Wainui Beach Motel

Gisborne - the first city in the world to see the sun each day - is the main city of the Eastland Region (pop 45,000), a vast triangle on the North Island's eastern seaboard which includes the Eastern Bay of Plenty, the East Cape, Gisborne, Mahia Peninsula,Lake Waikaremoana and Te Urewera National Park. The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti which means "the coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Kaiti beach, near the city, was where the Maori immigrational waka, Horouta, landed. It is also the first European landing place in New Zealand; Captain Cook sailed into Poverty Bay in 1769 and came ashore near the mouth of the Turanganui River. European settlement was established in 1831 and the town which developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870. Prior to this the settlement was known as Turanga but confusion with Tauranga led to the name change.

Gisborne is renowned for its warm, sunny weather ... most years boasting the highest annual sunshine hours in the country. An average 65 days each year have a maximum temperature over 24 degrees Celcius! We are famous for our beaches, surfing, fishing ... and wine! They call Gisborne the Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand

City sights and attractions:
The Inner Harbour is a fishing boat wharf and pleasure boat marina featuring a number of cafes, restaurants, Wine Centre and the local fishing club.

Titirangi Reserve (or Kaiti Hill) provides great views of the city and the countryside. Drive up to a variety of lookouts or hike the walkways (entrance along Kaiti Beach road) to make the most of Titirangi Recreational Reserve's native trees, picnic areas and fitness trails.

The Riverside walkway follows the banks of the Turanganui and Taruheru rivers and is a lovely opportunity to view the inner city.

Vintage Railway WA165 is a fully restored 1897 built steam locomotive which takes excursions along the Gisborne to Wairoa track taking passengers in restored carriages. Ph 06 868 6139 for bookings and information.

Every Saturday morning there is a dawn flea market at Alfred Cox Park and later a Farmer's Market sets up at 9.30am opposite the Gisborne District Council offices. Great opportunity to buy local fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, breads and spreads.

Gardens, Parks and Walks:
Botanical Gardens off Aberdeen Road on the banks of the Taruheru River is a 4ha park featuring trees and ponds, rose and cactus collections, an aviary and children's playground.

Eastwoodhill Arboretum (35km from Gisborne) is a world-renowned tree and shrub collection in a rambling park setting including hills, valleys, ponds and formal gardens. A great place to visit in all seasons.

Hackfall's Arboretum (3km from Tiniroto) has one of the largest private collections of oaks, poplars and maples in New Zealand.

Grays Bush (Gisborne 5.5km) on Back Ormond Road,is a 12ha pre-European bush remnant that contains a unique mixture of tall kahikatea over puriri with a light undergrowth of nikau, puketea, karaka and tawa. Lovely bush walks just five minutes drive from town.

Wainui-Makorori Headland walkway (Wainui Beach Motel 3.5km) is a short but steep climb over a wild headland with views over two sweeping surf beaches. This is an exceptionally attractive walk with stunning views of the coast.

Dive Tatapouri (8km from Wainui Beach Motel) has wild stingray feeding, shark cage diving and more. See www.divetatapouri.com for more details.