Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Gisborne, New Zealand

Where in the World Are We?

In Gisborne, New Zealand on the East Coast of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

GISBORNE, NEW ZEALAND
IT’S KNOWN FOR WINERIES AND SURF BEACHES SUCH AS MAKORORI

With a population of around 35,000 and located on the north island Gisborne exudes history at every turn. Maori for “Great standing place of Kiwa” Kiwa was a leading figure aboard the Maori ancestral canoe Takitimu which ran aground in Gisborne around 1450 AD.

After landing Kiwa became a coastal guardian eventually marrying Parawhenuamea the keeper of the streams. The union point of three rivers and the first place to see the sun the city is filled with light and laughter and gracefully squeezes surfer’s beaches with the district’s colonial past.

Captain Cook made his first landfall here, John Harris set up his first trading station in the then village and today Gisborn is the major centre of Maori cultural life. Suffice it to say then that the city is a watery wonderland. With its picture-perfect beaches what savvy traveller does not want to add being among the first people in the world to say they have watched the sky change colour as the sun bursts from out of the sea.

A place of nature spectacular beach cliff views are all just part and parcel of everyday life here and easy walks from the centre of town to the Titirangi Reserve will award you with yet more unbelievable 180˚ vistas from Poverty Bay to Gisborne City stretch your eyes with the panorama while stretching your legs on one of the many enjoyable walks. A perfect place to stroll amble and wander like much of New Zealand Gisborne keeps a healthy respect for history and
nature and enjoys a very laid-back feel.

TAIRAWHITI MUSEUM
Tairāwhiti Museum is the major public institution for arts, culture and heritage activities for the Tairāwhiti region and has a reputation as one of the very best, most innovative regional museums in New Zealand. The museum features changing exhibitions of regional history, local and national art exhibitions, and a historic cottage and ship to explore.

SIGHTS

Bushmere Estate
Gisborne Botanical Gardens
Te Kuri Farm Walkway
Titirangi
Wyllie Cottage
Gisborne Peak Winery

Our Excursion today was to be a Tour of Gisborne and a visit to two wineries. Unfortunately, all tours were cancelled due to rough sea swells that made tender operations dangerous in the morning. Later in the afternoon when the swells subsided we can take tenders into Gisborne for us to explore on our own. It was a quaint small laid back town.

We were the only ones riding in on the tender

TONIGHT’S SHOW – TIMELESS

Andrew Pryor and David Kidd have been in the business of making people happy since the last millennium. Their effervescent take on favorites from the worlds of opera, music theatre, and swing have set them apart. Their Aussie sense of humor has made them loved by audiences worldwide.

David and Andrew cut their teeth with companies such as Opera Queensland and Opera Australia but their love of popular music also saw them travel the world with Aussie sensation, The Ten Tenors, performing in venues such as Royal Albert Hall and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant with a Mardi Gras theme