Romantic Getaways and Honeymoons in Gisborne
The relaxing ambience, breathtaking coastal scenery and warm dry climate make Gisborne the ultimate place to honeymoon or take a romantic retreat. Better yet, most international visitors don’t know about it or don’t have time to visit, leaving more of the beautiful beaches, romantic accommodations and indulgent restaurants to you. Whether you’re the type of couple who love active adventures or you’d rather sip on locally-produced wines, there’s something to suit all in Gisborne.
So, plan a romantic trip to remember with this complete honeymoon guide to Gisborne.
Things to Do in Gisborne for Couples
- Hit the coastal railway on a tandem railbike adventure
- Take a romantic road trip to the coastal haven of the Mahia Peninsula
- Learn something new together like surfing
- Snuggle up in a beanbag while watching a movie at the Dome Cinema
- Visit the romantic Rere Waterfall and Eastwoodhill Arboretum
- Do some stargazing on a special astronomy tour
- Taste Gisborne’s wines, craft beers and ciders
- Smell the flowers at the Botanical Garden
- Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner along the riverside
- Watch the first sunrise together.
For elaboration on each experience, take a look at the 10 Romantic Activities in Gisborne for Couples.
Romantic Adventure Activities
Couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures in and around Gisborne. Some of the most romantic experiences include railbiking! That’s right, The Gisborne Railbike Adventure has made special tandem cycles that allows couples to peddle side-by-side on a coastal railway between Gisborne and Wairoa. There is 90km (59 miles) of railway to enjoy, which are broken up into three different ride options incorporating bushclad valleys, tunnels, farmland and expansive ocean views.
Speaking of coastal journeys, if you’d rather do a self-guided tour, take a road trip to the Mahia Peninsula. The golden sands, quaint villages and coastal landscape effortlessly set the scene for romance, so check out the 11 Mahia Peninsula Must-Dos and plan your trip.
On a clear night, simply lying back with your loved one and gazing at the southern hemisphere stars is a romantic experience. Enhance it further with a stargazing tour with Gisborne Astro Tours, located in Patutahi away from any light pollution. Your astronomer guide will show you some of the rare celestial targets only seen from New Zealand’s latitude through a powerful telescope on a roof observatory.
For more inspiration for things to do, such as visiting the Botanical Garden, the romantic Rere Waterfall and Eastwoodhill Arboretum, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Gisborne for Couples.
All-weather Romantic Activities
Despite Gisborne being one of the drier parts of New Zealand, it still has its fair share of rainy days. Don’t let it dampen your honeymoon, as activities like beer, wine and cider tasting will keep you dry while you wet your whistle.
Discover the tastes of the Gisborne wine region at cellar doors, such as the Bushmere Estate, Millton and Matawhero, all offering tasting along with platters and other treats. Alternatively, try a range of wines at the Gisborne Wine Centre in the city centre or opt for beer tasting at the Sunshine Brewery or cider tasting at the Harvest Cidery! Find out more about these foodie experiences in the 9 Things to Do in Gisborne for Foodies.
Strengthen your bond by learning something new together, like surfing! Gisborne is a surfing hotspot, where experienced surfers flock to Wainui Beach while newbies can learn on the safe sandy-bottom waves of Waikanae Beach – the main beach in Gisborne. Couples have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a surf coach, including Surfing with Sarah, Salt Shack Surf School, Gisborne Surf School and Blitz Surf Shop. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about the rain, as you’ll be getting wet anyway.
For more ideas, check out the 10 Things to Do in Gisborne on a Rainy Day.
Romantic Restaurants in Gisborne
Gisborne has many fantastic eateries to impress that special someone, from fine dining on the riverside to casual bistros. Check out some of the best fine dining restaurants in The Luxury Guide to Gisborne.
Other romantic options in Gisborne include Portofino (12 Peel Street) an Italian restaurant using locally-sourced ingredients.
A stunning place to watch the sunset and try Gisborne wines with your loved one is at the Crawford Road Kitchen (Esplanade Inner Harbour) with plates designed to be shared.
For a special trip out of town, head to the Bushmere Arms (673 Matawai Road, Waerenga-a-Hika), a charming historic pub set among flower gardens making for a delightful setting for afternoon tea or dining on New Zealand beef and lamb dishes.
For more recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Gisborne.
Honeymoon Accommodation in Gisborne
- Tatapouri Bay
- Cedar House
- Portside Hotel – Heritage Collection
- Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
- Waikanae Beach Ocean View Apartments
- Senator Motor Inn
- Emerald Hotel
- Marina View Apartments
For more information on our top recommendations, check out the 5 Best Romantic Accommodation in Gisborne.
More About Gisborne
- 10 Awesome Things to Do in Gisborne
- 8 Luxury Activities in Gisborne
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Gisborne
That’s it for our honeymoon guide to Gisborne. You can find even more honeymoon tips in The Honeymoon Guide to New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.