Located on the picturesque eastern coast of New Zealand’s north island, Gisborne (pop @ 38,000) is known for its rich history and fertile plains. It is surrounded by three rivers, beautiful beaches and a thriving inner harbor. This is not only one of the sunniest locations in New Zealand, but also the first city in the world to greet the sun each day!
There seems to be no shortage of outdoor and nature activities, plus wineries and eateries, boutique shops, heritage trails, and authentic Māori culture. Way too much for only one day in port! We started our tour of the city via bicycle!
Sights along our Ride
This statue commemorates the spot where Captain Cook first stepped foot in New Zealand in 1769. Some people view European-centric statues like this as constant reminders of colonialism’s disastrous impact on the original inhabitants. I rather thought of the statue as representing the amazing explorer, navigator and cartographer that he was. (We have run into him ALL over our South Pacific travels!)
Some of the words on the plaque said……..
“A fine seaman, an outstanding captain and an honest man. Captain Cook was one of the last of the great explorer navigators and the first of the scientific expedition leaders. After his three global voyages of 1768-71, 1772-75 and 1776-79 the map of the world was substantially complete. “
Our guide Peter said there were only two mistakes on Cook’s map! Pretty amazing for a man with few scientific instruments to work with in the 18th century!
The bay where the statue is located is named Poverty Bay. Cook named the area Poverty Bay, as ‘it afforded us no one thing we wanted’. Instead of Captain Cook’s ship, this is our Oceania Nautica sitting in Poverty Bay!
Cook and his crew first sighted the east coast of the North Island In October 1769, south of present-day Gisborne. He named the prominent headland on the south side of Poverty Bay “Young Nicks Head”, after the cabin boy Nicholas Young, who was the first to sight land from their ship, the Endeavour.
This statue of Nicolas Young commemorates the historical significance of a young sailor believed to be the first European to sight New Zealand on October 7, 1769. He faces the prominent headland named in his honor.
The Beijing Olympic Sculpture Committee and China’s Ministry of Culture gifted the sculpture below to the city. They also chose Gisborne as one of only 12 cities outside China to host a collection of small sculptures commemorating the Beijing Olympic Games.
Built in 1934, this art-deco clock tower is the undisputed highlight of Gisborne’s main street.
The old Gisborne jail is a testament to the region’s colonial past and evolution over the years. Officially opened in 1909, the jail was constructed when Gisborne transitioned into a more structured and governed community.
School kids passing us! They are so cute in their uniforms and hats!
Gisborne is home to a unique and historic railway treasure: the Gisborne City Vintage Railway. This charming heritage line, operated by dedicated volunteers, offers a glimpse into the past with its vintage steam locomotive. Built in 1897, it is the sole remaining locomotive of its type and stands as a testament to New Zealand’s rich rail history.
The train embarks on scenic journeys through the picturesque landscapes of the Gisborne region, allowing passengers to experience the bygone era of steam travel while preserving an important piece of Gisborne’s cultural heritage.
Gisborne is renowned as a premier surfing destination. Surfing competitions and events are also held regularly, with some of New Zealand’s best waves.
Gisborne’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with significant production of wine, citrus fruits, and forestry products. The region is renowned for its vineyards and award-winning wine production, particularly Chardonnay. So, of course, indulging in wine was our second activity of the day…and indulge we did at three different wineries. The wines were good and the vineyard vistas amazing.
We stopped at three vineyards and had three wine flights and a very tasty charcuterie plate!
Matawhero, Bushmere Estate, and Wrights Organic Wines
This region has a rich Māori heritage…while New Zealand has @17% Māori, Gisborne’s Māori population is over 50%. The descendants of the Māori people who met Captain Cook in 1769 still live in the same area as they did when he arrived!
Unfortunately, only one day in town did not allow us the opportunity to visit any of the Māori heritage sites. But it was a fantastic day in Gisborne! Another place I would love to return!