Refurbishment project underway for Gisborne’s isite
Gisborne’s isite will undergo a significant makeover in the coming weeks to align its look and feel with the Visitor Information Network (VIN) around Aotearoa. The refurbishment project, funded…
We are the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for Tairāwhiti and are part of a network of 30 RTOs around New Zealand.
The Trust is focused on developing Tairāwhiti as a visitor destination through supporting local capability, showcasing our unique attractions and marketing the region nationally and abroad.
Tairāwhiti Destination Management Plan
To create a definitive pathway forward for the region, it is necessary to understand where the journey is taking us and essentially, what the shared vision is for Tairāwhiti. The Tairāwhiti Destination Management Plan sets the pathway forward. Governance over this plan will be held by the Tairāwhiti Destination Advisory Group (TDAG), with the support of Trust Tairāwhiti.
Destination marketing
‘Tairāwhiti Gisborne - The First Light’ is the regional brand for the region. Our promotional activities target key national and international markets, encouraging manuhiri to visit Tairāwhiti and showcasing the range of experiences the Tairāwhiti region offers.
Regional Event Fund
Our regional events funding is available for new and existing events that drive visitation to Tairāwhiti. These events should positively impact regional tourism and the economy, while offering new and exciting experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Please ensure you thoroughly read the fund guidelines relevant to your application and have all supporting information prepared as this form must be completed and submitted in one session.
Destination data and insights
The Gisborne region tourism insights dashboard allows you to compare key tourism metrics and performance indicators. It provides comprehensive and dynamic data covering various factors, including visitation, visitor spending, and accommodation.
Cruise tourism
Cruise ships can bring thousands of visitors to the region each year, who can spend money on goods and services, create jobs, and support local businesses.
Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre
The Trust operates the Gisborne isite Visitor Centre, part of New Zealand's nationwide Visitor Information Network. Our friendly staff provide comprehensive and impartial information and booking service for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings. It is the key tourism hub for all visitors and industry.
Tourism resources
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Latest news
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Dive Tatapouri achieves Qualmark Gold Accreditation
Famous for its one-of-a-kind Reef Ecology Tour, Dive Tatapouri has earned the prestigious Qualmark Gold accreditation, a recognition reserved for top-performing New Zealand businesses that deliver…
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Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships arrive in Tairāwhiti
This week, the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships will bring nearly 1,300 athletes and 2,000 supporters, volunteers and officials to Tairāwhiti, providing a significant economic boost…
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Trust releases ten-year Tairāwhiti Cruise Development Pathway
Trust Tairāwhiti has launched the Tairāwhiti Cruise Development Pathway (TCDP), a long-term strategy to strengthen the region’s position as a top cruise destination.
Developed in collaboration with… -
Tairāwhiti Gisborne, New Zealand, declares itself the ultimate shared workspace to attract digital nomads
Tairāwhiti Gisborne has launched a new campaign to attract remote workers to the stunning East Coast region, following the New Zealand Government’s announcement to allow visitors to work remotely in…
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November 2024 destination insights
November brought both challenges and opportunities for tourism in Tairāwhiti. Here's a quick rundown: There was a noticeable lag in accommodation usage compared to the previous year, with commercial…
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Trust supports city centre bus service during R&V
Trust Tairāwhiti is partnering with Rhythm & Vines to run a subsidised bus service throughout the festival to connect campers safely to Gisborne’s CBD.
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Tairāwhiti Gisborne brand survey insights
A recent survey on the regional tourism brand Tairāwhiti Gisborne – The First Light attracted 193 responses, offering valuable insights to guide the brand’s future and strengthen the region’s…
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Destination insights September 2024
International visitor spending grows by 9% YoY, outpacing national average September 2024 marked the start of Spring with positive results for the Tairāwhiti tourism sector. Domestic visitor card…
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Destination insights August 2024
August 2024 was a mixed bag for tourism in Tairawhiti. Spending by local tourists fell, while spending by international tourists went up. More people stayed in commercial accommodations, but fewer…
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Destination insights July 2024
July tourism data shows mixed results for Tairāwhiti Despite a generally positive outlook for tourism in Tairāwhiti during July, data revealed some fluctuations in accommodation preferences and…
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Explore, experience, taste: Come See Why 2.0
Building on the success of last year's ‘Come See Why’ campaign, which showcased the unique East Coast lifestyle, Tairāwhiti Gisborne (the Regional Tourism Organisation) is rolling out Come See Why…
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Destination insights June 2024
Tairāwhiti tourism increases, but job growth lags. Tourism data for June paints a positive picture for Tairāwhiti. While domestic visitor spending remained stable, international spending surged, and…
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Local events secure government funding
Three major events in Tairāwhiti have secured just over $95,000 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s new Regional Events Promotion fund. The Longline Classic, First Light…
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Sailing forward: Tairāwhiti cruise strategy
Trust Tairāwhiti, Eastland Port and Gisborne District Council (GDC) are developing a ten-year cruise strategy for Tairāwhiti that aims to capitalise on the growing global cruise market.
Tony Rogers… -
The Longline Classic
The Longline Classic has fast become a highlight on the regional events calendar, attracting locals and visitors from all over Aotearoa to enjoy the unofficial start to summer in Tairāwhiti.
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Destination insights report May 2024
Data for May 2024, marking the end of Autumn, presented a mixed picture for tourism in Tairāwhiti. Visitors' card spending varied, while accommodation usage increased. However, short-term rentals…
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Destination insights report March 2024
The latest tourism industry insights and international travel statistics in our March 2024 Destination Insights report. Find out about Gisborne's tourism recovery, international visitor trends, and…
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Destination insights February 2024
The Tairāwhiti tourism industry is beginning to turn over a new leaf, with the latest data showing a significant increase in guest nights in the accommodation sector. In February 2024, there was a 93…
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RTNZ Director discusses sustainable tourism practices
Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) Director of Destination Management Kiri Goulter was in Gisborne this month to meet with regional leaders and present to the Destination Tairāwhiti Advisory Group…
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Cruise is big news for Tairāwhiti
One of the biggest ever cruise seasons has ended on a high in Tairāwhiti, with a final visit from the towering Noordam.
Carrying up to 1,900 passengers and 800 crew, the Noordam anchored in the bay… -
Cruise season is here
Next week Gisborne will host the National Geographic Orion, the first cruise ship visit for the 2023/23 summer season. It is scheduled to arrive at 8am on 13 November, bringing about 106 passengers…
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New summer marketing campaign for Tairāwhiti Gisborne
The unique East Coast lifestyle, people and attractions are celebrated in a new marketing campaign for Tairāwhiti Gisborne, enticing manuhiri to visit the region and ‘come see why’. The campaign is…
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Have your say on the future of Tairāwhiti tourism
The people of Tairāwhiti are invited to have their say on the future of tourism and the visitor economy in this region.
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Rebuilding tourism under the Covid Protection Framework
East Coast MP and cabinet minister Kiri Allan met with local tourism operators last week to discuss doing business under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.
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Bumper summer season in Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti had an excellent summer season as Kiwis unable to travel abroad explored their own backyard.
Our People
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Holly Hatzilamprou
Regional Destination Manager
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Kim McVicker
Destination Marketing Manager
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Kara Hull
Team Leader isite
