This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Gisborne.
Gisborne, also known as "Gizzy," is the place where the sun rises first in the world every morning. If you are on a round trip over the North Island, it is definitely worth it to take a stop in sunny Gisborne. You might need to book your accommodation in advance, though, as there are only a few Gisborne hostels in town. One option for a hostel in Gisborne offers tent sites and sleep-in-your-campervan sites but it's quite full in summer time as it is a working hostel as well. There are also YHA hostel options in Gisborne that can be more quiet. If you are traveling by van or tent, you may also like to stay on the campground, which is bit out of town.
The coastline of Gisborne offers you great opportunities for surfing and heaps of surfing lessons for beginners are offered. Over New Year's Eve, Gisborne invites you to the biggest festival of the country -- "Rhythm and Vines" -- but you should get your ticket early, before all are sold out. For travelers on a work and holiday visa, Gizzy offers some good opportunities for vineyard work and fruit picking in summer.
Gisborne is worth a visit for everyone. If you are interested in wine, you can join one of the great wine tastings either by bike or get a driver to make the way back a bit easier for yourself. For nature lovers, the Rere Rockslide offers a lot of fun. There is a lot for history buffs as well -- James Cook reached Gisborne in the late eighteenth century; you can learn a lot about the Maori culture and traditions here. And last but not least, it is worth it for everybody to get out of bed early one morning to take a look at the breathtaking sunrise on the beach.
Written by local enthusiast for Gisborne hostels
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