Gisborne

Gisborne

New Zealand

Witness the world's first sunrise at Gisborne's East Cape and explore pristine beaches where Maori culture thrives.

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language English, Te Reo Māori
Time Zone NZDT (UTC+13)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Feb
Typical Duration 14-22 nights
Price Range From $3,019 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to New Zealand's East Cape and Poverty Bay, offering access to Maori cultural experiences, stunning coastal scenery, and a charming small-town atmosphere on the North Island.

Cruises that visit Gisborne

Build Your Day in Gisborne

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Rivers Restaurant and Bar Excellent food - great service and food choices 😋 food tasty, good sizes New Zealand restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Wharf Bar & Grill Atmosphere perfect and so premises so clean Faultless Best dining experience Bar & grill · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Works A brilliant meal , great service and great setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Portofino GISBORNE It was delicious the best steak we have has in Gisborne in a long time! Italian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Lone Star Gisborne Food was delicious, drinks were spot on and the waitresses were awesome. New Zealand restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation We even saw orcas from the cafe and tonnes of stingrays in the shallows. Campground · ★ 4.6 · 1k
The Warehouse Gisborne Excellent range of reasonably priced DIY and garden products. Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Verve Cafe & Bar Really friendly staff, great coffee, delicious food - such a good vibe! Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Tairawhiti Museum Great place to visit something for everyone, kids love exploring Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Raglan Roast Gizzy Great coffee, good prices and friendly service :) Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM
Flagship Eatery Attentive staff, tasty food with great portion size and relaxing atmosphere. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
PBC Cafe Friendly staff, great food and coffee! Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Zest Cafe You can sit outsite and enjoy the sun, amazing coffe and snacks! Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM
Titirangi Reserve Something for all ages Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Tahu Restaurant and Bar Gisbornes newest restaurant, excellent food and service. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Dive Tatapouri Had a wonderful time petting and feeding the stingrays. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre Tourist information center · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Sofra Turkish Cafe The food here is amazing, good portion sizes and affordable. Kebab shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Crawford Road Kitchen You can be assured of amazing food, fabulous service and a great atmosphere. New Zealand restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Gisborne Botanical Gardens Very beautiful and nice have some playing activities for the kids. Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Kaiti Hub Great community area with good shops and parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 1:45 PM
Dome Cinema We had a work dinner here and we were amazed by the ambience of the place. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Stone Studio NZ Fantastic items on display and lovely and clean and inviting. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Farmers Gisborne Great bargains, lovely staff. Department store · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Captain Cook Statue Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
That Hangi Place Great value food served by friendly informative staff. Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Zephyr Wainui Highly recommend the avo smash, burrito, and smoothies. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Far East Coffee Co - Coffee Roasters Excellent filter coffees and good value toasties and sandwiches. Coffee roastery · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Curbside Kitchen, 9 Ballance Street Breakfast, morning tea and lunch options. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
The Bean Genie Best coffee in Gisborne and awesome service 👍😊 Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Bushmere Estate A highlight of our visit to Gisborne, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Winery · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
8888 Cafe lovely staff, delicious food at affordable prices. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Sponge Bay Beach Great palce to spend mornings and evenings. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve Very nice things to see in that area. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Grant Bros Homeware & Gifts Great gifts and hairstyles/shave's Home goods store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Ko Kai I have never had a bad meal from there and rate the spicy pork on rice. Korean restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Waikanae Beach Cafe Tasty food, airy, beautiful, beachy atmosphere and friendly staff ✨️ Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM
Okitu Scenic Reserve This is one of the most stunning lookouts in the Gisborne/Tairawhiti area. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Mr Clifton's Ridiculously good service and outstanding coffee. Coffee store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Gisborne Wine Centre Winery · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Lazy Lady Dhaba Delicious and reasonably priced food option. Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Sequence Surf Shop Very stylish gear. Surf shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
KEBAB ON COAST Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
The WorkShop The Workshop is an incredible shopping and relaxing experience! Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kingpin Highly recommend a stop by this store if you’re in Gisborne or jump online. Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Vines Restaurant Great food amazing staff great location New Zealand restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Wyllie Cottage Interesting finding out some Gisborne history Historical place museum · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
Koco Boutique My items were sent really fast and are gorgeous. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Aviary In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Gisborne

About Gisborne

Gisborne serves as a scenic port of call on select cruises exploring Australia and New Zealand's stunning coastlines. Three premium cruise lines—Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Holland America Line—include this charming destination on their itineraries, with 17 upcoming sailings offering voyages of primarily 14 nights. These cruises typically combine Gisborne with iconic ports like Sydney, Auckland, Napier, and Tauranga, making it an excellent addition to a comprehensive Pacific exploration.

As one of New Zealand's easternmost cities, Gisborne offers cruise passengers a genuine taste of Kiwi culture and natural beauty during port visits. The region is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant Maori heritage, and excellent local wines, providing visitors with a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, Gisborne delivers an authentic New Zealand experience that complements the broader themes of most regional cruise itineraries.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

First City to Greet the Sun

Gisborne holds the distinction of being the first city in the world to see the sunrise each day. Visit Titirangi Domain or Kaiti Beach to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon and explore the rich Māori heritage sites that celebrate the region's indigenous culture and history.

2

Chardonnay Capital Wine Tasting

Discover why Gisborne is renowned as New Zealand's Chardonnay capital by visiting local wineries within minutes of the port. Sample exceptional wines at boutique producers like Bushmere Estate or Matawhero, where passionate vintners showcase the region's distinctive terroir and warm hospitality.

3

Dramatic Coastal Cliffs and Beaches

Explore stunning coastal landscapes at Kaiti Beach and Waikanae Beach, where dramatic cliffs meet golden sand and turquoise waters. These picturesque shores offer excellent photo opportunities and peaceful walks that showcase the raw beauty of New Zealand's East Cape region.

4

Vibrant Farmers Market Treasures

Browse the Gisborne Farmers Market for fresh local produce, artisan crafts, and authentic New Zealand delicacies. This lively gathering showcases regional specialties including fresh seafood, organic vegetables, and handmade goods directly from local producers and craftspeople.

5

Māori Cultural Heritage Experience

Immerse yourself in Māori culture at the Tairāwhiti Museum, which features taonga (treasures) and exhibits celebrating the region's indigenous heritage. Learn about local iwi (tribes), traditional customs, and the significant role Gisborne plays in New Zealand's Māori history and contemporary culture.

Cruise Lines at Gisborne

Cruises Departing From Gisborne

Cruises Visiting Gisborne

Ship Schedule at Gisborne

Gisborne Location

Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gisborne known for?

Gisborne is famed for its long surf beaches, sunrises over Poverty Bay, and Maori heritage.

When is the best time to visit Gisborne?

Spring to autumn offers warm days and fewer crowds, perfect for beaches and hikes.

What are must-see places in Gisborne?

Titirangi Reserve viewpoints, Waerenga-a-Huroa beach, and nearby Tolaga Bay coastal walks.

Are there good surfing spots near Gisborne?

Yes, many breaks along the East Coast suit intermediate and beginner surfers.