Tania's Guidebook
Sightseeing
A unique experience getting up close to the stingrays. Highly recommend
30 locals recommend
Dive Tatapouri
A unique experience getting up close to the stingrays. Highly recommend
A beautiful place any time of year but extra special in autumn.
39 locals recommend
Eastwoodhill Arboretum
2392 Wharekopae RdA beautiful place any time of year but extra special in autumn.
A total one off experience. Great exercise, awesome views and a truly awesome adventure.
12 locals recommend
The Gisborne Railbike Adventure
A total one off experience. Great exercise, awesome views and a truly awesome adventure.
A short journey out of Gisborne. A time to relax in these hot pools set in a stunning bush walk area.
25 locals recommend
Morere Hot Springs
State Highway 2A short journey out of Gisborne. A time to relax in these hot pools set in a stunning bush walk area.
Combine a visit with the infamous rock slide not too far from this spot.
18 locals recommend
Rere Falls
Combine a visit with the infamous rock slide not too far from this spot.
Combine a visit with Rere falls near by. World famous natural rock slide. A Gisborne must do.
28 locals recommend
Rere Rockslides
Wharekopae RoadCombine a visit with Rere falls near by. World famous natural rock slide. A Gisborne must do.
A gorgeous local beach. An awesome sight all year round. A great place for a walk and to watch the first sunrise in the world.
11 locals recommend
Wainui Beach
A gorgeous local beach. An awesome sight all year round. A great place for a walk and to watch the first sunrise in the world.
The i Site is on Grey Street and is a great place to gather information for any places of interest locally. The staff are very helpful.
13 locals recommend
Gisborne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
209 Grey StThe i Site is on Grey Street and is a great place to gather information for any places of interest locally. The staff are very helpful.
Always an exhibition on. Fresh and vibrant. Great cafe. Lots to learn
37 locals recommend
Tairāwhiti Museum
10 Stout StAlways an exhibition on. Fresh and vibrant. Great cafe. Lots to learn
Waihirere Domain
85 Waihirere Domain RdGreat to walk up to the waterfall through the bush. Takes about an hour.
Smash Palace
24 Banks StFor the live music enthusiast 🎵 🎶 Check website for gig information.
A great place to visit. Just a bit further up the east coast. Awesome day trip from Gisborne. Combine with a visit to Cooks Cove.
Tolaga Bay
A great place to visit. Just a bit further up the east coast. Awesome day trip from Gisborne. Combine with a visit to Cooks Cove.
Cooks Cove Walkway
128 Wharf RdCombine this with a visit to Tolaga Bay. Stunning views....
Titirangi
To get the best views of Gisborne this is a must...
Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex
45 Centennial Marine DrA great place to cool off in the summer months....
Neighbourhoods
The neighbourhood of Makaraka is where we are located. We are opposite the Showgrounds, which are situated on Main Rd. This road is the main road into Gisborne from both Napier and Bay of Plenty.
Nearby there are wineries which offer tastings and quality food. The neighbourhood is quiet and only a short drive from the CBD.
Makaraka
The neighbourhood of Makaraka is where we are located. We are opposite the Showgrounds, which are situated on Main Rd. This road is the main road into Gisborne from both Napier and Bay of Plenty.
Nearby there are wineries which offer tastings and quality food. The neighbourhood is quiet and only a short drive from the CBD.
Food scene
Bushmere Estate
166 Main RdA great place to visit for wine tastings and good food.
Matawhero Wines
189 Riverpoint RdA beautiful setting for a superb cellar door experience.
A truly incredible experience. Watch a movie luxuriating in a massive bean bag. Pizza at half time and a beverage from the adjoining bar. A great place to visit
28 locals recommend
Dome Cinema
38 Childers RdA truly incredible experience. Watch a movie luxuriating in a massive bean bag. Pizza at half time and a beverage from the adjoining bar. A great place to visit
French cuisine at its finest. An awesome location and the service is always tip top.
9 locals recommend
Marina Restaurant & Bar
1 Vogel StFrench cuisine at its finest. An awesome location and the service is always tip top.
Nice little restaurant, tucked away on Childers. Authentic brick building.
29 locals recommend
Ussco Bar & Bistro
16 Childers RdNice little restaurant, tucked away on Childers. Authentic brick building.
A quirky little Mexican restaurant open Wednesday through Saturday. Locally sourced food and locally world famous. Delicious 😋. Margaritas are off the scale. 🍸 Just walk in...
Surfin' Taco
153 Grey StA quirky little Mexican restaurant open Wednesday through Saturday. Locally sourced food and locally world famous. Delicious 😋. Margaritas are off the scale. 🍸 Just walk in...
Gisborne Farmers' Market
Stout StreetEvery Saturday. A wide choice of fresh local food.
Our local brewery. An awesome place. Great flavours and an ever expanding seating area. Unique beers and a selection of food. Highly recommend.
21 locals recommend
Sunshine Brewery
49 Awapuni RdOur local brewery. An awesome place. Great flavours and an ever expanding seating area. Unique beers and a selection of food. Highly recommend.
Bollywood Stars
355 Gladstone RdGreat Indian food. Best in Gisborne. Awesome service too
The Rivers Restaurant and Bar
1 Gladstone RdGreat place for pub food. 🍴
A beautiful spot for a Sunday lunch and a walk around the grounds....
6 locals recommend
Bushmere Arms
A beautiful spot for a Sunday lunch and a walk around the grounds....
Traveler advice
Getting around
CBD is a short drive from our place.
Gisborne is a relatively small city with a good selection of High Street names. Parking is cheap and easy and there is a wide selection of coffee outlets.
Don't miss
The Saturday Farmers Market
Situated on the corner of Stout & Fitzherbert Streets with regular live music and an abundance of food outlets. 930am -1230pm.
Customs and culture
Tairawhiti Museum
The museum is situated on Stout Street by the river at the city end. There’s a lot to learn about Gisborne/Tairawhiti/Turanganui a Kiwa. There’s usually a limited themed exhibition running. The coffee shop is highly recommended and you can find out about local customs and culture within the walls of this local jewel. A great place to while away an hour or so.
What to pack
Always be prepared.
The weather can change so quickly. Always carry a light raincoat and/or a warm layer. Please be aware that the summer sun in Gisborne is intense. If you’re out in the sun apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a sun hat. Keep hydrated and enjoy your time here.