Gisborne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach with a rock formation and distant mountains under a purple sky.
Two birds with distinctive blue eyes and yellow beaks, surrounded by similar birds in a natural setting.
A beach with people walking and carrying surfboards, surrounded by mountains.
A coastal port with a large cargo ship docked, a breakwater, and a backdrop of mountains and a small town.
A large tree with a street lamp in a park during sunset.

Our guide on where to stay in Gisborne

Find the best Gisborne areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gisborne
Learn more about Gisborne
A white car parked on grass next to a tent by a body of water with hills in the background.
Photo by Hallie Smyth
Open Photo by Hallie Smyth

Gisborne Central

If you're spending some time in Gisborne Central, Toihoukura School of Contemporary Art and Gisborne Botanic Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

A beach with waves, mountains, and a clear sky.

Wainui

Wainui is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Wainui Beach and Okitu Beach while in the area.

A coastal landscape with a clear view of the sea, a small island, and a distant mountain range under a partly cloudy sky.
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Open Photo by Natalie Robinson

Kaiti

While visiting Kaiti, you might make a stop by sights like Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House and Kaiti Hill.

A coastal landscape with mountains, a clear blue sea, and a forested area.

Te Hapara

When in Te Hapara, you can plan a visit to Midway Beach and Tairawhiti Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Whataupoko

While there might not be top attractions in Whataupoko, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Tairawhiti Museum and Gisborne Botanic Gardens.

Emerald Hotel

Emerald Hotel

4.5 out of 5
13 Gladstone Road,Gisborne 4040 Gisborne
The price is NZ$170 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
NZ$170
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Gisborne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very good! (868 reviews)
"Good location, clean room and spacious"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2026

Emerald Hotel
Captain Cook Motor Lodge

Captain Cook Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
31 Awapuni Rd, Waikanae Beach Gisborne
The price is NZ$154 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
NZ$154
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Gisborne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Captain Cook Motor Lodge
Portside Hotel

Portside Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Reads Quay Gisborne
The price is NZ$224 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
NZ$224
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Gisborne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (451 reviews)
"Price was a bit on thd high side for what you got. No Sky TV had to find somewhere else to watch the Rugby Test match."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Portside Hotel
See all 84 properties in Gisborne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Portside Hotel

Portside Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Reads Quay Gisborne
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Gisborne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (451 reviews)
"Price was a bit on thd high side for what you got. No Sky TV had to find somewhere else to watch the Rugby Test match."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Portside Hotel
Whispering Sands Motel

Whispering Sands Motel

3 out of 5
22 Salisbury Rd Gisborne Gisborne
Stay at this beach apartment in Gisborne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Waikanae Beach and Sunshine Brewing Company ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"What a lovely spot 10/10 , Jaki was very lovely to deal with at reception, room was very clean tidy & decor was awesome , would definitely recommend a stay."

Reviewed on 24 May 2026

Whispering Sands Motel
Matawhero Wines

Matawhero Wines

3 out of 5
186 Riverpoint Road, Gisborne Gisborne
Stay at this holiday home in Gisborne. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Matawhero Wines and Bushmere Estate are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Well appointed clean, modern room with everything you need for a stay. Comfy bed! Very friendly and welcoming staff. Generoua breakfast supplies provided. We loved sitting on the deck enjoying the wine as the sun went down and doing a sunrise walk amongst the vines with our dog. Will definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

Matawhero Wines
See all properties in Gisborne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Gisborne attractions

Wainui Beach

8.8/10 (6 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Wainui Beach during your trip to Gisborne? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
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