PremiumZoe MillsMultimedia Journalist·Gisborne Herald·14 Jul, 2026 05:00 AM3 mins to read‌A tender filled with passengers from the Westerdam cruise ship heads into port. Confirmed cruise ship visits for the 2026-27 summer are up 50% on the previous season. Trust Tairāwhiti regional destination manager Joe Williams (inset bottom) says the visits could bring about 10,000 passengers to Gisborne, while inner harbour restaurant owner Grant Fussell (inset top) is encouraging businesses to open their doors for the tourist injection. Main photo / Ben Cowper; Fussell photo / Zoe Mills; Williams photo / Trust TairāwhitiLocal businesses can look forward to a busy summer as cruise ship visits to Gisborne are set to increase by 50%.Recent data from the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) shows Gisborne leading the North Island in its booking percentage increase for the upcoming season.

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