Bella Vista Motel Gisborne

• Continental breakfast 
• Non-smoking units throughout
• Free unlimited WiFi 
• Air Conditioning / Heat Pumps
• Units serviced daily

• Great showers

• Some spa bath units 
• Access units
• Cot/highchair available
• Laundry facilities
• Well-lit, off street parking
• Outdoor area with seating

Gisborne is the best place to base yourself and get a good taste of the East Cape region. Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island.

History

The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti which means "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Kaiti Beach, near the city, was where the Maori immigrational waka, Horouta, landed and is also the first European landing place in New Zealand.

Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769. European settlement was established in 1831 and the town which developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870.

Prior to this the settlement was known as Turanga but confusion with Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, led to the name change. To the early Maori, the Poverty Bay area was known as Turanganui-a-Kiwa, "The stopping place of Kiwa". Gisborne became a borough in 1877 and a city in 1955.

Wineries & Vineyards

Gisborne is one of New Zealand's largest grape growing regions with just over half its 2000 hectares of vineyards planted in Chardonnay. A Mediterranean climate and suitable soils are the key factors in the success of wine production in this region which regularly produces unique, full-flavoured, award winning wines of international standard. We would be happy to help you organize a tour of the best vineyards which are only 15 minutes away from our Gisbourne accommodation!

Gisborne Wine Centre

If time is not on your side to here’s the best place to sample wines from the local vineyards - Ashwood Estate, Bushmere Estate, Hihi Wines, Milton Vineyards and Winery just to name a few. Combine superb local food and wines with an unbeatable backdrop

Gisborne Historic Walk

1-3 hours. Enjoy a leisurely historic walk through Gisborne City taking in the rivers, harbour and sea. Take in the district's past, present and future.
Titirangi Domain / Kaiti Hill: Provides great views of the city. Hike up the walkways to make the most of Titirangi Recreational Reserve's native trees, picnic areas, fitness trail.

Rere Rockslide

This 60m long natural rockslide has become a popular attraction for daredevils and nature lovers alike. Located about 50km from our Gisborne motel, it’s a great spot to take a picnic and enjoy nature at its best. For best results pack a tube inner and wetsuit, check out Rere Falls while you’re there.

Surfing in Gisborne

Gisborne is renowned for it’s fantastic surfing and beaches. There are many options available in the area, with lessons from one hour through to one week. Two popular Gisborne surf schools are: WOW Surf School and Surfing With Frank.

Tairawhiti Museum

This museum showcases a comprehensive collection of Maori artifacts, sculptures, carvings, information and images of Gisborne.  The local volunteers are very proud and provide a wealth of knowledge.

Dive Tatapouri

Well known for offering brilliant reef ecology experiences, Dive Tatapouri allows you interact and get up close to Stingray, Yellowtail Kingfish, Trevally, Kahawai, Crayfish, and Octopus.  You’ll have the option to pat and feed these beautiful creatures. It's only 20-minutes drive from our Gisbourne motel.

East Coast Museum of Technology

An amazing collection of historic artifacts from in and around the Gisborne District – Here you’ll recognize many items from your childhood; machinery, household items, cars, farming gear, sewing machines. 

Titirangi Domain

Offering a picture perfect view over the city, this historically significant area offers one main track heading up to the summit, plus smaller nature trails leading off this. The reserve also includes: four lookout areas, an astronomical observatory, World War II gun emplacement, a playground area, a fitness course, and a picnic area.

Gray’s Bush Scenic Reserve Walks 

Located 10km north east of Gisborne, take the Back Ormond Rd and from here you’ll see the walks sign-posted. There are two main walking tracks, a 15 – 20 minute loop walk and a 40 – 60 minute full circuit.

East Cape, Eastland and Hawkes Bay

Gisborne is the natural gateway, departing point or returning destination to each of these scenic regions. There so much to see and do, not just in the city but also further afield. Here are some of the attractions to visit on the way. 

Morere Hot Springs

The natural mineral hot pools at Morere Springs Scenic Reserve are a popular local attraction and one of New Zealand's off-the-beaten-track thermal bathing sites. Located in an isolated corner of New Zealand?s North Island, just 30 minutes from Gisborne on the SH2, the hot springs are a tranquil haven where the mineralised waters are said to be amongst the most rejuvenating and unique in the world.

Mahia Peninsula

The Mahia peninsula is situated 1 hour from Gisborne (direction Napier). The peninsula is a beautiful, hilly promontory, with isolated golden sand beaches and wonderfully clear water. It attracts people from all over the country to take part in the numerous outdoor sports that this area is suited to, yet there are no hotels, resorts or amusement parks and everything remains truly wild.
Within the peninsula is the Mahia Scenic Reserve, a lowland coastal forest which has excellent walking tracks.

Tolaga Bay

The impressive 660 metre pier or wharf is the Tolaga Bay landmark of this small seaside settlement. Stroll out to its furthest point for spectacular coastal views. There is the Cook's Cove walkway which is connected to Tolaga Bay by the rocky Tupaea's Cavern, which also provides picturesque coastal views. Tolaga Bay is only a 45 minute drive from our Gisborne motel.

East Cape Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse stands 154m above sea level on Otiki Hill, to access this lighthouse you need to take the no-exit road from Te Araroa and then the walking track up approx. 700 steps. The journey to the top is definitely worth it for the views and it is a magical place to see the sunrise (first place in the world!). Our Gisbourne motel is 3 hours drive from this magic day trip spot.

Urewera National Park and Waikaremoana

​The Lake Waikaremoana area of Te Urewera National Park is a marvellous destination for walkers.

Located 160 km from Gisborne (2 hours) the Te Urewera National Park protects the largest area of native forest remaining in the North Island. The high, misty ridges are covered with silver and mountain beech. At lower levels, the forest is dominated by red beech, rimu, rata, tawa and kamahi. Nearly all of New Zealand's native birds live in the forest, including rare species such as the North Island brown kiwi, blue duck (whio), yellow-crowned parakeet (kakariki), bush parrot (kaka), New Zealand falcon (karearea) and the blue-wattled kokako.

For hikers, kayakers and fly-fishing enthusiasts, the park's main attraction is Lake Waikaremoana. From the visitor centre at Aniwaniwa, short and long walks provide access to the lake's spectacular scenery and legendary fishing spots. In a small basin above the big lake is island-dotted Lake Waikareiti, a haven for native aquatic life. Roads are loose surface, gravel and care with driving is required.

Bella Vista Gisborne will happily offer local advice on any of these activities and will gladly facilitate complimentary reservations should an activity require a booking