Gisborne

Gisborne

Gisborne the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti which means: "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water."

Attractions

Gisborne City Vintage Rail have restored this famous steam train first built in 1896. It is the only one of its kind in NZ and with 3 restored carriages and makes for an exciting experience especially for rail enthusiasts. Tairawhiti (Gisborne region) has one of the highest Maori populations in NZ and Maori is very much a daily living culture with many people speaking Maori. The descendants of the Maori people who met Cook in 1769 still live in the same area as they did when he first arrived. There is the opportunity to experience authentic Maori welcome and culture, visit superbly carved marae and listen to history from the Maori perspective. Visit Te Poho O Rawiri Marae or Whangara Marae (where they filmed Whale Rider) with cultural history guided tours. Gisborne is the home of Montana Wines the largest winery in New Zealand and also The Millton Vineyard famed internationally for it’s organic wines. Visits and tastes are available. A picturesque drive (30 minutes) from Gisborne city to Eastwoodhill Arboretum, a world-renowned tree collection set in a park like setting with hills, valleys, ponds and formal gardens.

Shopping

Gisborne's main street is an easy 10 minute flat walk from where the cruise ship would dock. Walk past the inner harbour marina, cafe's, fishing club and wharf market. Alternatively free shuttles are available. Gisborne would feature special local arts, crafts and indigenous carvings to welcome our visitors.

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$).

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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