Gisborne New Zealand
At Blitz Surf Shop, we love our town, one of the reasons we started our home brand Gizzy Hard in 2010! If you need any information about Gisborne if you score the opportunity to visit we will be keen as to help out.
If you’re dreaming of golden beaches, uncrowded waves, rich culture, epic sunrises, and that laid-back Kiwi charm, then Gisborne should be high on your list. Tucked away on the sunny East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Gisborne might just be the country’s most underrated travel gem. But the question is: Is Gisborne worth visiting? Let us give you a solid yes, and here’s exactly why.
🌊 World-Class Surf Without the Crowds
Gisborne is one of New Zealand’s premier surf destinations, offering consistent swell, varied breaks, and relatively uncrowded lineups. From the powerful beach breaks of Wainui Beach to the long cruisy rides at Roberts Road or the north beach at Makorori Beach, there’s something for every level of surfer.
Whether you're a seasoned shortboarder chasing barrels or just learning to stand up on your first softboard, the East Coast delivers.
And if you need gear, advice, or the inside word on where to paddle out? Drop into Blitz Surf Shop. We're locally owned and operated, right in the heart of Gisborne as you head towards Wainui Beach, and fully stocked with everything from surfboards and wetsuits to fins, leashes, and accessories from top brands like Firewire, FCS, Slater Designs, Softech, Ocean & Earth, and more.
🏖️ Stunning Beaches That Feel Untouched
If you're more into sunbathing, strolling, or swimming, Gisborne’s beaches are a coastal dream.
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Midway Beach is great for families and sun-lovers, just a few minutes from town. Just be aware if there has been heavy rain there are two rivers draining into the bay so the coast beaches can be more appealing at those times
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Wainui Beach is a true local favourite—raw, natural, and stunning at sunrise. Facing pretty much east you get outstanding views of the sunrise and the Pacific Ocean
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Makorori Point offers incredible views from the elevated carpark, a place to sit and chill, and unforgettable sunrises.
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Okitu and Sponge Bay are worth exploring if you like quieter vibes and beautiful coastal tracks. There is a walk up the Makorori Headland at the northern end of Okitu Beach
You won’t find towering resorts or commercial clutter here—just native bush, coastal beauty, and clean (most of the time), clear water.
🌅 First to See the Sun
Gisborne is famously one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise and officially the first city to see the the sun come up each day. Set your alarm early and make your way to the lookout at Titirangi Hill or the sand dunes of Wainui Beach to watch the sun rise over the Pacific. It’s an experience that feels spiritual—like you're starting your day before the rest of the world. Gisborne is also the gateway to the east Coast and Mount Hikurangi which is the first spot in the world to see the sun rise each day
🍷 Wine, Food & Local Flavour
Gizzy has a proud wine legacy, especially with Chardonnay, and is home to award-winning vineyards like Matawhero, Bridge Estate, and TW Wines. Add in farm-fresh produce, creative cafes, food trucks, and waterfront dining—Gisborne’s food scene is quietly thriving.
Make time to visit the Gisborne Farmers Market on Saturday mornings or catch some live music and craft beer at one of the city’s local events.
🎨 Rich Culture & Māori Heritage
Gisborne is steeped in Māori culture. This is where Captain James Cook first made landfall in New Zealand in 1769—but more importantly, it’s a place with deep ancestral ties to local iwi (tribes) like Rongowhakaata and Ngāti Porou.
Check out Tairāwhiti Museum to learn more about the region’s dual heritage, and don’t miss the striking Te Maro statue along the base of Titirangi. Many visitors find Gisborne’s embrace of te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) both beautiful and grounding.
🚲 Outdoor Lifestyle, Tracks & Trails
If you're not in the surf, you’ll probably find yourself hiking, biking, or swimming. Gisborne is surrounded by nature: bush-clad hills, river tracks, waterfalls, and surf beaches all within 15–20 minutes of each other.
Explore Eastwoodhill Arboretum, drive further to Rere Rockslide, wander the Cooks Cove Walkway, or ride the Riverside Cycle Trail around the city. This is a place to breathe out, reset, and soak in nature.
🧢 Blitz Surf Shop – A Local Legend
No visit to Gisborne’s surf scene is complete without stopping into Blitz Surf Shop, a true local institution. Whether you're chasing the perfect board, need surf wax, or just want to check out the latest from brands like Rip Curl, Billabong, Santa Cruz, RVCA, or Goorin Bros caps—we’ve got you covered.
We're more than just a surf shop—we're part of the local surf community, offering expert advice, friendly service, and quality gear for every kind of coastal lifestyle. Plus, we’ve got a cute shop dog named Rocky who loves people!
Final Word – Is Gisborne Worth Visiting?
100%.
Whether you come for the surf, the sunrise, the beaches, or the culture—Gisborne has a magic that stays with you. It’s not polished, not overly touristy, and that’s what makes it real. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deep, and truly connect—to the land, the ocean, and the people.
Come for a weekend, stay for the lifestyle. Just make sure to stop in and say kia ora at Blitz Surf Shop—we’ll point you to the best waves and the best spots in town.
Read more about things to do in and around Gisborne in these blogs:
Places To Get Takeaways in Gisborne After Your Surf
5 Great Activities to Do While Visiting Gisborne
