Gisborne is the most easterly region of New Zealand and the first place in the World to see the Sun.. Beautiful beaches, miles of unspoilt coastline, rivers and forests, cultural and historic heritage, and a sense of real kiwi life and experiences make the Gisborne region a beautiful place to explore and remember.
The city of Gisborne is the main centre of the vast Eastland Region. As the most easterly region it was the first place to wlecome the new Millennium on 1 January 2000.
Gisborne is a busy port city and a favourite seaside holiday destination sited perfectly on the golden beaches of a wide, sheltering bay. It was on these shores that English explorer, Captain Cook, sailing HM Bark Endeavour, made his first New Zealand landfall in 1769.
The early Maori voyaging canoes also made their pioneering landings on these beaches after their epic sailings south from the Islands of the Central Pacific. The region is still rich in Maori tradition with the social customs of the Maori playing a large and integral part of every day life.
Visitors to this region will discover the freedom of a region where there are no tight schedules, no theme park queues or well-beaten tourist tracks. Here you are encouraged to relax, get in tune with the rhythm of the land and sea and to make the most of the experiences on offer. Those in the know claim New Zealand's best trout fishing rivers can be discovered here, while others believe the best sea fishing can be experienced off Gisborne and the East Cape - the Ranfurly Banks have been described as 'Jurassic Park'. Still others believe the pigs are bigger and free range deer hunting is more successful.
Gisborne is also known as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand and is renowned for its high quality grapes, grown for the local boutique wineries and larger national wineries. At the centre of the city is the pretty Inner Harbour, a tranquil fishing boat mooring and pleasure boat marina surrounded by several waterfront cafes, restaurants and a popular fishing club.
To the north, along State Highway 35 (route to Tidal Waters Loglodge) are the stunning beaches of
Wainui, Makorori, Tatapouri, Turihaua, Pouawa and the Loghouse's Waihau (Loisels) Beach before the road continues up the East Coast to the seaside settlements of Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay and other picturesque locations.
Eastland's boundaries are the towns of Opotiki in the north and Wairoa in the south.
Tidal Waters
GISBORNE INFORMATION AT TIDAL WATERS
'FIRST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO SEE THE SUN'
TIDAL WATERS
'A Treasure of Pleasures'
Did you know Gisborne is only one hour flight from the main cities - just get on the plane & we'll pick you up
