Looking ahead to a bumper season

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne should be in for a bumper tourism season, following the end of Tuia 250 Commemorations and the ongoing Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival events attracting visitors.

With Gisborne in the national spotlight for the Tuia 250 events, Activate Tairawhiti tourism general manager Adam Hughes said while media had been hard at work covering news elements, the regional tourism organisation had been working with media “at any opportunity” to ensure the region, its natural beauty, warm people, produce and tourism experiences were showcased.

“Our tourism team has been working over the past few weeks to support the media presence in the region to cover Tuia 250 ki Turanga.

“Without a doubt the fabulous weather has helped to shine a light on our region for potential visitors across New Zealand.

“It has been pleasing to see our region humming with visitors during this school holiday break that has coincided with Tuia 250 ki Turanga and Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival. There has been a large presence of families visiting from outside the region, here to connect with friends and relatives while also taking in the programme of events.

“We have seen an amazing turnout at Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival with most of the ticketed shows to this point having the ‘sold out’ sign up. I have been to some incredible performances so far like Under an East Coast Moon, Witi’s Wahine and Henare.” Mr Hughes said he was looking forward to that night’s session of the sold-out show The Bookbinder.

“With more Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival performances to come and the First Light food and Wine Festival at Labour weekend, it is shaping up to be a big October.”

Mr Hughes said there would be an “immediate positive impact”, with an increase in spending by visitors to the region.

“Accommodation, as well as food and beverage providers, have been incredibly busy, with “no vacancy” signs up all over town, bustling restaurants and food vendors at events having record days.

“Tairawhiti is set up for a big summer where I expect to see solid visitor spend growth through to April 2020 with a variety of key events anchoring our traditionally strong summer season.”