Hafen
Gisborne

OVERVIEW

Take an introductory drive through easy-going “Gizzy,” where a surf beach and a bottle of locally-made wine are never far from hand. These shores are legendary for their beauty, as you will see driving along the coast and past where the great explorer, Captain James Cook, first landed and met the native Maori people in 1769. Traveling up to the top of Kaiti Hill, you’ll be treated to glorious views of beach-lined Poverty Bay and of the white bluffs sitting across the turquoise water; that’s Young Nick’s Head, the first land sighted by Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it. As your coach hugs the shoreline, Wainui and Okitu appear, two showy surfing beaches known for their impressive rollers – and the photogenic sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve. A few miles further out, the scenery changes dramatically as you come into Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Enjoy the views as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards and award-winning vineyards, and see lush green fields dotted with fluffy sheep and quaint farmhouses. Back in the city, you’ll spin down tree-lined Gladstone Road, where the city shops, dines and people-watches. Hop off here if you’d like to solo-explore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory coach tour of Gisborne, a laid-back East Cape town that knows how to enjoy life.
• Pass gnarly surfing beaches, impressive dunes, New Zealand’s largest Maori meeting house, and Captain Cook’s 1769 landing spot.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head and your ship from atop Kaiti Hill.
• Travel outside the city to where the vineyards and orchards flourish, and contented sheep graze.
• Hop off for independent exploring along the café-lined Gladstone Road or stay aboard back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Taste the distinctive North Island terroir as you visit two leading Gisborne vineyards and sample their most characteristic wines. Blessed with a Mediterranean-style climate, fertile alluvial soil and low-altitude river plains, this area is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing regions – renowned especially for its chardonnays and gewürztraminers. On this tour, you’ll have the delicious opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about. Traveling by coach from the pier, it’s a short but picturesque drive out into the rolling, green hills of wine country. At Bushmere Estate, where the Egan family has been growing grapes for over 40 years, you’ll sample their selections accompanied by a light antipasto platter. The tasting may include their elegant chardonnay redolent of nectarine and grapefruit, or an excellent gewürztraminer, known for its lychee flavor with a touch of honey and a lime/ginger finish. At Matawhero Wines, the offerings can be quite adventurous; founder Bill Irwin defied convention from the get-go in 1968, making wines of boutique standing and bringing acclaim to New Zealand’s prowess in the process. At one point, absolutely everyone was drinking Matawhero’s wines – even the Queen of England. You’ll sample their varietals while nibbling on complimentary cheeses.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel out to Gisborne wine country and sample the wares at two prominent vineyards.
• At the family-run Bushmere Estate, taste wines of standout character created for generations.
• Visit the tasting room at Matawhero Wines, known for their inventive, renegade spirit – and a gewürztraminer fit for a Queen.
• Learn about the unique growing conditions that make this region heaven for chardonnay and gewürztraminer grapes.
• Nibble light antipasto and cheese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Relive the golden age of steam rail travel on a scenic vintage train journey with a charming Maori cultural performance at the turnaround point. Built in 1897, “WA 165” was brought to Gisborne in 1911, faithfully working the north line until its 1942 retirement to a children’s playground. Rediscovered and lovingly restored to original working condition, it runs again in all its Victorian glory. Stroll or shuttle over from the pier, settle into an upholstered seat in a heritage carriage, and toast your good fortune with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice as you watch the passing scenery in the style of travelers a century ago. Traversing the Poverty Bay Coastline, you’ll pass the Captain Cook Statue and enjoy views across the bay to the famous Young Nick’s Head bluffs. The ride to the rural Maori settlement of Muriwai takes about 40 minutes, and on arrival, you’ll alight on a grass platform where you’ll enjoy a heartwarming performance of traditional songs and dances, often performed with the help of local school children. With the train now turned around, you’ll return to Gisborne – either disembarking at a downtown station for some solo exploring or riding on to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience a roundtrip ride in early 20th-century style on a fully-restored heritage steam train.
• Seated in comfort, cross picturesque coastal terrain and fertile farmland en route to a rural settlement where Maori roots run deep.
• At Muriwai, enjoy an engaging performance of traditional songs and dance – often with the participation of local school children.
• On the return, opt to disembark at the Grey Street Railway Station for some independent exploring or stay onboard for the rest of the ride back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Do something you don’t do every day: wade out onto a rock shelf to watch stingrays, fish and octopuses glide gracefully around the shallow reef. You’ll be driven out from town along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, past the surfing meccas of Wainui and Okitu Beach and on to where Tatapouri reef sits just off the shore. After an enlightening orientation and the donning of provided wading gear, you’ll walk with your guide out to a rocky reef shelf where the waters usually teem with Down Under’s most iconic marine life. Your guide will bring food to entice a visit from squadrons of gentle, magnificent short-tail stingrays and larger eagle rays to the water around you. These creatures mostly feed on local yellowtail kingfish, which in turn feed on jack-like trevally – silvery, blue-green, and highly sought after by fishermen due to their strong fight when on the line. With luck, you’ll be able to witness this entire underwater menagerie from where you stand – along with other undersea residents that frequent the reef. Afterwards, enjoy some refreshments and hear stories about the Maori who were fishing these waters for trevally long before the first Europeans arrived.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach along the Pacific Coast Highway past premier-grade surf beaches to Tatapouri.
• Wearing supplied waders, take a guided walk out to a shallow shelf surrounded by clear water and reef.
• Watch in wonder as your guide uses food and fish-whispering to attract graceful rays, octopuses and other marine life to where you’re standing.
• Observe these gentle creatures gliding in the shallows so close you could even touch them.
• Post-adventure, enjoy refreshments and hear stories about ancient Maori fishing tricks.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that can get wet.
• Low-heeled shoes that can get wet and a second dry pair to change into are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Explore the abundant, diverse flora and bird species of New Zealand during this picturesque, half-day excursion to the spectacular Eastwoodhill Arboretum.

Gisborne, Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through idyllic farmland and expansive vineyards en route to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, created by William Douglas Cook. Part of the National Arboretum of New Zealand Eastwoodhill is home to the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere flora in the Southern Hemisphere. This vast, 324-acre (about 131-hectare) flourishing garden and botanical collection complex boasts over 3,500 species of mature trees, shrubs and climbers from the Northern Hemisphere for nature lovers to view and photograph. One of the most popular attractions in the area, Eastwoodhill hosts more than 8,000 visitors a year.

Arboretum Walking Tour, Flora and Bird Species

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the arboretum. Along the way, learn about the plants and their botanicals, and observe and learn about the birdlife drawn to the serenity of this environmental sanctuary. From the petite goldfinch to the protected, native kereru and stately Australian magpie, amateur ornithologists should bring their binoculars, as the bird sightings here are plentiful.

Homestead Garden, 4WD Tour, Discovery Centre

Next, take an approximately 30-minute stroll through the Homestead Garden and a 4WD tour, followed by light refreshments. Before departing, visit the Discovery Centre, which boasts both permanent and seasonal collections, and is the ideal place to learn more about the area's history and conservation efforts. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

The Golden Age of rail travel is celebrated on one of the last steam trains in New Zealand-the sole surviving WA Class locomotive.

Steam Train Ride to Muriwai

A short shuttle ride from the pier brings you to the station where you will be welcomed aboard one of the restored, heritage carriages for a memorable 40-minute steam train ride down the picturesque Poverty Bay coastline to Muriwai. Travel past the Captain Cook Statue, view samples of the produce grown in this fertile area and views across to your ship and Young Nick's Head to reach Muriwai.

Vintage Rail WA 165

Built in 1897 in the Dunedin railway workshops, WA 165 was brought to Gisborne in 1910 to work the steep sections of rail to the north. It worked on that line until 1942, before being turned into the star attraction in a children's playground. But around 1986, this beautiful piece of equipment was rediscovered and fully restored by the local vintage railway enthusiasts.

Welcome Drink, Scenic Views, Photo Opportunities, Maori Cultural Performance

Settle into upholstered seats and toast to your good fortune with a glass of bubbles as you sit back and enjoy the scenery enhanced by informative commentary during your ride. Upon reaching Muriwai, as small settlement 25km south of Gisborne, alight on the grass platform and enjoy several photo opportunities as well as a lively Maori cultural performance. This performance features songs and dances of the local iwi (tribe) and often includes school children who bring a special sweetness to the ceremony.

Your train will be turned around as you enjoy the show before embarking the steam train for the final time to make the return journey to the pier.

Nestled on the most easterly tip of New Zealand's North Island, Gisborne's wine region is celebrated for classic Chardonnays. Your half-day tour visits two family-owned businesses, shining examples of Gisborne's wine renaissance.

Bushmere Estate

Depart the pier area with your driver-guide onboard a comfortable motor coach and set off through the verdant hills of Gisborne's wine region. Located in the Central Valley region of Gisborne, Bushmere Estate is a family-owned winery, growing grapes for over 40 years. This spectacular 42-acre vineyard primarily grows Chardonnay grapes, but smaller plantings of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangrovese can be found on the premises as well. In addition, the family owns part of a nearby vineyard where they source the grapes for their own full-bodied Merlot. Wander the vineyard, the family estate, and the cellars as you learn about the family's venture into winemaking. At your tasting session, take a moment to admire the wine bottle's label; the logo depicts three elements - earth, water and sun, all vital to the growing of grapes. As you sip and savor, enjoy a delightful antipasto platter as an accompaniment.

Matawhero Winery

Only a short, 15-minute drive away you will be introduced to Matawhero Wines, established in 1968 by Bill Irwin. It began by defying convention and made wines of boutique standing and international acclaim and in doing so, changed the face of New Zealand winemaking forever. Since its first vintage in 1975, Matawhero has produced many excellent and often adventurous wines. Following in Bill's pioneering footsteps, son Denis imparted his colourful style and won fame for his Gewürztraminer - everyone was drinking it, even the Queen of England. Today, revived by the Searle family, Matawhero is true to the founders' determination, producing individualistic wines of world class standard. Learn more about the family's commitment to sustainable wine producing as you sample their varietals while nibbling on complimentary cheeses.

Your tour concludes with a relaxing drive through the scenery around Gisborne before returning to the pier.

Experience the rustic beauty and charm of Gisborne City in a unique new way during this scenic and invigorating bicycle excursion.

Gisborne City, Bicycle Tour, Light Refreshments

Receive your safety briefing and bicycling instructions, don your safety helmet and high-visibility vest, and begin your guided, approximately 6.5-mile (about ten-kilometre) bicycling adventure through charming Gisborne, a beloved vacation town renowned for its rustic charm. Peddle your comfortable touring cycle through the well-maintained streets with your guide, taking in views of key city landmarks, historical sites and tranquil rivers. Light refreshments are served during the tour.

Captain Cook Monument, City Centre, Landmarks and Historical Sites, Poverty Bay, Three Rivers

Gisborne's residents boast their city is the first to see the sun each morning, but there's more than just the sunrise that makes Gisborne so special. The largest settlement in Eastland, Gisborne played an important part in the European history of New Zealand, for it was here in 1769 that Captain James Cook first set foot on New Zealand soil. A memorial to Cook stands on the foreshore, a monument seen during your ride. Your route is based around the city centre. Located at the north end of Poverty Bay, Gisborne is often called the 'City of Rivers' because three different rivers, one of them the country's shortest, all converge in the centre of town. See the rivers as you cycle part of the river trail. In addition, take in spectacular panoramic views of the bustling harbour and main beaches, Midway and Waikanae, both popular surfing hubs.

Waterfront, Cook's Landing Site

Next, your ride continues along the historic waterfront, the place where the first Maori explorers set foot in Aotearoa. See where legendary explorer Captain James Cook met with the Maori people almost 250 years ago. Maori culture is alive throughout Gisborne, and many old traditions are still evident in parts of the city.

Following a photo stop at the National Heritage Cook's Landing Site, commence the short ride back to the pier.

Discover the spectacular beauty and landmarks of Gisborne during this panoramic orientation drive.

Gisborne, Sightseeing Drive, Captain Cook Landing Spot

Depart the pier with your driver-guide for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive through sunny Gisborne, a pleasant way to spend the day taking in the best of the city's most popular attractions and coastal sights. New Zealand's most easterly city, Gisborne played an important role in European history, as it was here that Captain James Cook first set foot in New Zealand in 1769. A popular vacation destination, Gisborne is known for its rustic charms and picturesque scenery. The shores of Gisborne are legendary for their beauty and history. Drive past the spot where Captain Cook, the English explorer, first landed and met the native Maori people.

Marae, Titirangi Hill, Poverty Bay, Young Nick's Head, Wainui and Okitu Beaches, Lysnar Reserve

Next, travel up Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill for a photo stop. En route, pass by a stately Marae (Maori meeting-house), considered to be the largest in New Zealand. Upon reaching the top of Titirangi Hill, take in spectacular panoramic views over Poverty Bay and Young Nick's Head, the first piece of land sighted by James Cook's crew and named for the young lad who spotted it, as well as your anchored ship in the harbour. Continue along the shoreline to admire two of the area's premier beaches, Wainui and Okitu, which are renowned for their impressive waves and draw top surfers to their sands. After a photo stop at the sand dunes of the Lysnar Reserve, re-board your coach and head to Gisborne's idyllic rural area.

Orchards, Vineyards, Plains, Farmland, Grazing Sheep, Gladstone Road

Thirty percent of all wines produced in New Zealand come from this region. Drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards, award-winning vineyards and lush, fertile plains. In addition, see fields dotted with adorable fluffy sheep happily grazing beside quaint farmhouses. Returning to the city, drive down the main shopping street, the tree-lined Gladstone Road. Named after former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, this boulevard houses boutiques, souvenir stores brimming with handcrafted gifts, surf shops and colourful outdoor cafes that are ideal for a bite to eat and people watching. Following your tour, you may opt to return directly to the pier, or remain in town for shopping and further exploration, and return to the ship on your own.

Summer’s calm reveals the classic beauty of Gisborne’s Poverty Bay Harbour. So will this 1.25-hour cruise aboard the MV Takitimu. A heritage vessel built in the early 1920s, the Takitimu is believed to be the oldest pilot vessel in New Zealand still in active operation.

A stout yet graceful pilot/tug working boat, her crisp white planking, teak brightwork, and original fixtures and fittings have been painstakingly restored to proper shipshape by a group of volunteers who adopted the restoration as a passion project in 2001 – some serving as her skipper, as well. At 45 feet in length, 11 feet of beam, and 19 tons displacement, the Takitimu readily accommodates the 20-odd passengers who sign on for one of her spins around stunning Poverty Bay. In fact, she typically brings a huge smile to their faces.

Captain James Cook is credited with devising the Poverty Bay’s name when he arrived in the 1700s, apparently because 'it afforded us no one thing we wanted'. While the moniker soon appeared on maps and charts of the day, once Europeans settled in the area, they hoped to change it to something that might serve as a better advertisement for this fertile corner of the North Island. Alas, history and habits are stubborn, and the name Poverty Bay prevailed.

Once your classic-style circuit around the bay is complete, your modern ship is just a short walk away along the Wharf.

Experience this interactive reef tour that immerses you in the dynamic marine ecosystem that surrounds the waters of New Zealand's East Coast. Explore Tatapouri Bay, home to stingrays (whai), eagle rays and other reef dwellers, on this fascinating and educational tour.

Tatapouri Bay, Wainui Beach

Board a comfortable motor coach with your driver-guide and travel north along the Pacific Coast highway to your coastal destination, Tatapouri Bay, enjoying views of Wainui Beach along the way. Only 30-minutes away, you will find Dive Tatapouri, a family-owned operation. Be greeted warmly by the staff upon your arrival and be outfitted in waders (high-waisted waterproof pants) and then take to the water with your knowledgeable guide to explore Tatapouri Bay's fascinating reef at low tide.

Tatapouri Reef & Stingrays

Be led by your guide to the nearby rocky reef shelf, where they will attract the stingrays with food. It only takes a few handfuls of food and the stingrays will be right next to you. Keep a keen eye out for short-tail stingrays, eagle rays, octopus, conger eels, yellowtail kingfish and more. You'll be amazed at the grace and gentleness of these wild sting rays and eagle rays swimming in their natural environment. The experience is perfectly safe as a naturalist guide will be with you at all times. Learn also about the rich marine life in this area, which has been harvested by the local Maori people for many hundreds of years.

Refreshment

At the completion of the day, light refreshments are served, and the naturalist will stay to speak with you further about the environment and about the Maori people and their settlements along the coastline.

Re-board your coach and relax on the scenic drive back to the pier area.

Just a short drive away, yet worlds apart from Gisborne city life, explore Waipura Station, a sprawling 2,100 acre (849 hectare) working sheep and beef farm in a rural setting. Watch a sheep shearing demonstration and see the ranch hands herd the sheep alongside their working dogs. Enjoy morning tea and experience what the Kiwi considers a classic meal break between breakfast and lunch.

Waipura Station

Travel by mini-coach with your driver-guide to an idyllic destination to experience the lives of a fourth-generation farming family. Your hosts, Graham, Anne, Caroline and Jo welcome you warmly as do the 3,000 sheep and 300 heads of cattle that call this pastoral paradise home. Your hosts are keen to answer any of your questions as they orient you to this lush, hilly property and show you around the 110-year-old homestead built from native New Zealand timber and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Sheep Shearing

An up-close encounter at the woolshed is an opportunity to observe a sheep shearing demonstration. Witness the remarkable dexterity and speed with which the shearers expertly and painlessly remove the long woolly coats of the animal. Sheep farming is a lead industry in this region and here you will learn the fascinating journey from sheep to bale and beyond.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Then it's on to the paddock to observe the shepherd muster a mob of sheep on horseback with their trusty farm dog assistants aiding in this process. Note how the highly trained "eye" dog doesn't bark but instead stares at the sheep to make them do exactly what he and the shepherd want.

Refreshment

After working up an appetite in the field, your hosts graciously invite you to a classic Kiwi home-baked smoko, a mid-morning break and light meal served to sheep shearers in New Zealand to tide them over between breakfast and lunch.

Optional Drop Off in Gisborne City Centre

At the conclusion of the day, bid a fond farewell to your new friends and relax on your drive back to Gisborne. Guests will have an option of disembarking in the city centre before returning to the ship independently, or stay on the motor coach and return to port (time permitting).