Eastland Information

Eastand - Rugged Terrain & Beautiful Beaches

Jutting out of the North Island, into the Pacific, Eastland is a place of 'firsts'. This is where the first Polynesian canoes landed in New Zealand; where Captain Cook made his first landfall; and where Maori and Europeans first met. Far from the holiday crowds, the defining feature of this region, is the peaceful solitude it offers.

'The Cape', as Eastland is affectionately known, contains rugged terrain and beautiful beaches. You can lose yourself in the hills and valleys, and renew your inner peace as you watch the waves gently fold onto the naturally inviting shores.

Inland, the vast wilderness of 'The Ureweras' houses the North Island's largest national park, perfect for those who love 'the great outdoors', whilst the more urban traveller may prefer the social scene of Gisborne, Eastland's most populous hub; a city whose laid-back attitude just invites you to kick back and relax with a glass of local, fine wine.

Area Highlights

Te Urewera National Park

The historical home of the Tuhoe ('Children of the Mist') tribe, Te Urewera National Park encloses the largest, untouched native forest in the North Island. Within the park, the stunning Lake Waikaremoana is a favourite destination for fishermen and birdwatchers. Hikers can take a four-day guided 'tramp' around the lake's circumference, camping out at pre-booked huts along the way.

Gisborne

The region's capital and main port of call for visitors, Gisborne's global claim to fame is that it is the first city to welcome in the new day. The climate is warm and residents enjoy a high ratio of sunshine hours. It was also here, in 1769, that Captain Cook took his first steps on New Zealand soil, after the Endeavour sailed into Poverty Bay – marking the first meeting between the Maori and European peoples.

If you're lucky enough to visit in October (Labour Weekend), the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival is a must, as thousands descend on the city to sample a few of the hundreds of wines on offer, complemented by locally-sourced culinary delights cooked up by some of the nation's top chefs. The event showcases the very best Gisborne has to offer, and there's always plenty of live entertainment, too – something you'd expect from the birthplace of opera star, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

Tolaga Bay and Wharf

The only main road around the Cape, State Highway 35 is a popular touring route that feeds you spectacular coastal scenery in this beautifully isolated part of New Zealand. A highlight is Tolaga Bay, a small town 45km northeast of Gisborne, where you can take a long, relaxing walk along the 660m-long wharf, or pier – the longest in New Zealand. Back towards Gisborne, the Maori village of Whangara is also worth a visit – it was the setting for one of New Zealand's most successful films, Whale Rider.

Mount Hikurangi

Gisborne may be the first city to see the sun rise each day but, at 1754m high, Mount Hikurangi is the first mainland place to witness it. A sacred mountain to the local Ngati Porou tribe, climbing treks are permitted only by prior arrangement with the tribal authorities. There is an excellent alpine hut on the higher reaches of the mountain, allowing climbers to stay the night and wake early to see that dawn.

Historic Places to Visit

Eastland is rich in Maori heritage, the result of thirty generations of Maori settlement. There are numerous traditionally-carved meeting houses and Maori churches to visit, and you'll notice the prevalence of Maoritanga – 'the Maori way' – which encompasses the language, culture and lifestyle of the Maori people. Places worth a visit include:

Kaiti Beach – Captain Cook's landing site. Kaiti Hill (Titirangi) – where the first Maori are claimed to have arrived in their canoes (waka). Climbing the hill, the view at the top will show you the white cliffs of 'Young Nick's Head' (named after one of Cook's crew who first sighted it).
Tairawhiti Museum & Arts Centre - in downtown Gisborne, the museum houses a fine collection of European and Maori artefacts and an extensive photographic collection.
Heritage trails - there are plenty of walks, museums and tours that show off the rich history of this region. Specifically, Gisborne's historical city walks can take anything between one and three hours.

Five Things To Do

1. See where Captain Cook took his pioneering first steps in New Zealand

2. Experience Maori culture in Whangara, of Whale Rider fame

3. Indulge in some world-famous Gisborne wine

4. Explore the exquisite coastline and hidden bay

5. Catch some trout, go kayaking or take a swim in Lake Waikaremoana

Getting There

Gisborne airport is situated 5km from the centre of the city, and receives daily flights from various places in the North Island.

Cities such as Rotorua and Auckland operate buses and shuttles to both Gisborne and Wairoa (Hawke's Bay), and some will often pick-up and drop-off at other, smaller locations around the Cape as well. Cruise ships will call in to Eastland Port in Gisborne several times a year.