First to See the Sun, Best Place to Get Things Done

Aotearoa New Zealand would like to welcome you to your newest shared working space here in Tairāwhiti Gisborne. With a laid-back coastal vibe, stunning beaches, and a welcoming community, Gisborne is the perfect place to find a relaxed work-life balance while traveling in Aotearoa New Zealand. Work from beachfront cafés, take scenic walks between meetings and enjoy an authentic off-the-beaten-path Kiwi experience.

Why Gisborne? 

Whether you’re chasing adventure, looking to meet new people, or just a sunny spot to work from, you’ll find it in Gisborne. In fact, we have over 8,000 square kilometres of office space and facilities that we’d love to share with you. We want to share our culture with you and welcome you into our community. Trade the hustle of the big city for a place where golden beaches, world-class surf, and local produce fuel your day.

Where is Gisborne?  

Gisborne is a coastal city on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, about a six-hour drive from Auckland or a one-hour flight from both Auckland and Wellington. As the first city in the world to see the sunrise, no matter where your head office is located, you’ll always be the first one online. Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a place where you’ll find an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, with laid-back, welcoming people who are deeply connected to Māori culture.

Where to work? 

Set up at a beachfront picnic table, settle into a cozy café, or find a sunny spot in a vineyard and let the creativity flow - Tairāwhiti Gisborne is your new shared office.  Local favorites like Tatapouri Bay, Flagship Eatery, and Curbside Kitchen offer great food and a relaxed vibe, while Sunshine Brewery & Matawhero Winery are perfect spots to get your  'creative juices' flowing. We’ve got ‘traditional’ co-working spaces too – reach out to the folks at the RTRO co-working space if you’re looking for a desk that’s not on the beach. 

Where to stay? 

From ocean escapes to cozy cabins, Gisborne has a variety of accommodation options for remote workers. Wake up to stunning views at Whispering Sands, tuck into vineyards at Matawhero Luxury Cabins, or for the eco-chic check out  Tatapouri Bay, where you can work just steps from the sand. Need a stylish, quiet spot? Black House Studio and Hinterland Retreat offer modern comfort with plenty of creative inspiration. For a touch of elegance, Cedar House blends history with boutique charm.

Clock off, Adventure On 

When the workday ends, Gisborne turns it on. Swap your laptop for a surfboard at one of our epic surf breaks, meet wild stingrays on a reef ecology tour at Dive Tatapouri, or pedal the coastline on a Railbike Tour. Explore local history along the Tupapa Heritage Trail, then unwind with cocktails, pizza, and a movie at the bean bag-filled Dome Cinema. Prefer to keep it dry? Keep an eye on Gizzy Local for community events and ways to connect.

As an extra incentive, the first five remote workers to park up in Gisborne get a free surf lesson—just email [email protected] with proof of remote work to claim yours. 

New Zealand's New Digital Nomad Visa: Work from Paradise

As of January 28, 2025, the New Zealand Government updated its visitor visa conditions to welcome remote workers. Now, you can work remotely for an overseas employer or client while travelling in New Zealand on a visitor visa.

Who Can Apply? All visitor visa applicants, including tourists and those visiting family, can now work remotely during their stay.

Duration: Stay and work remotely for up to 90 days, with the possibility to extend up to nine months.

Application Process: Applying is straightforward. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website to submit your application online. The standard visitor visa fee applies, and processing times are typically around 3.5 weeks.