Activities
With many attractions and activities in and around Gisborne there is plenty to keep you busy. Visit Cook's Landing site - just a short walk from the Motel or venture up Kaiti Hill to the lookout for stunning views of Gisborne and Poverty Bay to Young Nicks Head.
Gisborne is well known for its Arboretums:
Eastwoodhill is the National Arboretum with more that 15,000 trees, shrubs and climbers. With 25 kms of tracks, you can encounter stunning scenery and discover a wealth of natural wonders: www.eastwoodhill.org.nz. Also in the area is Hackfalls Arboretum.
Wine
We highly recommend the Wine Centre as your first point of call as it is the showcase for the wines and wineries of the Gisborne region. Located in Gisborne's beautiful inner Harbour, it is within walking distance of the CBD. The Wine Centre offers food from Morrells Artisan Bakery, Waimata cheese platters, Heavitree juices, local coffee and Gisborne Gold Beer. The Gisborne Wine Tour departs daily from outside the Gisborne Wine Centre. www.gisbornewine.co.nz
Take your own tour with a number of wineries to choose from: Bushmere Estate offer a full experience with guided tastings or a meal accompanied by one of our award-winning wines. www.bushmere.com Matawhero Wines cellar door has been reopened and showcases the character the brand is so loved for. Fantastic vineyard setting with a petanque lawn and great local art. www.matawhero.co.nz
Wrights Vineyard Winery, a unique and innovative boutique organic winery. www.wrightsvineyard.co.nz Milton Vineyards and winery specialises in making fine wine from estate-grown grapes. Take a picnic and enjoy our beautiful gardens (no restaurant facilities) www.millton.co.nz
Museums and art galleries
Visit one of the following: Tairawhiti Museum and Art Gallery - Maori Art, Comtemporary New Zealand Art and Tairawhiti History Exhibitions. Relax on the deck at the cafe and purchase gifts for any occasion at the museum shop. www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz
Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex
With six separate pools - 50m lane pool, 33m outdoor recreation pools and also hot spa/therapy pools. www.gdc.govt.nz
Surfing
Home of world renowned surfers, popular surfing breaks within 500 meters of the Beachcomber Motel. Learn to surf with surf coach Frank Russell. www.surfingwithfrank.com
Dive Tatapouri
Discover the children of Tangaroa, walk the reef and interact with wild stingrays. For the more adventurous, Shark Cage Diving (no experience required). www.divetatapouri.com
Rere Rockslide
One of New Zealand's 101 Must-Do's - take yourself to this world-rated natural water slide set in bush surroundings or take a tour with Dive Tatapouri with a guided tour or just hire the gear.
Pacific Coast Highway
If you want to venture further afield then you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway (State Highway 35) one of the great coastal road trips and visit some of the following places: Whangara - Location of Whale Rider movie - respect is a must. Tolaga Bay - Longest historic wharf at 660m, Cooks Cove Walkway 5km.