Gisborne

Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island. The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti, which means "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Captain James Cook made his first New Zealand landfall here in 1769. The district has a population of 45,000. Gisborne is one of the sunniest and warmest places in New Zealand. Temperatures can reach 38 Celsius and an average 65 days a year have a maximum of over 24 Celsius. The expansive alluvial plain surrounding the city is ideal for the growing of maize, grapes, citrus and tasty subtropical fruits while the hill-country provides for the grazing of sheep, cattle, deer and timber forestry. Gisborne is well known for its viticulture and the making of award winning wines. The city is serviced by daily passenger and freight, air and bus connections to other main centres in the North Island. Gisborne is world-famous for its sandy beaches, surfing and summer holiday lifestyle. It is also one of the best offshore and deep sea fishing destinations in the country. There is a busy overseas shipping port, local fishing wharf, boat ramp and pleasure boat marina. Downtown Gisborne is nestled on the shores of Poverty Bay, bordered by rivers and the harbour basin where there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. For more information, go to: www.gisbornenz.com