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3 night winter escape
to Tairāwhiti
Time
4 Days
Highlights
Beachfront accommodation
First light of the day
Local produce & wines
Dive Tatapouri
Tolaga Bay
Dome Cinema
Proximity
From Auckland: 494km
From Hamilton: 376km
From Wellington: 534km
Looking for the perfect winter getaway? New Zealand’s East Coast is the perfect place to escape for a couple of days over the winter months, it’s crisp, but not freezing, the sunrises and sunsets are just as magical, and the locals are warm, friendly and ready to show you around!
We’ve put together a dream winter itinerary, full of amazing Gisborne hospitality options, sightseeing activities, and some unforgettable experiences.
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
Check in to Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation. Located approximately 12 minutes from Gisborne’s town centre, Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation is a laidback, family-friendly beachfront accommodation. We highly recommend booking the Zen Cabins, Tiny Villa’s or the Tiny house – not only will you have front row seats to the most epic sunrises in the country, but you’ll also have access to the outdoor spa – perfect for a winter’s evening!
Tip: book the spa ahead to ensure you get the time you want (extra tip: we highly recommend booking for sunset – we get some epic sunsets here too!).
Day 2
Sunrise at Wainui Beach
A trip to the East Coast wouldn’t be complete without an early wake up to catch the sunrise. There are plenty of spots to sit any enjoy the first rays for the day (including from your bed in the Zen Cabin), but one of the best spots is at Wainui Beach – just a 10-minute drive from Tatapouri Bay. Grab some blankets and a thermos with some coffee (or grab one from Okitu Store which opens at 7am in winter), throw in the surfboard if you’re that way inclined (Wainui is also the best place to catch a wave or two) and take it all in!
Breakfast at Zephyr, Wainui Beach
Zephyr Wainui is a plant-based café and grocer; their menu is full of tasty options, including house-made granola, breakfast burritos, bagels, smoothie bowls, great coffee and amazing sweet treats!
Farmers Market
Even on a winter’s day, the Gisborne Farmers Market shines. Held every Saturday morning from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm, the popular Gisborne Farmers Market is on come rain or shine. You can find them on the corner of Stout and Fitzherbert streets, across from the Tairāwhiti Museum. From macadamia nut butters to real raw honey, locally roasted coffee and live music this is your chance to meet the makers of some finest food and beverage your taste buds will ever know.
Lunch at Sunshine Brewery
If you didn’t fill up on treats at the Farmers Market, head down to Sunshine Brewery for some pizza or bar snacks. The taproom is open daily from 12pm and there are over 20 Sunshine beers on tap, as well as a great range of local Gisborne wines and ciders.
Dive Tatapouri
Spend the afternoon back in Tatapouri Bay where you can take part in an interactive marine experience with stingrays and other sea life. The Dive Tatapouri tour allows you to join their guides at low tide to observe up close stingrays, eagle rays and other marine life – it’s a must-do activity when visiting Gisborne.
Explore Gisborne’s shops
Fancy a spot of shopping? Gisborne is home to a range of designer fashion stores, handmade jewellery & vintage treasures. Be sure to spend some time exploring all that is on offer.
Dinner at Crawford Road Kitchen
With views over the harbour enjoying the stunning Gisborne sunset, Crawford Rd Kitchen is a must do for any visit to Gisborne. With an extensive wine, cocktail and beer menu you are sure to be well looked after for that late afternoon drink or special celebration dinner. The seasonal local menu offers a variety of amazing sharing style options sure to please all.
Day 3
Sleep in! You’re on holiday, after all.
Breakfast at Flagship Eatery
When you’re ready to tackle the day, head to Flagship Eatery in the heart of Gisborne for a well-deserved brunch. Flagship prides itself on serving an array of delectable dishes made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Drive to Tolaga Bay
Take a Sunday drive north on the famous SH35 to Tolaga Bay; located approximately 45 minutes from Gisborne, Tolaga Bay is packed full of history, heritage, arts and culture. While you’re there, we highly recommend exploring the Cooks Cove Walkway – a 5.8km (return) walk over to Cooks Cove – a sheltered inlet offering up great views.
Also not to be missed is the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf; opened in 1929, it is a Category One Heritage NZ site, and New Zealand’s longest wharf at 660m long! It takes about an hour and a half to walk to the end and back and is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Fancy learning more about the local history of Tolaga bay? Book a tour with Tipuna Tours and be blown away by the stories of the region.
Happy hour at Siduri Wine Bar
Siduri Wine Bar & Deli is a welcoming haven in Gisborne, a region celebrated for its exceptional vineyards. This charming establishment caters to the city's love for organic and biodynamic wines from around the world and is a delightful place to enjoy good food and great wine.
Catch a movie at Dome Bay and Cinema
This is the perfect place to settle in on a crisp winter night! Grab a glass of red and a pizza and enjoy some good old-fashioned entertainment – you’ll enjoy the old elegance and romance of the Dome Cinema which we call New Zealand’s best cinema experience.
Day 4
All good things must come to an end. Pack your bags and head home with a belly full of good food and many memories to last a lifetime (or at least until your next visit!).
