Gisborne is famous for being the first place in the world to welcome the day’s sunshine. Even if you’re not a morning person, this unique experience is something to tick off the bucket list. With so many beautiful locations to choose from, you might find yourself making a dawn trip more than once. Here are some of the best places to see the sunrise in Gisborne.
1. Tatapouri Bay
Be among the first to see the sunrise in the idyllic oceanfront location. Tatapouri Bay offers a range of accommodations from zen cabins to ‘podlifes’, all nestled in the rolling hills of the east coast where the land meets the sea. Rise with the sun in an oceanfront yoga class, hosted every Saturday and Sunday morning from 6:45 am, then enjoy the best local coffee and freshly baked goods at the Beach Front Cafe. Once the sun rises, make the most of the incredible activities available in the area. Check out Dive Tatapouri and enjoy a close encounter with majestic stingrays, retrace the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook in Cook’s Cove, or relax in your oceanfront accommodation and soak up the refreshing vibes of this stunning setting.
2. Wainui Beach
Enjoy the bright hues of the sun reflected in the calm morning waters of Wainui Beach. If you want to capture the brilliant colours of the rising sun in still water, walk along the beach to the inlets and estuaries that contain calm, clear waters perfect for snapping an Insta-worthy shot. For an elevated view of the area, check out the Makorori Headland, which offers stunning views that extend from the beach to the Mahia Peninsula. As the day begins, make the most of everything on offer at this Gisborne beach, including swimming, surfing, hiking, and horse riding. Car parking and picnic areas are available, so make sure you pack enough supplies to enjoy an entire day in this lush location.
3. Midway Beach
Frame the Gisborne sunrise with the perfectly proportioned fir trees and rolling hills surrounding Midway Beach. Not only does the open expanse of water offer striking views of a rising sun, but the environmental elements help create a unique photography spot where you can snap an image to treasure forever. The beach is an excellent spot for families with on-site public toilets, showers, a beverage kiosk, and a playground. Plus, the small waves make this an ideal location for young families to enjoy some time together at the beach.
4. Mount Hikurangi
Embark on a journey to the majestic splendour of the Mount Hikurangi carvings, which are surrounded by legend and cultural significance. This challenging hike offers you the chance to bask in some of the day’s first rays. If you’re not a morning person, opt for a 4×4 to take you part of the way, or trek in the day before and camp at the Hikurangi hut overnight. Another way to enjoy this natural beauty is with a Ngati Porou guide; book the sunrise experience, and you can watch the sun stream around the nine carved pillars as an expert guide tells you the unique story behind each of them. Round the morning off with a light breakfast atop Mount Hikurangi and participate in a traditional Maori blessing. It’s an incredibly special way to experience the sunrise in Gisborne.
5. East Cape Lighthouse
Experience the grandeur of sunrise in Gisborne at the East Cape lighthouse, where a fiery glow fills the landscape as the sun appears from the ocean horizon. Sitting at the easternmost point of New Zealand, the lighthouse feels like the end of the earth where the land hits the sea, and the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a scenic drive along 22 km of coastal roads before climbing the 700 steps leading to this iconic building.
6. Oneroa Cycle and Walkway
With so many incredible spots to watch the sunrise in Gisborne, choosing the right one can be challenging. Take an early morning stroll along the Oneroa Cycle and Walkway, and you’ll have your pick of Gisborne beach spots. The walkway stretches one kilometre from Waikanae to Midway beach and offers plenty of things to do along the way. Not only can you check out the sunrise from multiple oceanfront viewpoints, but you can also admire impressive concrete and timber architecture by Chow: Hill’s design. Oneroa – or ‘the long walk by the beach’ – is a place to discover the region’s settlement history while taking a moment of quiet contemplation.
7. Gisborne Harbour
Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of Gisborne’s harbour, where boats come and go as often as the people. Admire the rising sun casting a bright light on everything it touches. The harbour is a great place to spend the day with many things to do. Enjoy a sample of local wine, hop aboard a fishing charter, or enjoy a boutique dining experience at one of the surrounding restaurants. This is also an excellent spot to enjoy a Gisborne sunset where you can admire the clouds and water change from a fiery orange to a glowing yellow as the sun sets beyond the moored boats. If you stay long enough, you can catch both the Gisborne sunrise and sunset in one day.
8. Kaiti Hill
Kaiti Hill could be called the best place to see the sunrise in Gisborne, thanks to its expansive coastal views over Poverty Bay. Accessible by car, bike, or foot, this popular lookout is the ancestral site of the Ngati Oneone tribe. Once you’ve admired the impressive hues of the morning sun, head down to the Te Poho-o-Rawiri marae at the base of the hill. Here, you can spend the rest of the morning exploring history, culture, and nature trails.
