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From mountain roads and coastal highways to compact city streets, getting around Tairāwhiti is part of the
adventure. Whether you’re flying into Gisborne Airport, hiring a car, or tackling the Auckland to Gisborne
drive, there’s no wrong way to explore this region. If you’ve ever found yourself googling where is Gisborne,
you’ll find it tucked on the eastern edge of the North Island - sunrise central and the perfect launchpad for
East Coast adventures.
If you're short on time, grab the Visitor Guide here and hit the road. Otherwise, scroll on for the local
wayfaring lowdown - wheels, wings, and wanderings included.
Multiple daily flights from Auckland and Wellington make getting here easy-peasy. The flight here is always
spectacular, and you’ll feel at home as soon as the wheels touch down. Gisborne Airport is just a five-minute
drive from town, with car hire and taxis available on arrival. Prior booking is recommended.
If you’ve never driven into Tairāwhiti, you’re in for something special. The journey is half the story - flanked by
rugged ranges and sweeping coastline, the drive in is an experience all of its own. Can you really say you’ve
been to Gisborne if you haven’t arrived by road at least once?
Check Waka Kotahi for up-to-date road conditions before you travel.
Tairāwhiti is made for life on four wheeled wakas. With wild coastlines, empty beaches, and open skies,
exploring by camper or motorhome gives you the freedom to stay close to the action - or disappear for a
while. But it’s not a free-for-all. Freedom camping is permitted in some places, but not all, so check local signage
and Council guidelines before settling in. There are also plenty of camper-friendly options, from DOC sites
and coastal campgrounds to local gems where you can park up, meet the locals, and wake up to the sound of
the sea.
With its walkable city centre, nearby beaches, and short distances between key spots, Gisborne is simple to
get around. Most attractions are just minutes apart, whether you’re heading from the airport to town, the CBD
to the surf, or café-hopping along the waterfront. In fact, the locals say everywhere is no more than ten
minutes. That includes rush ‘hour’.
The East Cape’s beauty lies in its remoteness - winding roads, laid-back coastal towns, and horizon for days.
There’s no big-name public transport out here, but a few trusty local operators can help you get from A to B
(or at least somewhere close).