Ocean Beach Wainui is a spacious, calm accommodation retreat in the picturesque seaside village of Wainui Beach, just minutes from the heart of Gisborne — one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise each day. Set along the stunning Pacific coastline and only a 200-metre stroll from the sand, the property offers 15 generously sized, self-contained suites that blend modern comfort with a warm, Mediterranean-feeling beach vibe.
The suite range covers everything from open-planned studios with private north-facing tropical courtyards to large apartment-style one and two-bedroom layouts, a spa suite and a balcony suite with hill vistas. Kitchens, heat pumps and air conditioning, hi-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs and free onsite parking make it an easy home away from home for couples, families, school groups, sports teams, surfers and corporate guests alike.
Owned by Gisborne locals Johnny and Pip Williams and run day-to-day by a dedicated on-site team, Ocean Beach is built on a 'local and sustainable' philosophy, working closely with local Gisborne businesses that share its ethos. Whether you are planning a quiet couples' retreat, a wedding base, a working stay with ultra-fast broadband, or simply a front-row seat to the sunrise, Ocean Beach makes an easy, welcoming base for discovering Gisborne.
Perched at world-renowned Wainui Beach — one of the first places on earth to catch each day's sunrise — Ocean Beach is a spacious, calm retreat just minutes from the heart of Gisborne. Owners Johnny and Pip Williams describe it as their 'little piece of paradise', and guests tend to agree: a Mediterranean-feeling building with an easy beachy vibe, 15 generously sized suites, and the sand only a 200-metre stroll from the door.
Every stay at Ocean Beach is built around space and comfort. The 15 suites range from modern open-planned studios to large apartment-style two-bedroom layouts, each designed to blur the line between indoors and out. Studios pair a queen bed, fully equipped kitchen and plantation shutters with a private north-facing tropical courtyard of around 17 m² — perfect for outdoor dining and slow mornings. Step up to the Studio Spa Suite and you add a large private spa bath to the same relaxed formula.
Families and groups gravitate to the One and Two Bedroom Suites. Both are self-contained apartments with separate living areas and genuine indoor/outdoor flow; the Two Bedroom Suite spreads across 60 m² with flexible bedding that suits friends, family or corporate groups. The Balcony Suite rounds out the line-up as a one-bedroom apartment with a vista over the hills.
Wherever you stay, the practical details are covered: private kitchen, tea and coffee, heat pumps and air conditioning, smart TV in the lounge, hi-speed Wi-Fi, private bathroom with luxury skincare, free onsite parking and baby cots on request.
Ocean Beach wears many hats. Couples come for a quiet retreat to reconnect; families use it as a holiday base; school groups make the most of the huge lawn space; sports teams, surf enthusiasts and wedding parties fill the suites through summer. Weddings are a particular strength — the spacious suites give wedding guests a comfortable place to stay, and the property's full wedding directory helps hosts plan every detail of the day.
Business travellers are equally looked after. With ultra-fast broadband and a spacious, quiet environment, Ocean Beach works just as well as a corporate base as it does a beach escape.
There is a genuine local story behind the property. Johnny hails from Ruatoria and Pip from Waikaremoana; the couple returned to Gisborne to farm sheep and beef at Taaheke Station and later bought a Gold Kiwifruit orchard at Opou Rd. After the orchard and farm were badly damaged in the 2023 cyclone, they took a leap of faith into accommodation — drawn by Ocean Beach's Mediterranean feel, beachy vibe and stunning location in a village where 'everyone is like one big family'.
Their philosophy is simple: local and sustainable. Ocean Beach works closely with local Gisborne businesses that share its sustainable ethos and continues to work towards greater sustainable practices. Day to day, dedicated manager Caro and relief manager Maria take special care of guests.
Life here is shaped by the beach. Set an early alarm and join the 200-metre stroll to watch the sunrise at what is famously one of the first places in the world to see it. Surf riders head to the well-known Stockroute break; families claim picnic spots on the sand. Reception lends out beach towels so you can lighten your luggage, and the team can help arrange airport transfers via Ecokabs.
Booking is easiest direct through the website or by phone, and gift vouchers make the stay an easy gift. Whether you come for the waves, the weddings, the work-friendly Wi-Fi or simply the first light of the day, Ocean Beach delivers a spacious, warm-hearted slice of Wainui Beach.