Free Things to Do in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Written by Real Travellers, Not Algorithms
You don’t have to blow a whole lot of cash to have a good time in Tairāwhiti Gisborne. The city in Eastland has many attractions, from its awesome beachfront to its rich culture and history, so finding free things to do in Gisborne is a breeze. Check out some of the highlights in this guide of free and cheap things to do in Gisborne.
Experiencing the tastes, history, culture and scenery is either free or extremely affordable. Much of the city’s highlights can be found on foot, saving you money on transport.
Plus, the museums, quirky art-house cinemas, cideries and breweries let you experience them for well under NZ$20!
If you plan to travel further afield in the Gisborne and Eastland region, be sure to check out the 10 Pacific Coast Highway Walks You Can’t Miss and The Guide to Gisborne on a Budget.
Side note: Our recommendations are from travel writers who have genuinely visited Gisborne, not copied or generated by AI. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us!
Table of Contents
1. Walk Along the Town Beach Walkway – FREE
The waterfront in Gisborne is a favourite place for locals, and for good reason! Follow the Gisborne Riverbank and Town Beach Walkway to watch waves and surfers, see the white cliffs of Young Nick’s Head in the distance, and see historic memorials along the way.
You can make this walk as long or short as you like, as there are plenty of entry/exit points.
Otherwise, start the Taruheru River at the end of Grey Street and follow the pathway to the beachfront boardwalk.
Find more walks in Gisborne in our 10 Gisborne Walks You Can’t Miss.
Location: Gisborne Waterfront.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Watch the Sunrise from the “First City” – FREE
Thanks to our world’s time zones, Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the new day. Mark this momentous occasion by heading to one of Gisborne’s easterly-facing beaches, either Wainui, Makorori or Okitu) to watch the sunrise.
We recommend walking to the vantage point on the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve Walk at Makorori, not only for the attractive native bush setting but for the best view of the sunrise.
Location: Wainui Beach, Makorori Beach or Okitu Beach.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Visit the Tairāwhiti Museum – CHEAP
Take a glance into the portal of Gisborne’s past, from early Polynesian settlers to the surfing culture of today. Tairāwhiti is the Māori name for the Gisborne area, so expect to see treasures and relics of the Eastland region.
At just NZ$5 for a visitor entry fee, it’s worth it to see the awesome Māori artefacts, climb into the wheelhouse of a ship, and learn about the place where the first Europeans stepped onto New Zealand.
Location: 10 Stout Street, Gisborne.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Hike Up to the Kaiti Hill Lookout – FREE
Everyone loves a good view, and the best one in Gisborne is on Kaiti Hill (also called Titirangi or Titirangi Domain). This 35 ha (86 acres) reserve, just 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the city centre, offers multiple options to reach the top.
Whether you choose to walk, bike or drive up Kaiti Beach Road, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Poverty Bay, the Turanganui & Taruheru Rivers, logging ships, the Pacific Ocean, and Gisborne itself.
Once at the lookout, near the Captain Cook monument, you can access a number of walks around the domain. Some tracks are steep, but there are also more gentle graded paths. The hilltop also features picnic areas and native bush, perfect for a scenic break.
Find out more in the 10 Gisborne Walks You Can’t Miss.
Location: Kaiti Hill accessed via Kaiti Beach Road or Ranfurly Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Have a Unique Movie Experience at the Dome Cinema – CHEAP
The Dome Cinema: How should all cinemas be! Relax in an oversized beanbag or on a sofa with a beer or wine in hand.
Showing art films from Tuesdays to Sundays, the Dome Cinema is more than just about the movies.
Hang out in their bar, enjoy the awesome lighting displays, and the staff even help tuck you into your beanbag! Now that’s service!
Showings are an affordable NZ$15 across the board.
Location: 38 Childers Road (Corner of Customhouse Street and Childers Road).
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Go Beer Tasting at the Sunshine Brewery – CHEAP
Gisborne’s Sunshine Brewery has been turning out delicious batch-brewed beer using natural ingredients since 1989, claiming the title of the second-oldest independent brewery in New Zealand.
Pick up one of their great-value tasting trays (but be careful, they are not exactly “tasting” quantities), along with the quirky beer descriptions, which are worth reading.
There are also options to have an easy-going tour of the brewery if you let the staff know you are interested.
Location: 49 Awapuni Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Have Wine at the Gisborne Wine Centre – CHEAP
Yes, Gisborne seems to be dabbling in making all its own alcoholic beverages. Taste some of the region’s finest wines in the beautiful setting of the Gisborne Harbour at the Gisborne Wine Centre.
The centre is perfectly situated by the inner harbour, offering relaxing water views. You can sample a variety of local wines, from whites and reds to bubbles and rosés, at close to cellar-door prices.
For those looking to pair their wine with food, the attached Crawford Road Kitchen provides delicious options. It’s an ideal spot for an evening out without the need to venture far from town.
It’s a great way to experience Gisborne’s wines without the time and expense of full vineyard tours. Whether you’re sharing a tasting or just enjoying a glass, it’s a budget-friendly option for wine enthusiasts.
Location: 50 The Esplanade.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Play Mini-Golf “Gizzy” Style! – CHEAP
It’s a classic holiday game, right?! If you were even to do just one mini-golf in New Zealand, you have to do it in Gisborne!
Hidden around the back of the Gisborne i-SITE is the most Kiwi-themed mini golf you will ever lay your eyes on.
Put your golf ball over surf waves, through “freedom camping spots”, and into the East Cape Lighthouse. At just NZ$6 per person, why not have a round?!
Location: 209 Grey Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Explore Wainui Beach and Headlands – FREE
For a full day’s on-foot adventure, make your way from Gisborne to Wainui Beach via the Gisborne-Wainui Beach Cycle Track & Walkway. This takes about 40 minutes to reach the beautiful Wainui Beach.
From Wainui Beach, walk to the old lighthouse on Tuahine Point or continue 3 km (1.9 mi) along the sandy beach to the beginning of the walks over the Wainui-Makorori headland.
More information on these walks is on the 10 Gisborne Walks You Can’t Miss.
Location: Start from State Highway 35 from the city boundary opposite Watson Park.
© studio tdes10. Enjoy a Road Trip to the Rere Rockslide, Waterfall and Arboretum – FREE/CHEAP
Embark on an adventure-packed day trip that won’t cost you a dime (other than fuel costs)! Just 50 km (31 mi) from Gisborne, the Rere Rockslide awaits with its natural 60 m (197 ft) water slide.
Don’t forget to bring your own bodyboard or airbed for maximum thrills! Right next door, you’ll find the picturesque Rere Falls, perfect for a refreshing splash or a stunning photo op.
While you’re in the area, why not round off your day with a visit to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum? At NZ$18 per adult, it’s a budget-friendly addition to your itinerary. This trio of attractions makes for an unforgettable (and wallet-friendly) Kiwi road trip!
Location: Wharekopae Road, Ngatapa, Gisborne, North Island. Approximately 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Gisborne.
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More Free Things to Do in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
That’s it for our list of cheap and free things to do in Gisborne. For more free attractions nearby, check out the following:
- 10 Natural Attractions to See in Eastland
- 20 Best Things to Do in Gisborne
- The Complete Guide to Gisborne
Finally, for more free stuff, check out the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand.
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 [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
