The Luxury Travel Guide to Gisborne

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Luxury Adventure Activities

Embrace the rich culture of Gisborne and discover its stunning surrounds on the premium tours available. For instance, fly by helicopter or do a 4WD tour to Mt Hikurangi to discover the first land of New Zealand to see the sunrise.

Maunga Hikurangi offer a number of ways to experience the sacred mountain, incorporating the legends and history of the local Maori people. Tours depart from Ruatoria, two hours north of Gisborne on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Alternatively, use a more traditional Maori transport method to discover the Gisborne region with Waka Voyager Tairawhiti. Set sail on a double-hulled canoe and learn about Celestial Navigation that the early Maori used to sail to New Zealand, all while seeing the city highlights and landmarks from shore.

And explore the stunning surrounding countryside on a horse riding excursion with Waikeruru Horse Riding Adventures. Their full-day package includes morning tea under a farmhouse verandah before having a short “get to know you” session with your horse in the arena before hitting the trails. Then, it’s a day out among the lush farmland, native bush and along the Waimata River with a picnic, dinner, accommodation and breakfast included.

Dive deeper into the experiences of Gisborne and get more inspiration with our 10 Luxury Activities in Gisborne.

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Luxury All-weather Activities

When the weather isn’t playing ball, which isn’t too often in sunny Gisborne, then you need to wine! Gisborne is surrounded by premium wineries to treat your tastebuds, such as the Bushmere Estate offering wine tastings, coffee and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday.

Enjoy the rustic charm of the Matawhero Wines cellar door with a cool underground cellar and irresistible platters.

Finally, don’t miss Millton Vineyards & Winery open Monday to Friday for wine tastings and platters.

And if you want to taste it all and not travel too far, the Gisborne Wine Centre does just the trick. Just ask for a guided wine tasting to get the full story on the Gisborne wine region or pop in between Tuesday and Saturday to wine and dine.

Pamper yourself at a day spa to wait out rainy Gisborne weather or soothe travel-weary muscles with a rejuvenating treatment. We’re big fans of Ora Day Spa, where you can indulge in kawakawa soaks and therapeutic massages, or the innovative Rest Float Spa & Wellness Centre, featuring float pods, compression boots and infrared saunas for ultimate relaxation.

Escape the unpredictable weather at the Dome Cinema, where luxury meets nostalgia in a beautifully lit historic building. Sink into ultra-cosy beanbags while staff deliver gourmet pizza and wine straight to your seat, creating what might just be New Zealand’s most indulgent cinema experience.

For more all-weather ideas, check out the 10 Things to Do in Gisborne on a Rainy Day.

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Fine Dining in Gisborne

We’ve talked a lot about wining and dining, but it’s kind of the thing to do in Gisborne. Focussing more on the food now, here are some of the finest eateries in Gisborne to be treated to.

For impeccably-presented plates and French-inspired cuisine, try The Marina Restaurant (1 Vogel Street). The riverside restaurant menu consists of the likes of minted pea risotto with feta cheese, fish of the day with chive and potato mash and  Wakanui beef fillet.

A stunning place to watch the sunset and try Gisborne wines is at the Crawford Road Kitchen/Gisborne Wine Centre (Esplanade Inner Harbour) with plates designed to be shared.

A romantic option includes Portofino (12 Peel Street) an Italian restaurant using locally-sourced ingredients.

For more casual fine dining yet still elegant with quality fare, book a table at The Works (41 The Esplanade). Enjoy the latest seasonal offerings with something to suit carnivores to vegetarians.

For more recommendations, head over to The Foodie Guide to Gisborne.