Titirangi Reserve/Kaiti Hill sunrise
Catching a sunrise here in the land of the first light is definitely a rite of passage. Make sure to head to the summit of Titirangi Reserve and be the first in the world to welcome the new day with some panoramic views of Gisborne. Situated on a hilltop above the city, Titirangi was once a pā or fortified village and is an ancestral site of the Ngāti Oneone people with the Te Poho-o-Rāwiri marae at its base.

Gisborne Farmers' Market
Saturday morning delights! Head to the Gisborne Farmers' Market to enjoy the best coffee from local roasters, freshly squeezed orange juice, the best in-season produce, a selection of regional wines, delicious food stalls and unique artisan goods.

Maunga Hikurangi
A visit to Tairāwhiti wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Maunga Hikurangi. Come face to face with nine spectacular Māori whakairo (carvings) representing Māui and Ngāti Porou descendants and experience the history and culture of this place come to life. Sunrise tours (for early birds) and daytime experiences are available and begin from Ruatoria – about a 2-hour drive north of Gisborne.

Tokomaru to Tolaga Bay
There’s plenty of bay hopping to be had along the iconic State Highway 35 on your way back to Gisborne. Tolaga Bay Wharf is New Zealand’s longest wharf at 660 metres in length and is a historic landmark that was once a bustling hive of activity for large coastal trading ships to load and offload goods. Now it’s an excellent spot to dangle a fishing line and enjoy a leisurely stroll. Or if you’re looking for a bit more, Cooks Cove Walkway is another must-do walk in the area. And when hunger strikes, check out Broad Bill’s Uawa Food Trailer – family-owned with legendary oven-fresh pizzas in the middle of paradise. Or head back to Tolaga Bay township for some delicious kai at Aunty’s Café.

Top tip!
There are plenty of places to wine and dine in Gisborne. One of the oldest independent breweries in Aotearoa, Sunshine Brewery is an iconic establishment in the centre of town just around the corner from Waikanae Beach with a laid-back and lively atmosphere. Or head to USSCo Bar & Bistro for an incredible evening enjoying cocktails, fine wines, and a delicious bistro menu in beautiful surrounds.