Gisborne

Port Gisborne stands out on the cruise map as a sun-kissed gateway to New Zealand's East Coast, where living history meets spectacular coastline and a welcoming, laid-back rhythm. The first light over Poverty Bay has inspired generations, and cruise guests step ashore into a city that blends Maori heritage with a colonial past, from the shores of the Takitimu story to modern galleries and marae experiences. Signature shore experiences include a dawn walk to Titirangi Reserve for panoramic 180° views of sea cliffs and city lights, intimate cultural encounters that reveal the region's Maori traditions and stories of Kiwa, and easy access to the surf culture along nearby beaches. Day trips whisk travelers to East Cape Lighthouse, windswept headlands, and coastal villages framed by vineyards and forests, offering a classic East Coast tapestry of sea, sand, and green hills. The port's compact, ship-friendly footprint translates to short embarkations, tender access where needed, and plenty of time to sample Gisborne's seafood, wine, and warm Kiwi hospitality. Onboard, visiting ships layer in local flavor—regional menus, cultural programming, and enrichment talks that connect guests with the region's history and nature—making a Gisborne call feel like a best-kept secret revisited with every voyage.