Gisborne

New Zealand’s most easterly city and least discovered tourist destination makes an ideal location for a get-away from it all holiday.

Gisborne is New Zealand’s most easterly city. Situated on the North Island’s East Cape, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Gisborne is in fact the world’s most easterly city, and is the first to welcome the dawn of each new day. The city is also one of New Zealand’s most remote and most undiscovered tourist destinations. It enjoys a warm dry climate, and the surrounding region has a flourishing horticulture and viticulture industry.

Maori have long inhabited the land around Gisborne. It was also here that Captain James Cook first set foot on New Zealand soil in 1769. Maori continue to heavily populate the region, making it an attractive destination for those interested in the Maori culture.

The city of Gisborne has several attractive gardens and beaches. Nearby Kaiti beach commemorates Captain Cook’s first steps in New Zealand with an obelisk and a cannon from his ship, the Endeavour. The city has other sites of historic interest, such as Wyllie Cottage built in 1872. Poho-o-Rawiri, a beautifully carved Maori meetinghouse is worthy of a visit for those interested in Maori culture, as is the Museum and Arts Centre.

The surrounding area is one of New Zealand’s major wine making areas and there are an abundance of wineries where visitors can enjoy tastings and tours.