Located on the east coast of the North Island, Gisborne offers so much to see and do in under a day’s drive away. The wine country, beautiful beaches, mountains, forests and rolling farm land make for an amazing natural playground that offers a whole host of destinations for you to explore. The best way to see it all is with a rental car, which allows you to zip around the various small towns that populate the region. Along the way you’ll be able to stop for coffees, snacks and locally grown or made food.
Mahia Beach
This picturesque beach is a hugely popular destination for summer holidays, and worth a visit any time of year. The village contains shops, cafes and stores to pick up lunch – or bring your own and eat it on the sand. The beaches are all safe for swimming and have life guards during the summer, and you can fish, surf and dive all in one spot. It’s the perfect ocean playground, with a nine-hole golf course for those who prefer not to get their feet wet.
Opotiki
Located in the far north of the Eastland region, Opotiki is a small town filled with character. It’s the perfect place to relax in the sun, with a rich Maori cultural history that comes through in the murals, pou and carvings found in the village. For the more active, there are many biking, walking and running tracks nearby, taking you along stunning coastlines and through lush subtropical forests.
Waioeka Gorge
A scenic river valley in the middle of the Urewera National Park, covered in dense forest and full of beautiful cliff faces plunging into the water below. There are a number of walking tracks that range from low to high difficulty, and a few hours to a few days. It’s essential to pay attention to any warnings for the area, which you can find on the DOC website.
These stunning day trip destinations make Gisborne an even better destination for a holiday, with so much to see and do in easy reach.