Gisborne

Gisborne is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its world-class surfing, idyllic swimming beaches and vast stretches of preserved coastline. It is the first place to see the sun each day as it is the most easterly city in the world. Its Maori name is Tairawhiti which translates as ‘the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”. Gisborne is historically very important for New Zealand as it was here that the first European landing took place when Captain Cook sailed into Poverty Bay in 1769 and docked near the mouth of the Turanganui River. The city is surrounded by a flourishing wine production area and contains many fine restaurants.