• Can I travel to the Tairāwhiti region?
• Is it safe to visit the Tairāwhiti region?
• How can I get to Tairāwhiti?
• When should I plan to visit Tairāwhiti?
• Is accommodation available?
• I have booked a holiday in the Tairāwhiti region in the next few weeks. Should I cancel?
• I want to cancel my trip – will I get my money back?
• What is happening with Cruise?
• What support do Tairāwhiti Visitor Economy businesses need right now?
• What effect will the water crisis have if I choose to visit?

Q. Can I travel to the Tairāwhiti region?

Tairāwhiti is open for business but we encourage all potential travellers, including those keen to check on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions.

Gisborne Airport is open. Roads are reopening, and bypass routes are being worked on. Please check Waka Kotahi for the most up-to-date information on the roading network.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Tairāwhiti.  

Q. Is it safe to visit the Tairāwhiti region?

Some roads in and around the region remain closed, while others are designated for essential/critical workers only. Please check Waka Kotahi for further information and follow instructions, including when essential travel-only applies.  Areas impacted by flooding may be contaminated by silt, which contains contaminants that could be harmful.

Q. How can I get to Tairāwhiti?

Gisborne Airport is fully operational. Air New Zealand is flying into Gisborne from Auckland and Wellington. They have also opened a temporary service between Gisborne and Napier.

Many roads have reopened, and bypass routes are being worked on. However, please be aware some roads are for essential/critical travel and workers only. Please ensure you take your time and allow for diversions.

Always visit Waka Kotahi before planning your journey.

Many of our rural roads are also closed or have restricted access. Visit Gisborne District Council for further information.

Q. When should I plan to visit Tairāwhiti?

We encourage all potential travellers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or contact your accommodation providers and experience operators to confirm current operating conditions before departing for Tairāwhiti.  The operators who can safely open are ready to welcome you.

If you prefer to postpone your visit to Tairāwhiti, we look forward to welcoming you when the time is right.

Q. How many tourism operators have been impacted by the flooding?

Tourism operators look forward to welcoming you. We recommend you contact your accommodation and experience providers directly for the most up to date information about their current operations.

Q. Is accommodation available?

We suggest that if you have a booking for the coming months, you email the accommodation provider to confirm your booking before your travel to the region. We recommend visitors still wanting to visit the region book ahead, ensuring operators can be prepared for your arrival.

Q. I have booked a holiday in the Tairāwhiti region in the next few weeks. Should I cancel?

We encourage all potential travellers, including those keen to check in on family and friends, to book ahead and/or confirm with accommodation providers and experience operators before they arrive.

Your support will be essential to our region's recovery, bringing money into the economy and supporting jobs and businesses. For further updates, please visit Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

Q. What support do Tairāwhiti Visitor Economy businesses need right now?

After three years of dealing with the ups and downs of the Covid pandemic, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, during what ought to be one of our busiest months, the long term effects will be significant. Businesses that cannot trade or have had business severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and/or the subsequent impacts may need financial support to get through. Trust Tairāwhiti is working to advocate on their behalf.

Q. What effect will the water crisis have if I choose to visit?

Gisborne is currently in a water crisis. Our main water pipe has several breaks and damage and will take time to repair. Water is only to be used for short showers, essential washing, and food preparation.  The day-to-day operations of the businesses may vary so please be mindful of this.