Things to do in Gisborne

Activities, attractions and tours

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A coastal port with a large cargo ship docked, a breakwater, and a backdrop of mountains and a small town.
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What to do in Gisborne

Popular places to visit

Titirangi Reserve

Titirangi Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Titirangi Reserve, a lovely green space in Gisborne. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Titirangi Reserve

Gisborne Harbour

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Gisborne with a trip to Gisborne Harbour. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Gisborne Harbour

Tairawhiti Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Tairawhiti Museum in Gisborne. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Tairawhiti Museum

Kaiti Hill

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Kaiti Hill, a lovely green space in Gisborne. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Kaiti Hill

Cook Monument

5/5(4 reviews)

Find out about the history of Gisborne when you spend time at Cook Monument. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Cook Monument

Gisborne Wine Centre

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Gisborne Wine Centre during your travels to Gisborne. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Gisborne Wine Centre

Gisborne Botanic Gardens

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Gisborne with a stop at Gisborne Botanic Gardens. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Gisborne Botanic Gardens

Sunshine Brewery

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Sunshine Brewery in Gisborne. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Sunshine Brewery

Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House

Learn about the local history of Gisborne when you take a trip to Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House

Where to stay in Gisborne

Find the best Gisborne areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Wainui Beach with great view of nearby mountain ridges in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, Shutterstock ID 1311858068, Purchase Order: SP-1822 ANZ-18120 Wotif Search Engine - Destination Imagery, Or

Wainui

Wainui is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Wainui Beach and Okitu Beach while in the area.

Photo by Gracen Verheyden
Open Photo by Gracen Verheyden

Gisborne Central

If you're spending some time in Gisborne Central, Gisborne Botanic Gardens and Sunshine Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Photo by Natalie Robinson
Open Photo by Natalie Robinson

Kaiti

While visiting Kaiti, you might make a stop by sights like Kaiti Hill and Gisborne Wine Centre.

Whataupoko

While there might not be top attractions in Whataupoko, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Tairawhiti Museum and Gisborne Botanic Gardens.

Outer Kaiti

Outer Kaiti might not have many top sights, but Tairawhiti Museum and Gisborne Harbour are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gisborne worth visiting?
Offering a mix of surfing and fishing, there are plenty of things to do in Gisborne. While you're here, check out Wainui Beach, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Gisborne?
Wainui Beach and Midway Beach are two good places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Gisborne while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gisborne?
Wainui Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gisborne and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gisborne?
Three days in Gisborne is more than enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Wainui Beach, Midway Beach and Makorori Beach are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Tiniroto.
Is Gisborne a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Gisborne, like Midway Beach and Gisborne Wine Centre, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Gisborne is Te Hapara and Awapuni is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Gisborne with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Gisborne with kids.
What to do in Gisborne for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Gisborne, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Gisborne Wine Centre or Matawhero Wines.
Are there free things to do in Gisborne?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Gisborne is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wainui Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.