10 Best Places To Stay In Gisborne

For your action-packed days of cycling between Gisborne, Mahia and Wairoa - take some time out to stay over in Gisborne itself – taking advantage of its warm hospitality, as well as its cafes, vineyards and beautiful beaches.

We’ve put together our top picks on where to stay the night in Gisborne to make sure you’re charged up and ready for your railbike adventure.

BellaVista Accommodation

Conveniently located near Gisborne’s city centre and just minutes from the beach, Bella Vista Gisborne offers clean, modern and comfortable accommodation with everything you need for an easy, hassle-free stay. With well-appointed rooms, great value, and friendly service, it’s the perfect base for business travellers, couples or families wanting reliable comfort and effortless access to Gisborne’s cafés, shops and local attractions.

Naurea Homestead

Nestled in peaceful rural surrounds, Naurea Homestead offers a charming country escape where comfort, history and relaxation come together. Perfect for couples, families or groups, the homestead provides spacious, cosy accommodation with plenty of room to unwind. Guests love the quiet, the warm hospitality, and the chance to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty right on the doorstep — from scenic walks and local attractions to beaches, wineries and hidden gems around the Tairāwhiti region. A restful, character-filled base for your stay.

Tidal Waters Loglodge

Just 35 minutes north of Gisborne at beautiful Waihau Beach, Tidal Waters Loglodge offers a private, tranquil escape powered by eco-friendly solar and wind energy. With space for up to 24 guests across the main lodge and a self-contained unit, it’s ideal for family holidays, weddings, retreats or group getaways. Wake to the sound of the surf, bring your pets, and enjoy easy access to local favourites like Cooks Cove, Tolaga Bay Wharf, surf casting, diving, heritage walks, wildlife spotting, wine tasting and more, a relaxed coastal base for any adventure.

Captain Cook Lodge

Only three minutes’ walk to the beautiful Waikanae Beach and a couple of blocks to the city centre, the Captain Cook Lodge ticks all the boxes for a relaxing stay with no hassles getting around. It’s great value for money, the rooms are well-maintained, tidy and comfortable, and the staff are super friendly. It also has its own restaurant for a pre-cycle fueling.

Senator Motor Inn

For a stylish stay with beautiful views of the harbour, you can’t go past the Senator Motor Inn. The suites are spacious and self contained, and you get your own balcony to enjoy a morning coffee. You can walk along the riverside to the Waikanae and Midway beaches. There’s also a river bike/walk trail in the other direction, if you feel like you need a warmup for the railbike experience!

The Blackhouse

To really make your stay something special, book this private lodge on a 1000 hectare working station with 360-degree views overlooking Wainui beach and rolling farmland. It sleeps 10, all three bedrooms have stunning views. The place is stylishly furnished, both luxury and unpretentious. The kitchen is equipped and industrial style so you can whip up that hearty breakfast before your trip – or even bring in a chef. There’s a huge central fireplace and oodles of books, so you’ll be fully relaxed and recharged for any adventure.

Waikanae Beach Top10 Holiday Park

For relaxed, beachfront, family-friendly accommodation, this is our top pick! There is a playground, an indoor pool, tidy cooking/bathroom amenities, and of course the beautiful Waikanae beach right there for walks and swims. Choose from campsites, campervan sites, cabins, and even a beach front bach. It’s just 10 minutes’ walk to the city centre too.

Whispering Sands Motel

This place is the only beachfront motel you’ll find in the city – affordable and with an amazing location on Waikanae Beach, what’s not to like? Head out for a dawn surf, walk the boardwalk along the beach, walk 20 mins to town, or stay in and relax with a book. The kitchenettes are well equipped for cooking and the units are light and airy.

Portside Hotel – Gisborne central

This Heritage hotel is in a quiet area of town and has beautiful views over the harbour and Poverty Bay. It is walking distance to the CBD, and has its own outdoor lap pool (warning: the pool is not heated!). The trail along the riverside is easily accessible, the carparking ample, and the staff lovely.

Pacific Harbour Motor Inn

Located in a handy central Gisborne location, this family-friendly motel has super comfortable beds and sizeable units (with a free laundry). Staff are super friendly, and can direct you to good restaurants just 2 mins’ walk away – but there’s also well-equipped kitchenettes if you’re eating in. It’s also walking distance to Waikanae Beach for a refreshing swim or stroll on the sand.

Tatapouri Bay

Out at Tatapouri Beach, this laidback holiday park is smackbang in the perfect location for views of surfing, boating, fishing and diving. The accommodation options offered include self-contained units, cabins, powered/non-powered sites and glamping tents. The communal kitchen is fully equipped and clean, as are the showers. Outdoor lounge suites are dotted around the site for the ultimate relaxation.

Emerald Hotel

This is both boutique accommodation and conference centre. The rooms are huge and have stunning views across the inner harbour, river, or hills. You can swim in the pool or relax in the spa, and it’s handy to restaurants and cafes.

Mahia ‘Rolling Stones’ B’n’B Cottages

3 minutes from the start of the Mahia coastal railbike ride. Great swimming beaches and walks with stunning Mahia scenery.

Contact hosts Judy and Glen now: 027692059 or email rollingstonesbnb@gmail.com

Link Here For Top 5 Attractions in Gisborne, New Zealand