As Gisborne is nestled into New Zealand/Aotearoa’s western edge of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, it boasts not only incredible sunrises, but also gorgeous beaches and scenic spots to watch it from. Wake up bright and early, jump into your Thrifty rental car, and get ready to experience a sunrise of a lifetime.

Gape in Awe at Wainui Beach

Wainui Beach may be world-famous for its spectacular surf breaks, but you’re about to discover the epic potential of this beach for a whole other reason. Experience the magic of the sunrise at Wainui Beach as the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean are grazed by the soft, beautiful light of the lifting sun. The wide beach means that you can settle down on the sand and not have to worry about anything obstructing your view of nature’s alarm. The southern end of the beach provides slightly elevated views, so you can sit back and relax and watch the beauty of the rising sun reflect off the rolling waves. Talk about heavenly!

Prepare to Marvel at Kaiti Hill (Titirangi Domain)

This is one scenic spot that you can’t miss if you’re on the hunt for the best places in Gisborne to watch the sunrise. Kaiti Hill (Titirangi Domain) is a stunning slice of land that soars high up above the town and offers a bird’s eye view of Gisborne’s centre and the rivers that run throughout it. Combined with an incredible outlook of the ocean stretching out before you, this is a golden pick of a place to watch the gorgeous sunrise. The main lookout at the top of the hill is the ideal place to watch the sunrise from. If you’re wanting to sit back and sink into the start of the day, you can drive your rental car to the lookout. However, if you’re after a bit of an adrenaline hit first thing in the morning, then summit the hill on foot. The view is guaranteed to be worth the hike! There are also several lookout points on the way to the top, so make sure you stop and take in the beauty of the surrounding region at each one.

Drop Your Jaw at Makorori Beach

Not only is Makorori Beach one of the best places in Gisborne to observe the sunrise, it’s also one of the best hidden secrets when it comes to finding your own slice of coastal paradise all to yourself. Only a fifteen-minute drive from the centre of town, Makorori Beach stuns with a rocky coastline that frames the hazy hues of sun as it floats up over the gentle waves. To really make the most of this stunning sunrise hotspot, head up to the north end of the beach to catch the sun as it lifts up over the water without the view being interrupted. After you’ve watched the coastline come alive with the soft light of the rising sun, head down to the south end of the beach for a dose of thrilling adventure. Makorori Beach is home to a collection of rock pools and small tidal pools, all of which light up magnificently in the morning light.

Embrace the Serenity at Waikanae Beach

The best thing about the beautiful Waikanae Beach is it's close proximity to the centre of town, so you can sleep in until the absolute last minute before you start making your way down to this coastal haven. Prepare to be stunned as you gaze out across the scenery of this sweeping wide area of soft sand. The quiet beauty of this beach perfectly complements watching the sunrise in the morning, as does a morning stroll as the light begins washing down over the surface of the golden sand. If you’re thirsty for a thrill and feeling extra brave, the gentle waves of Waikanae Beach also make for a refreshing early-morning dip in the ocean. There’s no doubt you’ll feel awake after you’ve swam among these cool waters! Top it off with a walk around the shoreline or a rest in one of the many secluded parts on this wide open beach. There’s no reward as beautiful after a nice frosty swim than watching the sunrise in all its early-morning glory.

Whether it’s soaking up the sunrise from the sands of Wainui Beach, from the shores of Makorori Beach, from the waves of Waikanae Beach or the summit of Kaiti Hill, your Thrifty rental car will deliver you to the perfect place to watch the sunrise in Gisborne.