Gisborne is on the east coast of the North Island and is a place few tourists venture to. I love it because the coastline is so beautiful.

Ignore the main beach in town. Instead head north through the township and stop at Wainui beach or go over the hill to Makarori (where the surfers go).

Both beaches are beautiful and are sandfly-free (really!). There are some fantastic restaurants in Gisborne, and one of the best bookshops in NZ (Muirs). The whole East Cape is beautiful, and worth a visit if you have the time.

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This part of NZ (where I grew up) is largely untouched by tourism and reflects the real NZ, laid back and multicultural.

The drive from Opotiki to Gisborne around the East Cape has some amazing scenery and a few well spaced apart pubs and cafes for a break - try Two Fish cafe in Opotiki - or pack a picnic and find a shady spot near the sea. Rugged scenery and beautiful coastline.

Returning through the Waioeka is a great drive too. If you can, visit in December when the Pohutukawas are in bloom.

Almost no public transport. www.opotiki.co.nz

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