Bask in the warmth of Tairāwhiti Gisborne

GO ON, PUT YOUR FEET UP. THIS IS A LAND OF SUN, SURF, GOOD WINE, FINE FOOD AND ZERO FUSS. COME AND ENJOY GISBORNE’S NO WORRIES LIFESTYLE.

HICK'S BAY

IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO ARRIVE IN HICKS BAY THE NIGHT BEFORE IN ORDER TO CATCH A GLORIOUS SUNRISE THE FOLLOWING DAY.

Originally named after Zachary Hickes, second-in-command to James Cook's Endeavour and the alleged pioneer of this charmed coastal spot, it has since officially changed names to Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.

If you want to be the first on Earth to see a brand new day, head to Te Araroa, a small settlement just 10km from Hicks Bay. Here, the East Cape Lighthouse which is a little further down the coast basks in the first light of morning.

Motu Trails, Gisborne

Neil Robert Hutton Photography

The Motu Cycle Trail from Ōpotiki to Matawai which also links to the Rere Falls Trail glides over 103km of glorious rolling hills connecting Matawai to Gisborne. Allow one to three days to cycle this Grade 3 Intermediate route.

GIS...BORNE TO BE WILD!

Waipaoa River valley is just northwest of Gisborne and acclaimed for its grape growing. A big contributor to Gisborne becoming the country’s third biggest grape-growing region, there are around 2000 hectares of vineyards here, with more than half producing chardonnay. Wine tours, including those by bicycle, are available to guide you around a variety of vineyards.

Seasoned surfers know that the best waves are found at The Pipe, just south of Gisborne town, as well as Sponge Bay and Tuamotu Island, while newbies should hit the gentler surf at Waikanae Beach and Roberts Rd. If it’s a leisurely swim you’re after, you can’t beat Midway Beach.

Climb Kaitī Hill (Titirangi) for eyewidening vistas over Gisborne or delve into the deep thickets of Eastwoodhill Arboretum. This 131-hectare-area lends itself to some serious shinrin-yoku: the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Historians should visit Tairāwhiti Museum which houses the bridge of a sunken ship, and the Whatatutu pā site which was uninhibited for centuries has been restored and welcomes guests.

Feed stingrays in the shallow waters of Tatapouri Bay. They’re gentle creatures and will somewhat amusingly nudge for more food. You can also ride the tandem rail bikes at Gisborne Railbike Adventure. This innovative tourist attraction fuses two push bikes together on a former rail line. You simply pedal; there’s no steering and you can’t fall off.

Arguably everyone’s favourite Gisborne hangout is Rere Rockslide, a naturally-formed slide that speedsters can skid down on a boogie board or inflatable, and just 2km further is the spellbinding Rere Waterfall. Should you forget your bodyboard, there’s usually a skip full of discarded ones.

If you're in Gizzy over Labour Weekend, don't miss the annual Wine & Food Festival. Wise types buy their tickets in advance!

Villa Maria, Gisborne

nzwine.com

ABOVE MAIN IMAGE: Villa Maria, Gisborne © nzwine.com

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels