From the land of the first light, kia ora, welcome.
We invite you to discover our unique corner of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Tairāwhiti means "the coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Which is apt since, in summer months, we are the first in the world to see the sun.
Find things to see and do
What's happening in Tairawhiti Gisborne?
Surf reports
Photo of the week
Our Stories
The unique story of how macadamias flourished here
There aren't many places in the world where you can down tools for an hour, drop a line in the sea, and hopefully catch some dinner.....
A Wellington couple couldn't resist
Six years after moving from Wellington, Steve King and Jo Pewhairangi have no intention of moving back.
From Spain with love
How two Spanish scientists fell in love, with Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Upcoming Events
View All Events
Te Hā 1769 - 2019 Sestercentennial
Join us at the ‘Cut’ for a ceremony to launch the opening of the Te Hā Commemoration Events Programme.
Summerfest Gisborne
Take advantage of the long summer weekends and enjoy 20 sun, sand and surf based events crammed into 3 sun-drenched weeks offering festival-goers an unparalleled summer experience!
Worldwide NZ Film Premier - Broken
Be among the first in New Zealand to see the powerful new Kiwi film at the Worldwide NZ Film Premier of Broken - The Movie in sunny Tairawhiti Gisborne!
How to get here
Tairāwhiti Gisborne is located on the east coast of the North Island. Secluded and original, it’s also easy to get here! By plane, it’s an hour’s flight aboard Air New Zealand from either Wellington or Auckland (both offer up to five flights a day). Check out the deals using the booking form on this page.
By car, it’s a six-hour drive from either Wellington or Auckland (both taking State Highway 2). Or just 3.5 hours from Tauranga, 2.5 from Napier and four from Taupo.
From Opotiki, Bay of Plenty you have two options: take the shorter drive through the magnificent Waioeka Gorge.
Or if you’re looking for an epic road-trip, you can take Highway 35, which is also part of the Pacific Coast Highway.
You can do this in one day but with so much to linger over, you should take all the time you need.
