Gisborne, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gisborne, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Gisborne, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gisborne, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Gisborne, New Zealand, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gisborne, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gisborne, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gisborne, New Zealand by month

January

January here is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

In February, Gisborne is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gisborne, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Gisborne is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in this region is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Gisborne can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Gisborne, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

Traveling to Gisborne in June, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Gisborne can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Gisborne is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Gisborne is cool and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you vacation in Gisborne during October, you are likely to find that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Gisborne in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gisborne. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Gisborne, New Zealand

Gisborne, located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, boasts a wealth of natural beauty, history, and culture. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the diverse landscapes, including golden beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Gisborne, New Zealand:

1. Tairawhiti Museum- Gisborne's Tairawhiti Museum is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the local iwi (tribes) and the region's European settlement. With various exhibitions and artefacts, visitors can dive into 1000 years of history, including the first encounters between Captain Cook and the Māori, the 1918 influenza epidemic and the establishment of the city. Visitors can also see the only full kauri canoe on display in the world, named Te Ikaroa-a-Kahuiawaru.

2. Eastwood Hill Arboretum- Eastwood Hill Arboretum is a vast collection of trees and gardens, located 35 kilometers northwest of Gisborne. With over 131 hectares and more than 4000 tree species, this living collection is the largest and most diverse collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator. It's definitely an excellent way to get closer to nature and learn about some of the world's most impressive trees from all around the globe.

3. Kaiti Beach- Kaiti Beach is located in the heart of Gisborne's seaside suburbs and holds very significant cultural and historical significance within the community to both Maori and European settlers. It is the first stop Captain James Cook made so he could repair ship Endeavour.

4. Rere Rockslide- The Rere Rock Slide is a natural waterslide formed on the Rere River, 50 kilometers west of Gisborne. This iconic attraction provides tonnes of fun – it's a 60-meter long smooth rock face that sends riders down into the river below. Not only will it thrill you, but it also gives you spectacular views of the nearby farmland.

5. Waikanae Beach- Waikanae Beach is Gisborne's main beach, and it's a magnet for locals and tourists alike. A beautiful strip of white sand that runs for kilometres, Waikanae is ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing or even taking strolls to unwind. There is also a grassed area complete with picnic tables and a playground for younger aces.

In conclusion, Gisborne is an excellent destination for tourists seeking a taste of New Zealand's natural beauty, rich history and culture. With plenty of things to do and see, it's a must-visit location on your next trip to New Zealand.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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