Gisborne

Gisborne is famous for its sunny climate, friendly community and gorgeous beaches. Find out where to live and work in Gisborne on Working In today. Discover a range of job opportunities in the region and find affordable housing. Plus, get useful information on Gisborne entertainment and things to do.

Gisborne Population and Demographics

Gisborne is a stunning coastal city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This historic city was the first and largest settlement in the Gisborne District.

Gisborne’s population (37,200) is made up of various ethnicities. This includes European, Maori, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Latin American and African. The city has a fairly youthful population, with a median age of 37 years.

Places to Live in Gisborne

Gisborne’s laidback lifestyle has made it an attractive place to live in New Zealand. If you’re planning to move to Gisborne, you’ll have a wide choice of accommodation options. This includes beachfront homes, riverfront homes, lifestyle blocks, city apartments, and cheap townhouses.

There are low-cost options and luxurious options available in various suburbs. No matter where you settle down in Gisborne, you’ll enjoy a great quality of life. The suburbs are in close proximation to popular facilities and attractions.

Cost of Living in Gisborne

Housing in Gisborne is affordable compared to other New Zealand cities. The average house price in Gisborne is less than 270,000, compared to over $1 million in Auckland. These low house prices have made Gisborne a popular place for families to settle down. Grocery prices and restaurant prices are also much cheaper. You don’t always have to spend money to have fun in Gisborne – some of the best things to do in Gisborne can be done for free (beaches, walks).

Getting Around in Gisborne

Gisborne is a small city, so it’s fairly easy to get around. Many facilities and attractions are within walking or biking range from the suburbs.

Public transport in Gisborne is less developed compared to other New Zealand cities. The local bus service, Gizzy Bus, is the city’s main mode of public transport and is only available from Mondays – Fridays. The service doesn’t operate on weekends or public holidays.

If you need transport to a specific location, taxis are a viable option. While more expensive than taking the bus, taxis in Gisborne are quick and reliable.

Gisborne Weather and Climate

Gisborne has a temperate oceanic climate. The city sees a large number of sunshine hours throughout the year. During the summer, it’s the first city in the world to see the sun. The city also has a lower wind speed than other coastal areas of New Zealand. Gisborne rainfall varies throughout the year. On average, rainfall is highest in June, while November is the driest month.

Major Industries in Gisborne

Gisborne is a great place to work and do business. The city presents many exciting employment opportunities, especially in its major industries. The key industries in Gisborne include horticulture, forestry, agriculture and tourism. These industries are currently experiencing huge growth. Over the next five years, more than 2,000 jobs will be generated in Gisborne’s key industries. The engineering sector is also expected to experience large growth.

Payment for jobs in Gisborne depends on the role and your level of experience. The current minimum wage in New Zealand is 16.50 NZD (13.20 NZD after tax). All foreigners hoping to find work in Gisborne must have a relevant visa. Information about the visa process is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Education in Gisborne

If you’re migrating to Gisborne with kids, you’ll have plenty of choice in terms of education. Gisborne’s education sector is award-winning and is considered as one of the best in New Zealand. The city is home to 40 primary schools, four secondary schools and two intermediate-only schools.

Children going to school in Gisborne can choose from a range of after-school activities. This includes surf-lifesaving clubs, netball, football, drama, gymnastics, rowing, rugby and more. Most after-school facilities are located only a few minutes’ drive from each other.

Gisborne also has a great selection of tertiary providers. The Eastern Institute of Technology is the city’s main tertiary institute. Based in the city centre, the campus offers an abundance of study programs and options. Students have the option to study full-time, part-time or online. Getting a tertiary education in Gisborne can lead to fantastic career opportunities.

Gisborne Entertainment and Things to Do

Gisborne is best known for its stunning surf beaches, which have some of the country’s best surf breaks. These beaches are suitable for all ages and surf abilities.

However, Gisborne is much more than just a beach haven. There is a huge selection of things to do in Gisborne. The city is home to an array of sports facilities, museums and art galleries. The Tairawhiti Museum is a standout attraction for history enthusiasts. This museum features interesting exhibitions on indigenous and colonial history.

Gisborne has also built a reputation for its world-class food and wine. One of the most popular things to do in Gisborne is going on a wine trail. There are several operators in Gisborne that offer custom wine tours. This will save you the hassle of driving yourself.

You’ll find great shopping in Gisborne, including local boutiques selling arts & crafts. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city’s hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails. With natural beauty everywhere you go, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor adventure.

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