10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Gisborne 💑 [2024]

Where to Find the Best Accommodations in Gisborne for Couples

Go east and discover the sandy shores, vibrant sunrises and delectable cuisine of Gisborne. A romantic trip to the relaxing sun-soaked city is not complete until you’ve found the right place to stay to set the right tone. Discover some of our top picks, from glamping to boutique B&Bs, with this list of the most romantic accommodations in Gisborne.

For more trip-planning advice, be sure to check out The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to Gisborne and the 10 Romantic Activities in Gisborne for Couples.

1. Matawhero Wines

Stay amongst the vines in a luxury cabin with Matawhero Wines. Just a 10-minute drive out of Gisborne, yet next door to one of the region’s premium cellar doors, this romantic accommodation allows you to enjoy a platter and wine tasting on your own private deck. Villas come in studio and one-bedroom layouts with an ensuite and kitchenette, yet they are all uniquely styled with contemporary elegance. What’s more, a continental breakfast is included in your stay.

Check Matawhero Wines out:

Matawhero Wines on Booking.com

5 Best Romantic Accommodation in Gisborne 💑 [2023]

2. Tatapouri Bay

A unique stay on the coast just outside of Gisborne, Tatapouri Bay offers glamping, cosy cabins and “Zen Cabins” for couples. In between relaxing together in the Finnish sauna, lapping up the views from the spa pool, and indulging in your morning coffee at the container cafe, retreat to your romantic glamping tent kitted out with a plush queen bed and even USB outlets to charge your devices. Alternatively, the Zen Cabins have all you need for a fully private stay with a kitchen and bathroom. Alternatively, the cosy log cabins still set the right tone but are more affordable with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check Tatapouri Bay out:

5 Best Romantic Accommodation in Gisborne

3. Cedar House

Enjoy the tranquillity of a boutique B&B at the Cedar House. Set in the quiet residential suburbs of the city, the B&B is a historic character home with just four guest rooms all decorated with elegance to enhance the historic charm without sacrificing modern living. Be treated to a continental breakfast in the dining room each morning, while hot drinks and complimentary refreshments are always available. Book yourselves in for an in-room couples’ massage or do a few laps in the outside swimming pool to cool off in summer. See more upscale stays like this in the 9 Best Luxury Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check Cedar House out:

Cedar House on Booking.com

4. Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel

A well-located and well-maintained motel just moments away from Gisborne’s main beach, Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel offers a romantic yet convenient stay for couples. It’s one of the very few accommodations in Gisborne where you can enjoy an absolute beachfront location and watch “the first sunrise” across the Pacific Ocean from your glass sliding doors. There are older to more recently renovated apartments available with private kitchens, bathrooms and spacious living areas.

Check Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel out:

5. Portside Hotel – Heritage Collection

For the discerning couple, you can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel by the Heritage Collection. The Portside Hotel offers romantic river and ocean views from their luxurious suites. The well-appointed studio suites are the best option for couples with each room boasting conveniences like a kitchenette. When you’re not basking in the ocean views from your suite’s windows or balcony, make use of the on-site lap pool and keep in shape at the fitness centre. See how this hotel compares with others in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Gisborne.

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6. The Quarters Ocean-View Chalet

Perched on the hills behind Okitu Beach, The Quarters Ocean-View Chalet offers one of the most romantic holiday homes in the Gisborne area. Ideal for couples, this high-roof chalet has everything you need for a convenient stay, such as a kitchen, laundry machines and WiFi, while the added luxuries of the sun-filled studio with floor-to-ceiling windows offer a glorious touch. Breakfast is an optional extra. Check out more stays with excellent kitchen facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check The Quarters Ocean-View Chalet out:

The Quarters Ocean-View Chalet on Booking.com

7. Russell Street

For couples seeking a more affordable stay in Gisborne, choose one of the city’s affordable guesthouses/homestay accommodations. Russell Street is of such and offers a large queen studio room with a generous breakfast included. The secure and private accommodation has a number lock to access the building and on-site parking, while welcome features inside the studio include free WiFi, a TV, an ensuite bathroom and a small kitchenette with breakfast-making essentials. For stays ideal for couples on a budget, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check Russell Street out:

Russell Street on Booking.com

8. Two Palms

An alternative guesthouse stay which is closer to town and highly rated for couples, Two Palms is a romantic accommodation in Gisborne well worth considering. Just a three-minute walk from the beach, this guesthouse/homestay offers the entire upstairs for you in a studio layout including a large king bed, an ensuite bathroom, a lounge area with a TV featuring streaming services, and even a private balcony with a barbecue. A cute wee breakfast is also included in your stay.

Check Two Palms out:

Two Palms on Booking.com

9. Senator Motor Inn

Romantic views can be enjoyed from the Senator Motor Inn, overlooking the Turanganui River and the Esplanade Marina. A top choice for the mature couple, each of the motel units has its own private balcony and features a mix of contemporary and classic decor. Units are super spacious, as are the ensuite bathrooms with easy-access showers. Either make your own meals in your private kitchen or walk to the nearby cafes for breakfast or the Gisborne Wine Centre just over the river for lunch and dinner.

Check Senator Motor Inn out:

10. White Heron Motor Lodge

One of Gisborne’s upmarket motels, White Heron Motor Lodge is a popular pick for couples! The motel is conveniently close to the city centre, making it easy to explore the city, while the modern and tastefully furnished studios and one-bedroom units provide a comfortable stay even for the fussiest travellers. Most units have a king spa bath, should you need pampering, as well as a kitchenette to prepare a romantic night in together. For more motel stays to choose from, check out the 10 Best Motels in Gisborne.

Check White Heron Motor Lodge out:

More Romantic Accommodations in Gisborne

That’s it for our list of the best romantic accommodations in Gisborne. For more places to stay, as well as things to do, check out these recommendations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Romantic Getaway & Honeymoon Guide to Gisborne.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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