Must-visit wineries in Gisborne

Gisborne’s wine story is shaped by a few key factors that give it a flavour all its own. It’s a region where the elements come together in a way that’s hard to match elsewhere in the country — and it shows in every glass. 

• Geographic & climate advantages: Gisborne’s volcanic soil, long sunshine hours, and coastal breezes set the scene for grape growing. The warm days and cool nights help the fruit keep its bright acidity, while the proximity to the sea adds a subtle lift to the wines. 

• Signature grape varietals: Chardonnay might be the headline act here, but you’ll also find excellent examples of gewürztraminer, viognier, chenin blanc and pinot gris. These aromatic whites thrive in the region’s generous sunshine and varied microclimates. 

• Local winemaking philosophy: Many of Gisborne’s wineries are small, family-run and focused on sustainable growing. There’s a real sense of craft and care in the way the wines are made, from vineyard to cellar door. 

Together, these elements give Gisborne a wine scene that’s a little different — and well worth a stop on your campervan road trip. 

Top must-visit wineries in Gisborne

Gisborne’s wineries are all about relaxed, friendly hospitality and wines that speak of the land. From long-established names to small family-run spots, each winery brings its own take on the region’s warm climate and volcanic soils. Here’s where to stop if you’re keen to taste the best of what Gisborne has to offer. 

Bushmere Estate

Just a few minutes from Gisborne’s centre, Bushmere Estate is a family-run winery known for making easy-drinking wines that are perfect for sharing. Their tasting room opens out onto a garden courtyard, making it an easy place to sit back and enjoy a glass or two. The wines here are fresh and approachable, with a focus on chardonnay that pairs nicely with local seafood and sunny afternoons. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to slow down, grab a platter, and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet among the vines. 

Matawhero Wines

One of the region’s oldest wineries, Matawhero Wines has been part of the Gisborne landscape since the 1970s. The cellar door is set in a beautifully restored historic building surrounded by vines, blending old-school charm with modern touches. Matawhero’s range of whites — from rich, textural chardonnay to floral, spicy gewürztraminer — reflect the sunny, coastal climate that sets this region apart. The team are passionate about what they do and always happy to share a few stories about how Matawhero has grown with the region. 

Wrights Vineyard & Winery

Fully certified organic and run by a dedicated family team, Wrights Vineyard & Winery is all about making wines that are both sustainable and full of life. Their low-intervention approach shines through in every bottle, from aromatic whites like chenin blanc to chardonnay with real depth. The cellar door is a warm, unpretentious space where you’ll often find the owners themselves guiding tastings. If you’re feeling peckish, their small on-site café serves up homemade treats — a perfect match for a glass of something local. 

TW Wines

Focused on quality over quantity, TW Wines keeps things small-scale and personal. Their vineyards sit on free-draining soils that bring extra vibrancy to the fruit, and their wines reflect that, especially the pinot gris and chardonnay, which are fresh, pure, and fruit-driven. The tasting room is intimate and relaxed, with staff who love to chat about the winemaking process and the seasonal differences that shape each vintage. It’s a great spot if you’re after a more low-key experience that still delivers on flavour. 

Millton Vineyards & Winery

As New Zealand’s first certified organic and biodynamic winery, Millton Vineyards & Winery has long been a benchmark for natural, expressive wines in Gisborne. Their approach is rooted in working with the land — no chemical sprays, no shortcuts, just careful farming and respect for the vineyard’s natural cycles. The cellar door itself is a peaceful spot, surrounded by vines and shaded by old fruit trees, where you can taste wines that are layered, complex, and unmistakably of this place. From fresh, zesty riesling to more structured chardonnay, every bottle at Millton tells a story of sustainability and care. 

Gisborne’s food scene is just as worth exploring as the wineries. The Gisborne farmers market is held every Saturday at Old Army Hall carpark. You’ll find plenty of local produce, honey, preserves and more — great for stocking the campervan pantry or packing a picnic.  

You’ll also find a great choice of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that showcase everything from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses, perfect for pairing with a bottle or two of chardonnay picked up along the way. 

Tips for campervan travellers visiting Gisborne wineries

Travelling by campervan is one of the best ways to explore Gisborne’s relaxed, welcoming wine scene. It gives you the freedom to set your own pace — you can wander between cellar doors, linger over lunch, and take in the coastal views, all with your home on wheels ready to go. Here’s how to make the most of it. 

Drive responsibly

When it comes to wine tasting, a bit of planning helps keep everyone safe. If you’re sampling at a few wineries in a day, it’s important to have a designated driver, or just pick one winery to visit before heading back to your campsite. Many cellar doors also offer smaller tasting flights, so you can enjoy the experience without going overboard. For a more social day out, consider joining a guided tour where the driving is taken care of for you. 

Where to camp

Gisborne has plenty of holiday parks and camping spots that put you close to cellar doors, the beach, and the laid-back lifestyle the region does so well. 

• Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – Set right on one of Gisborne’s best beaches, this holiday park is just a ten-minute walk from the city centre. It’s a great spot to unwind at the end of the day, with easy access to both urban comforts and seaside views. 

• Tatapouri Bay – In beautiful Tatapouri Bay, where the land meets the sea, you’ll find a relaxed camping spot with unbeatable ocean views. It’s a bit more remote, so perfect if you’re keen to mix winery visits with a peaceful coastal stay. 

• Tolaga Bay Holiday Park – Right on the beach at the base of Mount Titirangi, this spot puts you at the start of the historic Cooks Cove Walkway and beside Tolaga Bay’s long wharf. It’s a great base if you want to combine a little exploring with your wine tastings. 

When you’re ready to park up for the night, downloading the thl Roadtrip app makes it easy to book your campground or holiday park directly from your phone. 

Final tips and etiquette for wine travellers 

A few simple tips can help you get the most out of your time in Gisborne — and make sure you leave a positive mark wherever you go. 

• Don’t try to squeeze in too much — 1 to 3 wineries in a day is usually just right. It gives you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. 

• Book your tastings ahead of time, especially during summer or over long weekends. It’s the easiest way to make sure you won’t be turned away from a busy cellar door. 

• When you find a wine you love, buy a bottle or two. It’s a simple way to support the small producers that make Gisborne such a unique wine region. 

• Remember to leave no trace. Dispose of any rubbish properly and respect the land and the vineyards you’re visiting. 

Gisborne might be a little off the usual wine trail, but that’s part of what makes it so special. From the laid-back coastal vibe to the passionate, small-scale winemakers, it’s a region that feels like a well-kept secret — perfect for Kiwis wanting to slow down and international visitors after something authentic. 

Start your campervan adventure today – book your maui campervan today and explore New Zealand on your terms.