Getting here and settling in
We want to make your journey to the Holden Family Reunion and your stay in beautiful Gisborne as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Find all the details you need for travel and accommodation here.
Your journey to Gisborne
Whānau travelling from out of town have a couple of easy options to reach Gisborne for the reunion. You can arrive by car or by air.
If you're flying, check the Air New Zealand website for flights. We recommend booking early as February is a popular time. You can fly to Gisborne from either Auckland or Wellington, and it's approximately a one-hour flight.
For those driving, Gisborne is easily accessible from anywhere in the North Island. It's about a six-hour drive from Auckland or seven hours from Wellington, offering scenic routes as you approach our beautiful region.
Where to stay in Gisborne
Gisborne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. For a local experience, consider checking out Air BnB. You'll also find plenty of motels available in central Gisborne.
If you're looking for something unique, we have a selection of boutique accommodation options and charming bed 'n' breakfasts. For those who love the outdoors, our great holiday park offers many options for families and is super close to the beach, providing the freedom of a campground experience.
For a comprehensive list of accommodation, visit the Tairawhiti Gisborne website: tairawhitigisborne.co.nz/accommodation.
Please note - we do encourage you to reserve your accommodation promptly. Gisborne hosts a lot of summer events and if there happens to be other events on the same weekend the Gisborne accommodation will be under pressure. So be smart!
We do recommend the Ocean Beach Motel in Wainui if you are looking for something nice by the beach.
Getting around Gisborne and to Reunion event
Once you're in Gisborne, please note that you will need your own transport to get to the various reunion events. We recommend planning for a rental car or bringing your own vehicle to ensure you can easily access all the wonderful activities we have planned for the Holden Family Reunion.
As an alternative, Gisborne is very walkable. You can reach the Friday evening event within 15 minutes walk from central Gisborne.
The Saturday events are a 20-25 minute drive from central Gisborne, and there are taxi's available.
Taxi numbers
Gisborne Taxis - 06 867 222
EkoKabs Gisborne - 021 892
Things to do in Gisborne
There is so much to do and see in Gisborne. If you are coming for a long weekend, please see some of the gorgeous things to do below, or go to the Tairāwhiti Gisborne webpage for a full directory.
Dive Tatapouri
Dive Tatapouri is located 15 minutes from Tairāwhiti Gisborne on State Highway 35. Tatapouri offers a world-famous interactive marine experience with Stingrays and other sea life.
Eastwoodhill
Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, has over 131 ha of incredible exotic and native trees and shrubs, beautiful in any season, 25km of walking and hiking trails for all fitness levels, and a children's playground and accommodation.
Poverty Bay Golf Course
The links-style course presents a fair but testing challenge for golfers of all abilities, and is enjoyed by all who play its sand-based, watered fairways which follow the undulating contours of a sand dune system running mostly parallel with the nearby beach of Turanganui-a-Kiwa, also known as Poverty Bay. Excellent drainage means the course is almost never closed due to bad weather. Its greens are often praised as amongst the best in New Zealand.
Matawhero Wines
We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs.