Gisborne

Gisborne, Eastland is the first city in the world to see the sun each day! It boasts some of the best surf beaches in the country and the fly-fishing is world class. Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian migration canoes landed and where Captain Cook made his first landfall. Maori life is evident is every settlement you see. There are carved meeting houses, beautifully painted churches and conversations in Te Reo. There is also a great selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, a number of which are situated in the vibrant harbour overlooking Gisborne's picturesque wharf.

Gisborne provides the perfect base from which to explore in your rental car some of New Zealand's great treasures, including Te Urewera National Park, Mt Hikurangi, The Pacific Coast Highway, Eastwood Hill Aboretum, Lake Waikarimoana, and Mahia Peninsula. The landscape, coastal and inland, is untamed and wild. You can lose yourself in the hills and valleys, and renew your inner peace on the beautifully natural beaches.
Known as the 'chardonnay capital of New Zealand' Gisborne produces premium white wines. Visit Gisborne's Wine & Food Festival in October each year - rent a car and make the most of Labour Weekend in this diverse town.