Summer Road Trip: Gisborne, New Zealand
Everyone loves a good summer road trip in New Zealand, whether it be with your friends or family. Now’s the time to book in your trips away with our rental cars/ car hires. We have a great selection of vehicles available to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you need a reliable compact car for you and your partner or a van to fit your whole family, we have it all.
Summer Road Trip: Gisborne, New Zealand
Stuck on somewhere to visit this summer? Are you a lover of beaches, food and wine? Then Gisborne, which is the first place in the world to greet the sun everyday, is a place you definitely want to go to. If you’re interested in Maori culture, you’ll be able to learn and experience this as old traditions are still evident in parts of the city.
Here are our top 5 things to do, while in Gisborne!
- Go Rock Sliding: Ready for some fun? Go grab yourself an air mattress, a tube or a simple body board and go down to the Rere Rockslide at the Wharekopae River. The rockslide is a 60-metre-long natural water slide and is suitable for most ages. This is a natural attraction like no other, let yourself speed down the rocks and finish in a huge pool of water. While here make sure you check out the Rere Falls, as long as the conditions are suitable, you can even walk behind the flowing water. Head 50 kilometres out of Gisborne on the Wharekopae Road to the small community of Rere, where you’ll find this epic spot.
- Watch the first sunrise in the world: Gisborne is world famous for one awesome thing: being the first city to see the sunrise every day. Set your alarm early, go get yourself a takeaway coffee and head down to the waterfront or one of the many gorgeous beaches to sit on the beach and enjoy the sunrise. How cool to say you have been one of the first to see the sun rise on a new day, with the bonus of getting up extra early, you have the whole day left to explore the city!
- The Tairawhiti Museum: With its amazing gallery extension, focus on East Coast Māori and colonial history. It is known as Gisborne’s arts hub, with rotating exhibits and fantastic historic photographic displays. Make sure you stop by the maritime wing to view the displays on waka, whaling and Cook’s Poverty Bay, before going to check out the epic vintage surfboard collection. There’s also a shop and a cafe overlooking Kelvin Park where you can stop for a coffee and bite to eat.
- Titirangi Reserve: Also known as Kaiti Hill, is high on a hill overlooking Gisborne. It is a popular tourist attraction and was once a pa (fortified village). You’ll be able to reach it via Queens Drive, or join the sweaty joggers on the track from the Cook Monument. Near the lookout at the top you’ll find another Cook structure, Cook’s Plaza. Up here you’ll also find 4 main lookouts, the easternmost observatory in the world and a World War II gun emplacement. Pack a picnic and head up here for the afternoon to relax and enjoy the history and scenery.
- Marina Restaurant: We can’t let you go without mentioning somewhere delicious to eat. Often touted as Gisborne's best restaurant, the Marina offers a casual bistro-style lunch as well as formal fine-dining of beautiful French cuisine. Take up a seat on the deck by the picturesque “three rivers” in summer, for a memorable evening at affordable prices.
What are you waiting for? Get yourself booked in with Rite Price Rentals and let us help you explore this beautiful and historical part of New Zealand. With many of our cars available for hire or rental, we'll be able to get you sorted to safely travel this summer.
Give us a call today on 0800 250 251 or simply book through our website and get ready for some epic summer travels.
