The best tow truck in Gisborne is the one that answers at 2am, turns up with the right truck and gets your vehicle off the road safely. Towing in Gisborne covers everything from a car breakdown in town to a logging truck stuck on a rural track, so the businesses below handle roadside assistance, accident towing, heavy vehicle recovery and salvage across Tairāwhiti. Gisborne Towing Services looks after cars and light vehicles from its Awapuni Road yard, while Gisborne Hiabs takes on trucks, buses and marine salvage.
1Gisborne Towing Services
Gisborne Towing Services has provided 24 hour towing in Gisborne since 1997 and now operates from a yard at 277 Awapuni Road, near the Lytton Road intersection. The team runs a fleet of salvage vehicles for breakdowns, crashes and long-haul transport, and liaises directly with insurers after an accident. It suits private motorists, insurance claims and anyone collecting a Police-impounded vehicle in the region.
Services
- 24 hour accident towing
- Roadside assistance for breakdowns
- Local towing around Gisborne
- Long distance towing and vehicle transport
- Impounded vehicle storage and release
Highlights
- Operating in Gisborne since 1997
- Tow and storage provider for NZ Police in the Tairāwhiti Police District
- Manheim approved regional storage facility for insured crashed vehicles
- Works with all insurance companies on accident claims
Location & Contact
Name: Gisborne Towing Services
Address: 277 Awapuni Road, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 868 8136
Website: gisbornetowing.co.nz
2Gisborne Hiabs
Gisborne Hiabs is a locally owned hiab and cartage business run by Justin and Amy Martin, with vehicle recovery, towing and salvage as one of its core service lines. The crew specialises in heavy and awkward jobs: broken-down buses, stuck logging trucks, courier vans off a driveway and boats on the rocks. It is the call for commercial operators, farms and anyone whose vehicle or machinery is too big or badly placed for a standard tow truck.
Services
- Heavy vehicle recovery and towing
- Road and marine salvage
- Machinery moving
- Hiab truck hire and cartage
Highlights
- Available 24/7 for breakdowns, emergencies and accidents
- Equipment for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles
- Locally owned and operated by Justin and Amy Martin
Location & Contact
Name: Gisborne Hiabs
Address: Gisborne
Phone: 021 635 757
Website: gisbornehiabs.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Tow Truck in Gisborne
- Match the truck to the vehicle: a tilt tray suits cars, low-clearance vehicles and motorbikes, while trucks, buses and machinery need heavy recovery gear or a hiab.
- Check 24 hour availability: breakdowns and crashes rarely happen in office hours, so save a number that is answered around the clock.
- Ask about insurance handling: an operator that deals with insurers directly saves you phone calls after an accident.
- Confirm distance and rural coverage: ask whether they travel out to the East Coast and inland roads, and how long-distance jobs are priced.
- Get a quote before the hook-up: for non-urgent towing, ask for the price up front and how payment is taken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gisborne Tow Trucks
How much does a tow truck cost in Gisborne?
Towing prices depend on the vehicle, the distance, the time of day and how hard the recovery is. A short local tow of a car costs far less than a night-time heavy recovery or a long-distance transport job, so call and describe the situation to get a quote before work starts.
Can I get a tow truck in Gisborne at night or on weekends?
Yes. Towing in Gisborne is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for breakdowns and accidents, even where office hours for paperwork and vehicle collection are limited to weekdays.
Who tows trucks, buses and machinery in Tairāwhiti?
Heavy vehicles need recovery equipment beyond a standard tilt tray. Look for an operator that lists heavy vehicle recovery and salvage as a service, as they carry the gear to tow trucks and buses and move machinery safely.
How do I get my car back after it has been impounded in Gisborne?
Impounded vehicles are held by the Police-appointed storage provider and released to the registered owner with photo ID once towing and storage fees are paid. The NZTA roadside vehicle impoundment guide explains the impoundment period and the fees that apply.
Do tow truck operators in New Zealand need a licence?
Yes. Businesses that tow or recover vehicles for payment need a vehicle recovery service licence, and their drivers must meet specific requirements. NZTA’s vehicle recovery business page sets out the rules, which is worth knowing if you want to check an operator is properly licensed.
Will my insurance cover the cost of a tow?
Many car insurance policies include towing after an accident, and some include roadside assistance. Tell the tow truck operator who your insurer is, as Gisborne towing businesses commonly deal with the insurer directly so you are not left paying upfront.
Where are tow trucks based in Gisborne?
Towing yards in Gisborne sit around the industrial side of the city, including Awapuni Road near the Lytton Road intersection. Operators cover the whole city and travel out to rural Tairāwhiti on request, so ask about callout times if you are well outside town.
What should I do while waiting for a tow truck?
Move to a safe spot away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights and stay clear of the vehicle if it is on a busy road or bend. Have your location, registration and insurer details ready for the driver when they arrive.