Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE NZ GIS

Gisborne, New Zealand

New Zealand · 38.67° S, 178.03° E

The World Port Index classes Gisborne as a river port with enclosed basins reached from the South Pacific Ocean. It records a channel depth of 9.4 m and a cargo pier depth of 9.4 m. Norfolk is 13,670 km away in a straight line.

13,670 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
9.4 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
From Norfolk
13,670 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Tauranga200 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
9.4 m
Anchorage depth
20.1 m
Cargo pier depth
9.4 m
Oil terminal depth
9.4 m
Tidal range
1 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Gisborne is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
Yes
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
No

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, breakbulk and solid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is up to 24 tons.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
No
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
No
LNG terminal
No
Wharves
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Floating cranes
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Dry dock
None
Electrical repair
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with New Zealand

US exports, 2025
$4.1BLed by aircraft and spacecraft
US imports, 2025
$5.6BLed by meat

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for New Zealand

Other ports in New Zealand

The nearest is Tauranga, 200 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.