Gisborne is renowned for welcoming the day’s sunshine first in the entire world. Even if you’re not a morning person, you should check this special experience off your bucket list. You could find yourself taking a morning journey more than once because there are so many lovely places to select from. The following locations in Gisborne offer some of the best sunrise views.
1. Tatapouri Bay
Come early to the gorgeous seaside setting to catch the dawn. From zen cabins to “podlifes,” Tatapouri Bay provides a variety of lodging options, all of which are tucked away in the gently sloping hills of the east coast where the land meets the sea. Every Saturday and Sunday at 6:45 a.m., an oceanfront yoga session is offered. Afterward, visit the Beach Front Cafe for the best local coffee and freshly baked goodies.
After the sun is up, take advantage of all the fantastic things to do around. Visit Dive Tatapouri to get up up and personal with magnificent stingrays, follow in the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook in Cook’s Cove, or simply unwind in your beachside lodging and take in the rejuvenating energy of this breathtaking location.
2. Wainui Beach
Admire Wainui Beach’s early waters as they reflect the sun’s vivid hues. Go along the beach to the inlets and estuaries, which have quiet, clear waters ideal for taking a picture that will look well on Instagram if you want to catch the bright colors of the rising sun in still water. Visit the Makorori Headland for an elevated view of the region, which provides breathtaking views that reach from the seashore to the Mahia Peninsula.
Make the most of the swimming, surfing, hiking, and horseback riding that beautiful Gisborne beach has to offer as the day gets going. There are parking spaces and picnic spots available, so bring enough supplies to spend the whole day in this lovely setting.
3. Midway Beach
The precisely sized fir trees and undulating hills that surround Midway Beach frame the Gisborne sunrise. In addition to providing breathtaking views of the rising sun, the vast body of water also makes for a great photography location where you may capture a moment to remember forever.
A playground, public restrooms, showers, a refreshment kiosk, and on-site public restrooms make the beach a great place for families. Also, the gentle waves make this a great spot for young families to spend some quality time at the beach together.
4. Mount Hikurangi
Take a trip to the carvings on Mount Hikurangi, which are shrouded by folklore and have significant cultural value. You can enjoy some of the first rays of the day on this strenuous climb. If you don’t like getting up early, consider taking a 4×4 for part of the journey or starting your hike the day before and camping at the Hikurangi hut.
With a Ngati Porou tour, you can also take in this natural beauty. If you book the dawn experience, you can watch the sun stream around the nine intricately carved pillars while your knowledgeable guide explains the intriguing history of each one. A small meal and a traditional Maori blessing on Mount Hikurangi will cap off the morning. Gisborne’s sunrise is best experienced in this unique way.
5. East Cape Lighthouse
Enjoy the splendor of daybreak in Gisborne at the East Cape lighthouse, where the landscape is illuminated by a fiery glow as the sun emerges from the horizon of the ocean. The lighthouse, located at the easternmost point of New Zealand, seems to be at the very edge of the world, where the land abruptly ends, and the water extends out in all directions. Before ascending the 700 steps to this historic landmark, take a lovely drive through 22 km of coastal roads.
6. Oneroa Cycle and Walkway
Selecting the ideal location can be difficult in Gisborne because there are so many amazing places to see the sunrise. Gisborne beach locations are your choice if you take an early morning stroll along the Oneroa Bike and Walkway. There are several activities along the walkway’s one-kilometer length from Waikanae to Midway beach.
There are many coastal locations from where you may observe the dawn, as well as stunning concrete and timber structures designed by Chow: Hill. Discovering the history of the area’s settlement while engaging in some quiet reflection can be done at Oneroa, which translates to “the long stroll along the shore.”
7. Gisborne Harbour
Admire the constantly shifting scenery of Gisborne’s harbor, where boats arrive and depart just as frequently as people. Enjoy watching the sun come up and illuminate all it touches. With so much to do, the harbor is a terrific place to spend the day. Have a taste of the local wine, board a fishing charter, or experience fine dining at one of the nearby restaurants.
This is a great place to watch a Gisborne sunset as the sun sets behind the moored boats. You can see how the skies and water transform from blazing orange to luminous golden. Gisborne’s sunrise and sunset can both be seen in one day if you remain long enough.
8. Kaiti Hill
Given its extensive coastal views over Poverty Bay, Kaiti Hill can be referred to be Gisborne’s best site to watch the sunrise. This well-liked overlook, which is reachable by vehicle, bicycle, or foot, is where the Ngati Oneone tribe originated.
After taking in the stunning sunrise colors, make your way to the Te Poho-o-Rawiri marae at the foot of the hill. You can continue your morning’s exploration of the area’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions here.
