Gisborne Tours
There are a good variety of Gisborne tours available taken by experienced tour operators who know the Gisborne region well. Many of these tours will take you to places you may miss if you decide to explore the area on your own. You can custom design your own unique Gisborne tour or jump on board one of the advertised day trips from your chosen place of accommodation. Gisborne is known as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand, so a stay here quite often begins with a tour of the wineries. Although there is a wine trail to follow on your own, to get the most out of your Gisborne winery experience take one of the organised wine tours. A Gisborne wine tour will take you to a selection of boutique wineries to meet the winemakers and sample the wine, all under the guidance of your friendly driver. Cycle tours of the wineries are an excellent way to experience Gisborne at a more sedate pace while enjoying the quiet country roads and stories from your guide.
If you have an interest in Maori Culture, Gisborne is the perfect place to take a cultural tour. The Maori people of Gisborne have opened up historic sites and trails to visitors and conduct informative and interactive which include visits to Maraes and Meeting houses. Gisborne was Captain Cook’s first landing place and there are some comprehensive historical tours to take which are well worth it.
Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park is a natural playground best explored on a guided walk, on a white water rafting adventure or on a sedate kayaking tour. Trout fishing tours will get you to the biggest fish in secret spots along one of the many rivers or streams. Horse treks on the beach or through native bushland provide some of the most rugged and untouched countryside in New Zealand. Gisborne accommodation can be found in Gisborne City or along the coastline at the many beachside towns.
Mahia is the most popular beach for surfing, although there are plenty of other beaches to enjoy. Head down to the Gisborne Surf School for lessons before you tackle the beach breaks. Feed wild stingrays, snorkel on the Te Tapuwae o Rongokaka Marine reserve or enjoy a dive or fishing charter out in the waters off the Gisborne coastline. Take a 4 wheel drive East Cape tour to the lighthouse or take to the skies on a scenic flight. Gisborne tours really do have something for everyone.
