On the northeast side of the North Island, in the region of Eastland, the Gisborne district has a population of 45,000. Cradled behind high southern hills and protected from cool southern fronts, the Gisborne district has warm mild weather year round. Like so many regions in New Zealand, Gisborne is well known for its wine, specializing particularly in Chardonnays, it is called the chardonnay capital of the world. As dining goes there are bars and cafes a plenty and dozens of spots for a glass of chardonnay and a meal of fresh seafood.
 
The Maori name for the area, Tairawhiti, means “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water,” which is a fitting name for one of the sunniest places in the world. In 1831 the developing European settlement was named for Hon. William Gisborne. The name had trouble sticking, however, and for at time the area was known as Turanga, but this was considered to be easily confused with Tauranga, so the name was changed back.
 
The region’s population has a higher percentage of Maori people than average; in some parts of Gisborne the population is almost 50 percent Maori. Beautiful hand carved meeting halls and extensively painted churches show the traditions of Maori life in every pocket of land settled in Gisborne. Visit art galleries, museums and places of historic Mauri cultural significance.
 
As celebrations go, the start of the summer in Gisborne is well begun. Every October Gisborne celebrates the start of New Zealand’s summer with a festival that offers the wines of local wineries and the cuisine of New Zealands’s top chefs who gather for the event that is one of the regions major tourist draws.
 
A trip to the Eastoodhall Arboretum displays the larges collection of trees from the Northern Hemisphere in the Southern Hemisphere. Six walking trails lead into the hills and trees at a range of difficulties, making it possible to explore the arboretum for everyone. The arboretum is also open for a scenic drive leading around Gisborne’s vineyards.
 
For a truly unique vacation, hire a boat and take a Shark Cage Dive and watch live sharks from just an arm’s reach away. These trips are completely safe even for the novice and are sure to provide long lasting memories, and possibly, heart pounding fear.
 
As always, waterfalls are a most see point of travel. The Rere Falls crash down on both sides of the Wharekopae River, with a trail that leads visitors behind the falls. Further down the Wharekopae is a natural rockslide that can provide an exhilarating ride for anyone interested. The beaches of Gisborne, especially that of Wainui Beach are great for surfers of all levels. Stunning swells for the most experienced and hours and hours of sunlight have made the area a popular surfing coast since the 60’s.
 
Boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking and numerous other outdoor activities are available in Gisborne. Maori guides and tours offer the chance to explore the historic Maori culture from a local perspective that can illuminate the landscape and settlements on the island.