Gisborne is located on New Zealand’s North Island’s most northeastern tip. Because of its position, this region is the first place in the world that sees the sunrise in the east to greet a new day. This region is known for its incredible surfing beaches and stunning coastline, wooded mountain parks, agriculture, wineries, and Maori culture. 45% of those living in Gisborne are Maori.
The Pacific Ocean meets Gisborne on the east, and rugged mountain ranges dominate the area to the region’s west. Sandy and pebbly coastal beaches can be found on the eastern shores of Gisborne, and inland there is forested, hilly terrain. Rough ridges run through the centre of Gisborne, ultimately leading to Mount Hikurangi in the northeast, which is the North Island’s tallest non-volcanic summit.
For freshwater swimming, Lake Waikaremoana can be found in the southwestern part of Gisborne. In addition to this scenic lake, Gisborne also has rivers to swim in. The Waimata and Taruheru Rivers converge at the centre of Gisborne to form the Turanganui River. Some even call Gisborne the city of rivers.
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