Gisborne Activities
The Maori name for the area is Tairawhiti, which means "the coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Gisborne is the perfect place to explore some of the Eastland region’s great treasures.
Visit Waikanae and Wainui surf beaches - great places just to hang out and watch locals and visitors alike enjoy the great surf. From Waikanae Beach you can see the coastal hills in the distance now known as Young Nicks Head, as Nicholas Young was the first on board the Endeavour to sight land and these hills were named in his honour.
Kaiti Beach, near the city, was the first landing place for both Maori and Captain Cook - here you can see Cook’s statue. At Tairawhiti Museum you can learn about the history of the region. There are many outdoor pursuits in the area - some of the best trout fishing rivers and lakes in the world are located here. You can also go deer and game hunting, horse trekking, river rafting or visit the Rere Rock Slide, a natural rock slide surrounded by bush. Or you can feed the wild stingray or experience shark cage diving.
Gisborne specialises in growing and exporting food crops and the restaurants specialise in delighting their customers with local seafood, meat, vegetables and wines.
Attractions further afield are:Mt Hikurangi, Pacific Coast Highway (SH 35), Eastwoodhill Aboretum - National Aboretum of New Zealand to name just a few.
