From luxury lodges to glamping experiences
Summer in Tairāwhiti feels different. Warm evenings, early sunrises and stays that bring you closer to the coast, the bush and the stories of the East Coast. From luxury lodges to one of a kind glamping, these are some of our favourite places to stay this summer.
Tatapouri Bay
Wake to the sound of the ocean at Tatapouri Bay, a beachfront escape that captures everything special about summer on the East Coast. Long days roll easily into warm evenings here, with sand between your toes and swimming just a few steps from your door. Stay in a coastal cabin, choose a glamping tent or settle into the campground and make the most of life by the sea. As the sun sets, wander along the beach and enjoy the golden light over the bay.
Rangimarie Beachstay ( Anaura Bay)
Perched over the golden sands of Anaura Bay, Rangimarie Cottage is a beautifully designed two-storey beachstay offering a top-floor super-king loft bedroom with private deck and sweeping sunrise views over the Pacific. The ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with curtained bunk beds, while the large tiled bathroom includes double showers (and during winter stays a claw-foot bath). The kitchen is fully equipped, just bring food and drink. linen and cleaning are included, and guests enjoy complimentary WiFi and a BBQ area. With such comfort steps from the beach and bush walks, this is a summer stay where you can truly relax, recharge and immerse yourself in the best of the East Coast.
Mahaanui Farmstay Experience ( Tiniroto)
Mahaanui is your perfect hill-country farm holiday getaway. This off the grid riverside cabin is a peaceful retreat set in beautiful hill country, perfect for couples seeking quiet and simplicity. The sound of the river creates a calming backdrop for slow mornings, freshwater swims and evenings spent watching the light change across the hills. With no distractions and plenty of privacy, it is an inviting place to disconnect from the busy world. Summer here feels restorative and grounding. Mahaanui offers three private options: a River Cabin Retreat (completely off the grid for two), the Cottage, which sleeps up to 8, and the quarters which is perfect for small groups.
Stranded in Paradise ( Tokomaru Bay)
Stranded in Paradise is for travellers wanting stunning views and to discover the raw beauty of the East Cape. Surrounded by untouched coastline, wild headlands and clear night skies, it offers a sense of solitude you do not find often. Summer days are made for swimming in hidden bays and exploring quiet stretches of sand. It is a place to switch off completely and enjoy the simplicity of nature.
Naurea Homestead
Nestled in the wine region just a short drive from Gisborne, Naurea Homestead offers a boutique stay in a beautifully preserved 111-year-old homestead surrounded by gardens and rural peace. Guests can unwind on the verandah with a drink in hand or take a dip in the saltwater pool before exploring nearby cellar doors, arboretums or the coastline. With old-world charm, generous hospitality and space to spread out, it’s a place to slow down, savour summer and feel deeply connected to Tairāwhiti’s history and landscape. Great for small groups, 10max.
The Blackhouse
Overlooking the golden sands of Wainui Beach, the first place in the world to greet the sun each morning, The Blackhouse is a luxury lodge for those looking for seaside indulgence on the East Coast. Set on a working rural station yet just minutes from town, it combines sweeping ocean and countryside views, sleek design and relaxed sophistication. Whether you’re lounging in an open-plan living area by the central fireplace or stepping out for a long summer day at the beach,The Blackhouse invites you to treat yourself and linger longer.
Manutuke Eco Retreat
Just outside Gisborne, Manutuke Eco Retreat is lakeside glamping at its finest, set beside a wetland and designed to immerse you in nature without sacrificing comfort. From the cosy sleeping cabin and semi outdoor bathroom, this is a summer stay made for breathing deeply, listening to birdsong and leaving everyday behind. For those seeking a secluded yet stylish escape in Tairāwhiti, this is a standout place.
Sheldrake B&B ( Whanarua Bay)
Sheldrake B&B offers a quietly luxurious studio stay nestled among native bush with panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. From your deck you’ll be framed by pohutukawa trees and breathe in the salt-air while the early light of the East Coast touches the horizon. The self-contained cottage is sustainably built, pet-friendly and tucked away for peacefulness yet easy enough to reach by road. It’s the kind of place that invites you to pause, step off the grid and let the rhythms of nature set the pace.
Matawhero Luxury Cabins
Set among the vines at Matawhero Winery, these modern studio cabins blend vineyard tranquillity with boutique comfort. Just ten minutes from Gisborne city, each cabin has its own deck overlooking the vines, kitchenette and ensuite. You're right next door to the cellar door for a wine tasting or platter under the summer sun. Whether you’re in for a romantic getaway or a stylish escape, staying here means waking to vine rows and winding down with a glass of local wine on your private deck.
