Pack your days for coastal exploration, visits to historic sites, and impeccable food experiences. From dawn to dusk, there’s plenty to keep you busy as you uncover the very best of the Tairāwhiti Gisborne region, yet you’ll leave feeling completely rejuvenated thanks to slow mornings and peaceful nights in beautiful places to stay.
Whether you’re here for a weekend, a week, or longer, this guide is your go-to for making every moment count in Tairāwhiti. Dive into experiences you won’t find anywhere else, from flavours that tell the story of the region to adventures that spark your sense of wonder. It’s a corner of New Zealand that feels quintessentially Kiwi: raw, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful.
From beach walks and cultural gems to the best spots to grab fish and chips, here’s how to soak up everything this East Coast treasure has to offer.
1. Seaside Adventures
Tairāwhiti offers the ultimate in coastal getaway vibes. The beaches are stunning, the surf is great, and the water-based experiences are uniquely memorable. Whether you’re riding waves or simply soaking up the salty air, days spent by the sea are what this region does best.
Kick things off with a wildlife encounter at Dive Tatapouri, where you can walk among stingrays in the shallows and learn about the marine life that thrives along this stretch of coastline. Then head to Waikanae Beach for a classic Kiwi beach day, perfect for swimming, surfing, or strolling the golden sands. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Cooks Cove Walkway at Tolaga Bay rewards you with dramatic coastal views and a refreshing dip at the end. The surf in Tairāwhiti is pure gold with top spots like Makorori and Wainui Beaches to explore, or the chance to spend a few hours mastering the waves with a local surf lesson.
Fuel your seaside adventures with some local flavour. Grab an ice cream from Okitu Store, sip a crisp brew at Sunshine Brewery, or enjoy classic fish and chips by the water as the sun sets over the bay. However you choose to experience the coast, Tairāwhiti delivers that laid-back beach magic in spades.
2. Catch the sunrise each morning
A must-do on a weekend away in Tairāwhiti is catching the first light of day. Whether you’re standing barefoot in the sand or gazing out from a mountain peak, discover a new-found love for early mornings thanks to the spectacular sunrise spots in the first region to see the sunrise in the world.
Head to Wainui Beach for a golden glow over glassy waves, popular with surfers and sunrise seekers alike. Or make the short drive to Titirangi / Kaiti Hill for panoramic views that take in the harbour and the city. For those chasing a truly bucket-list moment, Maunga Hikurangi delivers a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise from this sacred mountain, often above the clouds. This unforgettable experience is only accessible via a 4WD sunrise tour led by local iwi, who share rich ancestral stories and the deep cultural significance of the land. Not into early mornings? Maunga Hikurangi also offer mid-morning tours.
Watching the dawn break over the East Cape from one of Aotearoa’s most spiritually significant peaks is more than just beautiful; it’s grounding, humbling, and utterly unique to Tairāwhiti. Whether you start the day with a solo coffee and ocean view or join a guided experience, watching the sun rise in Tairāwhiti sets the tone for something special, every single day.
3. Cycle the scenic trails
One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors in Tairāwhiti is on two wheels. A bike gives you the freedom to go at your own pace while soaking up the region’s sun-drenched coastlines, lush forest tracks, and wide-open landscapes.
Take a guided tour with Cycle Gisborne, where you can pedal past vineyards, along riverbanks, or deeper into the region’s hill country trails, all tailored to your ability and interest. For something entirely different, Gisborne Railbike Adventures offers the chance to ride a custom railbike along a historic railway line through tunnels and farmland, with the breeze in your face and not a car in sight.
For experienced riders, Motu Trails and the Pakihi Track offer some of the most scenic and remote cycling in the country. These well-formed trails reward you with pristine bush, mountain views, and that blissful feeling of total escape. Whether you’re after a leisurely cruise or an off-the-grid adventure, Tairāwhiti’s cycling trails deliver. Looking for the ultimate off-road cycling adventure? Fly into Gisborne and ride 500km around Highway 35, an unforgettable cycling journey.
4. Visit the highest peak in Tairāwhiti
A visit to Maunga Hikurangi, the highest non-volcanic peak on the North Island, is a journey into the heart of Tairāwhiti’s identity. It’s here you’ll realise you’ve found a region where breathtaking natural beauty meets deep cultural meaning. It’s a landscape steeped in Māori mythology and ancestral stories.
The way to experience this sacred mountain is on a guided tour. These tours take you off the beaten track and into an elevated world above the clouds, where nine towering carved pou (carvings) and panoramic views deliver a powerful sense of place. It’s the kind of experience you can only have on the East Coast of New Zealand, and it leaves a lasting impression. To further enrich your understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage, Tairāwhiti Museum in Gisborne is well worth a visit, offering insight into local stories, art, and history.
5. Eat and drink your way around
Wine and dine your way through Tairāwhiti for a weekend that’s as flavour-filled as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re fuelling up for a day of adventure or settling in for a relaxed evening, good food and drink add richness to every moment. Start your mornings right with a caffeine hit and something tasty from Curbside Kitchen, Flagship Eatery, or Zephyr, local favourites that deliver coastal vibes with every cup. For lunch or casual bites, there’s no shortage of fresh, seasonal options across the region. A visit to Village Berries will see you well stocked with delicious local produce.
Come evening, lean into Gisborne’s easy-going hospitality with a memorable dinner at Tahu, Crawford Road Kitchen, Dome Bar and Cinema, or Neighbourhood Cantina. Each offers something special, from intimate candlelit settings to vibrant, local flair.
Pair your meals with a glass of something local. Matawhero Winery is a spectacular place for grazing on platters, sitting amongst the vines, and sampling some famous Gisborne Chardonnay. Wrights Vineyard, a mere 20-minute drive from the heart of Gisborne, is the perfect spot to sip and savour regional varietals. And for a laid-back afternoon session, Sunshine Brewery pours some of the best craft beer on the coast. Great food has a way of anchoring your memories. Choose the right spots, and your whole Tairāwhiti experience becomes even more rewarding.
6. Stay somewhere memorable
A memorable place to stay, and wake up to, can be the difference between a good weekend and an unforgettable one. The best stays in Tairāwhiti capture the essence of the region – warm hospitality, thoughtful touches, and locations that make you feel truly connected to your surroundings.
Whether you’re sleeping among the vines at Matawhero, soaking in a steaming outdoor spa under the stars at Tatapouri Bay, or waking up on the edge of a wetland lake at Manutuke Eco Retreat, each stay offers something special. You might find yourself in a restored villa at Cedar House, a coastal escape like Stranded in Paradise in Tokomaru Bay, or tucked away in the countryside surrounds of Morere Lodge.
Glamping, eco-stays, vineyard cabins, boutique villas, these aren’t just places to sleep, they’re part of the adventure. From secluded nooks like Tidal Waters to the authentic farmstay experience at Mahaanui, you’ll discover that accommodation in Tairāwhiti is as diverse and welcoming as the people who run them. Wherever you choose to stay, a must-do is catching the sunrise from your cosy corner of the East Coast. It’s the perfect start to each day in a region that always feels like home.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
