Gisborne

Top things to do in Gisborne

Flying into Gisborne? Smart move. Getting there by car might sound like a road trip dream, but this part of the East Coast has claimed its fair share of mixtapes, radiators and relationships. Once you land though, it's all go - golden beaches, a solid surf scene, and that legendary status as the first city in the world to see the sun (clouds permitting, of course).

History buffs (or people pretending to be) can hit Cook's Cove, where Captain Cook first stepped ashore in 1769. The walk from Tolaga Bay includes a natural rock cavern and some pretty decent photo ops, even if history's not your usual thing. Prefer soaking over hiking? Morere Hot Springs is your rainforest retreat, or there's the natural rockslide near Rere Falls for more of a high-speed splashdown.

Around town, Gisborne brings the laidback charm - heritage buildings, river walks, and a skyline best viewed from the top of Kaiti Hill. Add in a vintage steam train with a timetable described as "occasional," and you've got a place that doesn't rush, and doesn't expect you to either. Pour a local chardonnay, find a spot in the sun, and let the East Coast work its magic.