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Discover editorial Gisborne stories, local perspectives, coastal culture, beaches, lifestyle, opinion pieces and in-depth articles that capture the atmosphere, character and everyday life of Gisborne.
Discover Gisborne Through Local Stories
Gisborne is more than a collection of attractions. It's a place shaped by beaches, surf culture, vineyards, local characters, hidden coastal roads and a pace of life that feels different from much of New Zealand.
Browse by category to discover local guides, beach recommendations, food experiences, wellness ideas, events, accommodation and stories that capture the atmosphere of the city.
Whether you're planning your first visit or looking for inspiration for your next weekend adventure, you'll find practical advice, local insights and detailed articles designed to help you experience more of Gisborne.
Dinner by the River Gisborne | Food Trucks & Fun
Dinner by the River, Marina Park, Gisborne NZ. Location: Marina Park, Gisborne 4010 When: Usually the third Saturday of each month Time: 4pm to 7pm Facebook: Dinner by the River Gizzy Entry: Free, food and drinks purchased separately Food & Drink: Independent food trucks, street food and tempting treats Best For: Food lovers, families, indecisive couples, supporting local businesses and anyone looking for an excellent excuse not to cook. Contact: events@anlocollective.com Goo
Sports Fishing Competition: White Pointer Boats 35th Anniversary
The WP40, an example of the hand-built aluminium sport fishing boats made by White Pointer Boats in Gisborne NZ. White Pointer Boats 35th Anniversary Sports Fishing Competition When: Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 February 2027 Where: Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club, 54 Esplanade, Inner Kaiti, Gisborne 4010 Entry: NZD $150 per person Entry limit: 100 boats Categories: Marlin and shortbill spearfish, broadbill swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish and snapper Prizes: First, s
World Surf League Returns to Gisborne in 2027
Gisborne Surfer enjoying early morning bliss, Wainui, Gisborne NZ World Surf League Gisborne 2027 Dates: 23–29 March 2027 Location: Gisborne surf beaches, final competition locations depend on conditions Event: Tairāwhiti Pro, Gisborne Competition: WSL QS 4000 + Pro Junior Competitors: More than 200 expected Host: East Coast Surfriders Spectators: Public spectator opportunities expected More details: Further event and community information will be announced closer to competit
Gisborne Wine & Food Festival 2026
Gisborne Wine & Food Festival, Gisborne NZ Gisborne Wine & Food Festival 2026 Date: Sunday 25 October 2026 Time: 12pm to 6pm Venue: Matawhero Winery Official Website/Ticket Sales: www.gisbornewineandfood.co.nz There are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. A glass of Gisborne wine in hand. Live music playing somewhere nearby. Good food arriving at exactly the point when another glass of wine starts to feel like an excellent idea. And several hundred people collectively agr
Gisborne A&P Spring Show, 2027: An Event Locals Never Miss
Poverty Bay A&P Association Spring Show, Gisborne NZ Dates: Friday 15 & Saturday 16 October 2027 Venue: Showgrounds Park & Event Centre Address: Gisborne Showgrounds 20 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne 4010 Opening hours: Traditionally 8am to 5pm Admission: 2027 ticket prices to be announced Phone: (06) 868 6084 Official website: www.gisborneshow.co.nz Highlights: Livestock competitions, equestrian events, carnival rides, food stalls, live entertainment, trade displays and the G
Live Music & Gigs In Gisborne
Smash Palace Bar, Gisborne NZ Some cities have concert venues. Gisborne has scenes. On any given weekend, live music in Gisborne might be happening in a garden bar beneath fairy lights, inside a cinema that somehow doubles as one of New Zealand’s most atmospheric music venues, in a packed local bar hosting a touring band, or outdoors with the sound of the ocean not far away. It is one of the reasons many visitors end up staying out later than they planned. Gisborne’s live mus
National Surfing Championships 2026: Gisborne Shines
Spectacular view from Midway Beach with Young Nick's Head in the background, Gisborne NZ. National Surfing Championships 2026 When: 11 to 17 January 2026 Where: Gisborne Beaches Official Website: www.surfingnz.co.nz/national-championships Seven days of summer heat, competitive surfing and classic Gisborne beach culture reminded New Zealand why this city is such a natural home for the sport. For seven days in January 2026, Gisborne became the centre of New Zealand surfing. The
Rhythm & Vines: The Final Dance in Gisborne
Rhythm and Vines has become a yearly pilgrimage for the young and young at heart, Gisborne NZ R&V Festival - The Final Dance in Gisborne Date: 28 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 (Camping and early access traditionally begin from 28 December.) Location: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne Ticket Sales/Official Website: www.rhythmandvines.co.nz The first lineup for the final Rhythm & Vines in Gisborne blends world-class electronic music with standout hip hop and iconic New Zealand artists
D1NZ Returns to Gisborne: 15 - 17 January 2027
Gisborne will again host a round of the D1NZ National Drifting Championship in January, Gisborne NZ. Date: 15 - 17 January 2027 Location: H BlackBee Drift Park, Dunstan Road, Gisborne Official Website: www.d1nz.com Schedule: A weekend festival spanning three days of practice, qualifying, and top-tier tandem battles. Ticket Prices: Single-day tickets generally start around $30, with weekend passes around $55, and kids 5 and under entering for free. Attractions: Alongside the d
Superstock Thunder: 2-Nights Of Full-Contact Chaos
Superstock Thunder at Awapuni Speedway, Gisborne NZ Date: Friday 27 February & Saturday 28 February 2027 Friday: Round Two City Smart Repairs Superstock Points Dash Saturday: Superstock Thunder Location: Awapuni Speedway (Eastland Group Raceway) Awapuni Road, Gisborne Official Website: www.gisbornespeedway.co.nz There are sports where contact is frowned upon. New Zealand Superstocks is not one of them. Every summer, Awapuni Speedway in Gisborne transforms into one of the loud
Chardonnay Affair: Elegant Gisborne Weekend
The Chardonnay Affair Event, May, Gisborne NZ Expected to return: May 2027. Location: Various venues throughout Gisborne, including wineries, vineyards, coastal venues and curated event locations across the city and surrounding region. Official Website: www.thechardonnayaffair.co.nz (Check for the 2027 event calendar) There are some events in Gisborne that feel distinctly local. The annual Chardonnay Affair somehow manages to feel both deeply Gisborne and quietly world-class
First Light Marathon 2027: Run Under the First Sunrise
Spectacular Gisborne coastal scenery, First Light Marathon, Gisborne NZ Event: First Light Marathon Date: Saturday, 23 January 2027 Location: Gisborne, New Zealand Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon & 6km Fun Run Start Area: Midway Beach / Midway Surf Club Official website: www.first-light-marathon.com There are easier marathons in the world. There are flatter marathons. Faster marathons. Marathons with fewer hills, less sand and considerably less suffering. But there are ver
Gisborne Farmers Market: A Saturday Morning Ritual
Gisborne Farmers' Market, every Saturday from 9:30am, Gisborne NZ Location: Old Army Hall Carpark, Corner of Stout & Fitzherbert Streets, Whataupoko, Gisborne 4010 Phone: 021 811 395 Hours: Every Saturday, 9:30am - 12:30pm There are two kinds of people in Gisborne on Saturday mornings. Those already at the farmers market by 9:25am. And those circling slowly for a park pretending they “weren’t really in a hurry anyway.” The Gisborne Farmers' Market has quietly become one of th
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