of trees from around the world.
No matter your travel style, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is packed with adventures waiting to be discovered.
3. Start each day with the Sunrise
As the first place in the world to see the sunrise each day, waking up early is all part of the Tairāwhiti Gisborne experience. From rugged coastal lookouts to sacred mountain peaks and golden beaches, there’s no shortage of incredible spots to watch the first light of the day illuminate the East Coast.
For one of the region’s most iconic sunrise experiences, head to Maunga Hikurangi, the sacred mountain of the Ngāti Porou people. Guided sunrise tours take visitors high above the coastline to witness daybreak from one of New Zealand’s most special locations. Closer to Gisborne, Kaiti Hill offers sweeping views over the city and coastline, while beautiful beaches like Wainui Beach, Midway Beach and Anaura Bay provide unforgettable sunrise moments right on the sand. Along SH35, countless quiet bays and coastal vantage points make it easy to pull over and soak up the magic of dawn.
Post early start, reward yourself with one of the region’s many exceptional brunch spots. From locally roasted coffee and fresh baking to long brunches paired with sunny outdoor seating, Tairāwhiti’s food scene perfectly complements its laidback lifestyle. Whether you’re grabbing coffee and bagels for breakfast from Flagship Eatery in Gisborne, or prepping for another day of adventure with a fuel up at Zephyr in Wainui Beach, there’s no shortage of incredible places to feast.
Following on from a wholesome early start, embrace the chilled out East Coast with wellness experiences like a heat up with The Sauna Project, a sauna paired with ocean swims and views. Mōrere Hot Springs set amongst a lush rain forest is a must-do experience, and a sunset boardwalk stroll with peaceful ocean views rounds out a day in Tairāwhiti perfectly.
4. Explore Wineries, Breweries and Local Markets
One of the most unmissable ways to spend time in Tairāwhiti Gisborne is through the flavours of the region. From boutique wineries and local breweries to vibrant farmers markets and roadside produce stalls, tasting your way around the East Coast offers the perfect insight into what makes this part of New Zealand so special.
Start your weekend at the Gisborne Farmers Market, where local growers, bakers, coffee carts and food vendors come together to showcase the best of the region. It’s the perfect place to experience Tairāwhiti’s strong connection to fresh produce, community and laidback East Coast hospitality.
For craft beer lovers, Sunshine Brewery is a Gisborne institution and a must-visit while exploring the city. Known for its locally brewed beers and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to settle in after a day of adventure.
Tairāwhiti is also home to an incredible collection of wineries, like Matawhero Wines and Wrights Vineyard and Winery. At the right time of year, a private tour of TW Wines is a special Gisborne wine experience. From cellar doors overlooking the vines to long lunches paired with local wines, vineyard hopping is one of the best ways to experience the region. For something a little different, cycle between wineries and soak up the scenery at a slower pace while discovering some of New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing areas.
Back in Gisborne, Siduri Wine Bar is the perfect place to continue the experience with carefully curated wines, local produce and a vibrant atmosphere.
After a day spent exploring wineries, breweries and markets, embrace a true Kiwi tradition by ending the evening with fish and chips on the beach. With countless beaches stretching along the coastline, Tairāwhiti offers no shortage of incredible spots to park up, watch the sunset and enjoy dinner with your toes in the sand.
5. Stay by the Coast
One of the best ways to experience Tairāwhiti Gisborne is by staying close to the coastline. From beachfront campgrounds and relaxed holiday parks to boutique cottages and luxury retreats, the region offers coastal accommodation like nowhere else. Wake each morning to the sound of the ocean, step straight onto the sand and enjoy unforgettable sunrises rising over the horizon from some of the first places in the world to see the light each day.
Hicks Bay Motel Lodge sits perched on a bluff surrounded by native bush, boasting endless beach and Pacific Ocean views. For something more intimate, Nga Puriri offers a beautiful self-contained cottage and bed and breakfast overlooking Hicks Bay and Matakaoa Point. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the coast.
Further along SH35, Te Araroa Holiday Park is perfectly positioned for an East Coast escape, combining countryside charm with a very short walk to the ocean. Nearby, East Cape Campground offers another classic coastal camping experience in Te Araroa, ideal for travellers wanting to slow down and embrace the laidback rhythm of the East Cape.
Closer to Gisborne, Tatapouri Bay, Ocean Beach Wainui and Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park all place visitors within easy reach of the beach, surf and many of the region’s top attractions.
For those wanting to explore more of the region as a whole, consider staying inland amongst the vines at Matawhero Luxury Cabins, or embrace the slower pace of rural life at Mahaanui Farmstay Experience, where peaceful countryside surroundings offer a completely different side of Tairāwhiti.
Whether you’re waking up beside the surf, overlooking rolling farmland or staying amongst the vines, accommodation in Tairāwhiti Gisborne is all about slowing down, soaking up the scenery and embracing the East Coast lifestyle.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
