Gisborne, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Gisborne, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Gisborne, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Gisborne
- Important essentials for Gisborne
- Activities for Gisborne
- Gisborne in January: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in February: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in March: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in April: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in May: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in June: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in July: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in August: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in September: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in October: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in November: weather and what to pack
- Gisborne in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Gisborne, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Gisborne, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Gisborne, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gisborne, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Gisborne, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Gisborne is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and about half of the time 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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
Traveling to Gisborne in February, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March in Gisborne is balmy 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:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
April in Gisborne is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
If you visit Gisborne during May, you may find that it can be chilly 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 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
June in Gisborne is chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
If you go to Gisborne in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool and very 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:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
In August, Gisborne can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 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:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
In September, Gisborne is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 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:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
October in Gisborne is mild and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
November in Gisborne is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
If you vacation in Gisborne during December, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Tairawhiti Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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