Gisborne

Upon stepping off your tender at Gisborne’s inner harbour or disembarking from a smaller vessel at the Eastland Port wharves, you will find yourself in a functional but accessible maritime environment rather than a restricted industrial zone. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk, you can access the Gisborne Wine Centre located right at the wharf, providing immediate opportunities for local tastings. The area features a scenic riverside walkway directly across from the tender landing, and a short stroll along the waterfront leads you toward the “real” statue of Captain Cook at The Cut and the beginning of Waikanae Beach. While a shuttle is often provided to the i-SITE Visitor Centre on Grey Street, the compact nature of the port allows you to realistically walk straight into the city centre’s main shopping and dining areas on Gladstone Road within about 10 minutes.

• Walkability: Gisborne has a very compact and walkable city centre with generally flat terrain, making it easy to explore the main streets and waterfront on foot. Most central attractions, cafes, and the inner harbour are within a 10 to 15-minute walk of each other.
• Public Transport: Local bus services are limited and typically operate only on weekdays during business hours. You can pay your fare in cash directly to the driver; there is currently no requirement for a specific region-wide transit card for casual users, though multi-ride tickets may be available for purchase.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis are the most reliable way to get around if you are travelling beyond the city centre or to the airport. Several local companies like Gisborne Taxis and Sun City Taxis operate in the area, and while rideshare options are emerging, it is often best to book a taxi by phone or find one at a designated stand.

Gisborne uses the Bee Card for local bus travel, which you can purchase or top up at the HB Williams Memorial Library or the Council’s customer service counter; however, cash is still accepted for one-way fares if you do not have a card.

New Zealand has very strict biosecurity laws, so you must declare or dispose of all fresh food, fruit, meat, and plants before going ashore; failing to declare risk items on your Arrival Card can result in an instant $400 NZD fine.

Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand as service charges are included in the price, though a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated for exceptional service.

All displayed prices in shops and restaurants already include New Zealand’s 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), so the price you see on the tag or menu is the final amount you pay.

• The Must-Dos
  • Visit Tairāwhiti Museum to explore the region’s rich Māori and maritime history, including the restored C Company House and the Star of Canada shipwreck recovery.
  • Take a stroll along Waikanae Beach, the city’s premier swimming and surfing spot, located just a short walk from the town centre.
  • Savour a glass of local Chardonnay at one of the boutique cellar doors near the city, as Gisborne is famously known as the Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand.
• Best Free/Low-Cost Activity
  • Walk up to the Titirangi (Kaiti Hill) Lookout for spectacular panoramic views of Poverty Bay, the city, and the white cliffs of Young Nick’s Head.
  • Pay your respects at the Captain Cook Statue and the Puhi Kai Iti / Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve, where the first meeting between Māori and Europeans took place in 1769.
  • Explore the botanical beauty of the Gisborne Botanical Gardens, featuring a diverse collection of native and exotic plants along the Taruheru River.
• Local Hidden Gem
  • Experience the Rere Rock Slide, a natural 60-metre long limestone waterslide where locals use boogie boards to zip down into a refreshing swimming hole.
  • Walk the Oneroa Cycleway and Walkway, a scenic coastal path that offers a quieter way to experience the rugged beauty of the Tairāwhiti coastline away from the main tourist hubs.
  • Visit the Sunshine Brewery to taste small-batch craft beers in a relaxed, local setting that captures the laid-back spirit of the East Coast.

Cruise passengers arriving in Gisborne can find free Wi-Fi directly at the port, which has a service ready for visitor use. In the city center, which is a short 5 to 10-minute walk from the wharf, the HB Williams Memorial Library offers free, secure 24/7 Wi-Fi (APNK Library) and public computers. Another reliable option is the Gisborne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre on Grey Street, which provides a free hotspot that is accessible even when the center is closed. Many local cafes in the CBD also offer free Wi-Fi with a purchase, and major retailers like The Warehouse provide internet access for customers.

For ships docking at the Port of Gisborne, the most convenient pharmacy is Pharmacy Three Rivers, located at 75 Customhouse Street, which is approximately a 12-15 minute walk (1.1 km) from the wharf. For major supermarkets, Woolworths Gisborne is located on Carnarvon Street, about a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) from the port. Alternatively, Pak’nSAVE Gisborne on Gladstone Road and New World Gisborne on Customhouse Street are both within a 5-minute taxi or rideshare trip from the terminal area.