Top Things to do in Gisborne
What to do and see in Gisborne, North Island: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Gisborne, New Zealand including Bushmere Estate, Saint Mary's Church, Makorori Beach, Mahia Peninsula, Matawhero Wines, Muirs Bookshop, Poverty Bay Wine Estates Ltd Bridge Estate Vineyard, Kaiti Hill, Sunshine Brewery & Taproom, Smash Palace.
Restaurants in Gisborne
1. Bushmere Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By BexMay_12 - Wellington, New Zealand
Came for lunch and a wine tasting and wow! Pork belly was amazing, wine was fabulous and service was great! Brought two bottles to enjoy at home. A must stop winery in Gisborne!
2. Saint Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By NZMacLeods - Waiuku, New Zealand
This church doesn't look like too much outside, still nice, but inside is beautiful. Def worth a stop to take a peek and see the beautiful windows and carvings.
3. Makorori Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By TWgo - Wellington, New Zealand
Every morning, all year round, surfers gather here around sunrise to catch the first rays and the first waves of the new day. Even for those of us who drive past here often, we never grow tired of the stunning view looking out over the sea.
4. Mahia Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By KBNZ666 - Perth, Australia
This was one of my favourite places to visit while growing up. My family would go swimming and fishing here, for walks around the rock pools, shell collecting at Mahunga beach, and fish n chips at Mahia Beach. I love seeing the bach's with their characteristics.
5. Matawhero Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Only a 10 minute drive south of Gisborne city on SH2, the Matawhero Cellar Door faithfully portrays the history of our winery. Come and enjoy gourmet platters and wine tasting nestled amongst the vines and olive trees or enjoy a game of petonque. A highlight to our cellar door is to explore the underground cellar which is home to many older vintage Matawhero wines, as well as other iconic New Zealand wine producers.
Reviewed By bianca5699 - Tauranga, New Zealand
A lovely setting for lunch and wine tasting with outdoor seating under trees and indoor in a unique cottage. Wines were all good too. Service was friendly but there were no one to one explanations which you get with most wine tasting trips. However we preferred this and were given full written info to read at our leisure. We didn’t try the platters so not sure what they were like but the place was busy and the food we saw looked good.
6. Muirs Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Opening in 1905 Muirs Bookshop is New Zealand's oldest operating bookshop. Set in a long, narrow colonial building the shop is full of the very best literature for adults and children. The many thousands of books are accompanied by a large selection of magazines, cards, wrap and some games.
Reviewed By jahill128
I loved the selection of unusual books in the children's section. The cafe was great. We all enjoyed our cake choices. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Poverty Bay Wine Estates Ltd Bridge Estate Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Vineyard and Cellar Door with wine tastings of Bridge Estate Bordeaux blend wines and wines under the Poverty Bay label, Food avilable during the day. Open during summer months 11.00 AM until 6.00 PM Wednesday till Sunday. Degustation tstings by arrangement.
Reviewed By fredann1
Having driven past here many times on the way to and from work, I had always thought it looked an interesting place, especially since the new outdoor area was roofed over. Yesterday, with a friend, we called in here for a drink, and spent a very pleasant hour sitting chatting in the sun enjoying the ambiance and a drink or two. There was an interesting wine, beer and cider list, the citrus cider was particularly nice on a warm afternoon while my friend enjoyed the beer. We will definitely be back.
8. Kaiti Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 546sherrid - Gisborne, New Zealand
Few minutes drive from centre of town, playground for the kids on the way up (no toilet though), when you get to the top you can see the whole town and more. Great place for a photo. Carry on for a nice drive up and over the hill down the other side. One way road. Worth the trip. Beautiful views.
9. Sunshine Brewery & Taproom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Inspired by Gisborne’s notoriously long summers and legendary surf breaks, Sunshine is a boutique brewery from the East Coast that celebrates the important things in life: sun, surf, mates and good beer. Since 1989, we’ve been brewing top quality beers for top quality people.
Reviewed By winbin1
Awesome buzzy vibe , delicious pizza , and divine beers to sample in the lovely hot gisborne weather . We did a tasting paddle , all were great beers . Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about all the beers .
10. Smash Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Smash Palace is all about good times with great live music, delicious drinks + food and awesome locals. It has been judged New Zealand’s Best Music Entertainment Venue and has been a favourite with locals and visitors for 30 years.
Reviewed By RoseB2958 - Gisborne, New Zealand
The best live music venue in New Zealand for 2019! Build a band night every Friday (unless there's a gig), Pub Choir on Tuesday nites, Handle Club with a jackpot prize every Wednesday nite, regular gigs of local and overseas talent. A great bar with varied clientelle, and a social friendly inviting atmosphere.
