The Honeymoon Guide to Gisborne

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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.

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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.

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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.