Tairāwhiti Gisborne Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
Pitch up under the stars or roll in for a classic Kiwi campground experience in Gisborne and beyond.
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The Perfect Labour Weekend in Tairāwhiti
Time
3 Days
Highlights
Beachfront accommodation
First light of the day
Gisborne Farmers Market
The Longline Classic
Gisborne Food & Wine Festival
Proximity
From Auckland: 494km / 1 hr flight
From Hamilton: 376km
From Wellington: 534km / 1 hr flight
Labour Weekend is the unofficial start of summer and the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway to Tairāwhiti Gisborne!
Check out our three-day Labour Weekend itinerary - it's packed full of world class events, sightseeing and some epic beachfront accommodation. Time to start booking!
Getting here: Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a 1-hour direct flight from Auckland and Wellington, or if you’re coming by car, we’re 3 hours’ drive north from the Hawke’s Bay or just 2hr 15mins from Whakatāne via the Waioeka Gorge.
Day 1
Arrive & Check in
There's plenty of great accommodation options in the Tairāwhiti Gisborne region. Whether you’re here for events, wine, the waves, or just a good long weekend, Gisborne's got you covered when it comes to places to stay.
Sometimes it’s the mismatched mugs, or the sourdough-baking, vinyl-spinning host that makes a stay memorable. Other times, it’s the crisp sheets, the ocean view, or a quiet spot tucked into the hills.
From design-led lodges and eco-retreats to beach baches, back-country getaways, and laid-back holiday parks, there’s something here to match your pace, your style, and your story. Wherever you land, you’ll find it’s easygoing, full of heart, and grounded in the spirit of Tairāwhiti.
Day 2
Wake up early to catch one of the famous Gizzy sunrises - check out some of the best places to see the first light of the day.
Fuel Up! Grab a hearty brunch and coffee from one of the cafes in and around Gisborne, here's a couple of our suggestions,
- Zephyr Wainui: Plant-based cafe serving wholefood meals and hot drinks at Wainui Beach
- Flagship Eatery: Located in the heart of Gisborne town centre, Flagship is a popular brunk spot for locals and visitors alike
- Curbside Kitchen: if you're a fan of doughnuts, you don't want to miss a trip to Curbside Kitchen! Their amazing baked goods are the perfect accompaniment with your coffee.
- Gisborne Farmers Market: Be sure to take a stroll through the Gisborne Farmers Market and sample a range of local goodies from around the region.
Looking for morning activities before the festivities begin?
For a totally unique experience, jump on one of Gisborne Railbike Adventures' tandem railbikes and explore some of the 90km of scenic coastal railway between Gisborne and Wairoa. No balancing or steering required!
And it wouldn't be a trip to Gisborne without dipping your toe in the ocean! We've got some pretty great surf breaks along the coast that experienced surfers will be excited to get amongst, but if you're more of a novice, or keen to learn how to surf, grab a lesson with one of the surf schools. Find out more about surfing in Gisborne.
Soak up the sun and sounds at The Longline Classic
Setting a longline is a quintessential part of the kiwi summer and is best served with cold drinks, good music and great company. Located at the iconic Gisborne Soundshell, The Longline Classic marks the unofficial start to summer and is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Gisborne Soundshell
Tickets: Purchase your tickets here
Day 3
Take it slow
It is a long weekend, after all! Have a sleep in or get into the ocean for a freshen up!
Make the most of the long weekend and take the opportunity to sample some of our region's finest wine and food at this iconic festival. Split across two fabulous wineries - TW Wines and Matawhero Wines - the First Light Wine & Food Festival is a treat for wine lovers. Both wineries will have a selection of wines on offer, including chardonnay, rose, chardonnay viognier, merlot, malbec, and many others that showcase the beautiful flavours of Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Aside from great food and wine, there will be music and entertainment at both venues, and buses to transport you between Matawhero and TW Wines.
Time: 12pm (venues open)
Location: Matawhero Wines and TW Wines
Tickets: purchase your tickets here
Walk it off
Finish off a weekend of snacking and indulging with a cruisy beach walk before heading home. There's plenty of beautiful beaches dotted along the coastline, so this is a great opportunity to explore a little more of Tairāwhiti.
