Gisborne has one of the sunniest climates in New Zealand — over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year, more than most of the country. Summers (December to February) are warm and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-20s. This is peak season, when the surf is best and the vineyards look their finest.
Autumn (March to May) is excellent for wine tourism: the harvest runs through March and April, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum blazes with colour, and the beaches are still warm enough to swim. Winters are mild by New Zealand standards but can bring heavy rain — the Eastland region receives most of its rainfall from June to August. Spring (September to November) sees the hillside farms green up and the weather become reliably pleasant.
The Gisborne Wine and Food Festival runs each October and draws visitors from across the country.