I have travelled to every region in New Zealand, here’s why Tairwhiti Gisborne is my favourite – Stuff

In the past two years, since the pandemic began, travel journalist Brook Sabin has been lucky enough to travel to every region in New Zealand. When asked to pick his favourite, there was only one answer: Tairwhiti. Why? Because Gisborne has something for everyone, and these are his picks of what to do there.

Falling asleep to the sound of waves is one of the best feelings in the world, but it normally comes with a significant price tag. However, at Tatapouri Bay less than 20 minutes from central Gisborne you'll find a collection of luxury glamping tents for $175 a night.

You're only a few metres from the ocean, or if you prefer something warmer, you also get access to a beachfront spa.

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Tatapouri Bay offers an affordable way to sleep by the sea.

READ MORE:* Matawhero: Inside the North Island's new luxury wine escape* A side of Tairwhiti Gisborne you've never seen* Undiscovered Aotearoa: Tairwhiti Gisborne is New Zealands most underrated foodie region

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Youll pass through a series of old tunnels on the rail bike adventure.

The region is home to one of the country's most unique biking adventures. You'll weave through pristine bush, make your way through long tunnels, over bridges and eventually reach a dramatic coast. And best of all you'll do it all attached to actual rail tracks.

Gisborne Rail Bike Adventure runs the trip using uniquely designed frames: two push-bikes are fused together with a steel chassis holding them on the line. All that's left for you to do is pedal. But take it from me; its worth paying a small amount extra for an electric bike so you have more time to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The best of the three rides is the Beach Loop, which traverses 32 kilometres and takes half a day.

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Gisborne is home to one of the countrys most unique cinemas.

Tucked away in Gisborne's CBD, you'll find one of the region's best hidden gems: The Dome Cinema.

Your eyes are in for a feast before the movie even starts; you'll enter a historic building to find a technicolour bar with an elaborate outdoor area full of fairy lights.

You then go through a secret door to find a series of giant beanbags under a dramatic dome. At intermission (just like the old days), pizzas and ice cream are delivered to your chair before the lights are dimmed, and the movie resumes.

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The Gisborne City Vintage Railway is fun for all ages.

The Gisborne City Vintage Railway offers much more than a train ride. The steam train, built in Dunedin more than 120 years ago, actually crosses Gisborne Airport's main runway the only place in the southern hemisphere this happens.

The train will patiently wait at the side of the runway for any planes to clear, before getting clearance to cross. The train then chugs on to Muriwai for a 30-minute scenic stop, before making the return journey. The kids will love this adventure.

BROOK SABIN

The Rere Rockslide isnt for the faint-hearted.

There is an easy winner here the region is home to one of the largest natural water slides in the southern hemisphere, and it's serious fun.

The Rere Rockslide is just over 40 minutes drive outside Gisborne, and there you'll find a smooth 60-metre slide with a thin layer of water gently running down it.

Grab a bodyboard or tyre tube, hold on tight, and have the time of your life. If you prefer to stay dry, the nearby Rere Falls is spectacular for sightseeing.

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Zen Cabins are new and already proving popular.

Tatapouri Bay, home to the glamping tents mentioned earlier, also has a series of new luxury beachfront pods, known as Zen Cabins. Designed for romance, they have an uber-comfy bed facing a huge window overlooking the sea. Given Gisborne is among the first in the world to see the new dawn, you can witness an extraordinary sunrise without leaving the duvet.

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The Caramilk doughnut from the Gisborne Farmers Market.

Eat your way around the region by tasting some of Tairwhitis best food at the Gisborne Farmers' Market, held every Saturday morning.

Aside from the usual produce, the markets are also home to dumplings, pastries, tortillas and doughnuts, which are arguably the best in the country. One of their more popular is the Caramilk custard, with a fluffy Rarotongan-style dough packed with Caramilk ganache. If you prefer savoury, try the breakfast doughnut packed with creamy mushrooms, cheese, hashbrown, bacon and a gooey fried egg.

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Manutuke Eco Retreat is one of the regions best glamping escapes.

Just 15 minutes from Gisborne, you'll feel like you're in another world at Manutuke Eco Retreat. This glamping retreat, with a private jetty on a huge lake, offers you a place to unwind under the stars. There are two stand up paddleboards and kayaks to explore the lake and surrounding wetlands.

If you are feeling energetic, there are ten kilometres of trails to explore but I'd recommend just unwinding with a good book beside the lake and enjoying the peace.

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Matawhero offers luxury cabins amongst the vines.

One of Gisborne's newest retreats is a luxury wine escape among the vines. Matawhero was the region's first boutique winery and it now has a series of chic cabins right next to the cellar door. That means you can head across for a drink, before walking home and enjoying another on your deck before a long sleep-in the next morning.

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The road to East Cape Lighthouse is spectacular.

Want a foreign experience without leaving our shores? Take SH35 around East Cape, and see wild pigs crossing the road, children going to school on horseback, and tiny villages happily living in a bygone era.

You'll also find empty beaches, wild beauty, and lots of good old-fashioned hospitality.

Getting there: Gisborne is a 6.5-hour drive from Auckland, or four hours from Rotorua. Air New Zealand has flights from Auckland and Wellington.

Staying there:

Glamping at Tatapouri Bay from $175, see: tatapouri.co.nz

Zen Cabins from $275 per night, see: tatapouri.co.nz.

Matawhero wine cabins from $350 per night, including breakfast provisions, see: matawhero.co.nz.

Manutuke Eco Retreat from $295. See: canopycamping.co.nz

Playing there:

For the latest Dome Cinema timetable, see: domecinema.co.nz

Railbike Beach Loop from $120. See: railbikes.nz

Gisborne City Vintage Railway is $15 per child, $30 per adult or $80 for a family. See:

gcvr.org.nz

Stuff Travel deals: For the latest Gisborne deals check out travel.stuff.co.nz/gisbornedeals

Staying safe: Gisborne is currently experiencing flooding and travel is not advised. However once it is safe to do so, the region will need your support to bounce back. New Zealand remains under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.

Carbon footprint: Flying generates carbon emissions. To offset your carbon emissions, head to airnewzealand.co.nz/sustainability-customer-carbon-offset

This author's trip was supported by Trust Tairwhiti.

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I have travelled to every region in New Zealand, here's why Tairwhiti Gisborne is my favourite - Stuff