Gisborne
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Many pointbreaks
- Clean mid-season swells
- Hollow, powerful beaches
- Untouched coastline
Negatives
- Small summers swells
- Semi-crowded main spots
- Chilly winter temps
- Some difficult access
Gisborne surf travel guide
Gisborne’s grunty beachbreaks can get busy in summer, but further north on the East Cape, lies a high density of less-crowded quality points and reefs hidden amidst the sunniest and most untouched part of New Zealand. Although the surf is on average smaller than the west coast it is generally cleaner, as consistent and every bit as powerful.
Surf spots in Gisborne
Research the 18 surf breaks in Gisborne and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Gisborne.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Gisborne
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,686,000
- Population
- 4,822,233
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NZD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.43 NZD NZD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +64
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Maori
Visas
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days for members of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazilians and some others. UK nationals can stay up to 6 months and Australians can travel with no restrictions. South Africans need to get a visa before arrival.
Getting There
Gisborne is equidistant to Wellington and Auckland, 9h drive. Take highway SH38 only for scenery through the Raukumara chain. It looks shorter but it’s twice as long as the SH2. Flying to Gisborne from Auckland (GIS) costs $110 o/w.
Getting Around
Coastal SH35 is pretty good. From Gisborne, it takes 1h45 min to Tokomaru Bay and 2h to Hick’s Bay. Excellent bus network; main operator is InterCity.
Accommodation
YHA Gisborne Backpackers has dorms for $22/dble for $45. Whales B&B, Wainui for $95/day or Chalet Surf Lodge with sea view rooms for $100/dble. A typical meal would be $15.
Activities
Try shark cage dives, horse trekking or winery visits. Maori culture runs deep on the East Cape. With 45,000 people, Gisborne is traditionally rural, with only a few happening places like Scotty’s Bar & Grill.
Hazards & hassles
No snakes or poisonous, dangerous creatures can be found in New Zealand. Localism can be felt at some spots or on classic days because of extra crowd pressure. Beware with rocks and rips. No shark attacks off the East Cape.
Handy Hints
Many surf shops to buy cheap quality gear: Blitz, Sequence or Exit Surf Shops; The Boardroom (Lost Surfboards), or the New Wave Surfboard factory sell custom boards. Rentals and lessons at the Chalet Surf Lodge. New Zealand Surfing Adventures offers 5-day all inclusive tours costing $1600.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.