If ever there was a region made for a road trip, Eastland is it. This is an epic stretch of coastline where you'll be greeted with a picture-postcard view at every turn. From dozens of remote beaches and rocky headlands to marae and historic churches, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing drives imaginable.
A Good Old Kiwi Holiday in Eastland is the perfect opportunity to switch off the technology and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Pitch a tent under a pohutukawa tree or park up the campervan alongside a glistening white-sand beach. Generous amounts of sunshine, a laid-back vibe and friendly coastal townships will soon remind you that this is what summer holidays are all about.
Stretching from Opotiki right around the coast to Wairoa, Eastland's rural Maori communities and isolated beaches create a region offering a slower, peaceful pace an area strong in spirituality, tradition and Maori culture. Coastal highlights include Hicks Bay with its numerous historic pa sites and some great fishing spots, Te Araroa where it is reputed the oldest and largest pohutukawa tree stands, the East Cape Lighthouse and Tolaga Bay's wharf - at 660m it's New Zealand's longest.
Gisborne is a vibrant port city and the centre of one of New Zealand's biggest grape-growing regions, earning it the title of Chardonnay Capital. The town also has another claim to fame: Captain James Cook first made landfall here and The Captain Cook Memorial, an obelisk at the base of Kaiti Hill, marks the spot.
Eastland's natural attractions are numerous: go for the ride of your life on the Rere Rock Slide and view the majestic Rere Falls. The gorgeous Mahia Peninsula is a favourite holiday destination for families and surfers, while further inland the Te Urewera National Park is home to the unspoiled and tranquil Lake Waikaremoana.
Wainui Beach © Tourism Eastland
Gisborne is a prosperous, vibrant, sunny port city with unspoiled beaches, a Mediterrenean-style climate, a bustling marina with top-notch cafes and restaurants and city sophistication without the hustle and bustle.
This is where Captain Cook first hit land in New Zealand, and Gisborne is a town proud of its historic connections. Nods to Captain Cook can be found throughout the city, including an obelisk at the base of Kaiti Hill, marking the spot of Cook's landfall. Two models of Cook's ship Endeavor sit high above the street on Gladstone Road and, continuing the theme, a statue of Captain Cook and Young Nick (who was the first on the Endeavor to sight land) are found at Waikanae Beach.
It's not just history that draws people here; in more recent years Gisborne has become known as the Chardonnay Capital. One of New Zealand's biggest grape-growing regions, it has 2000ha of vineyards, much of it dedicated to producing the acclaimed chardonnay.
If you're keen for a cultural fix, want to entertain the children or you are simply looking to pick up some fun facts on your travels, then Gisborne's diverse range of attractions should tick all the boxes. This includes museums and art galleries, the Olympic Pool Complex, a vintage rail and popular pastimes of surfing, diving (including shark cage diving), fishing and horse trekking.
Gisborne is not short on natural attractions either: Waikanae Beach graces the city's eastern side and Wainui Beach, less than 10 minutes from the city centre, is one of the country's best. There are tranquil gardens too and Cooks Cove Walkway is one of many paths worth a stroll.
Attractions
- The Gisborne Wine Centre is the home of Gisborne wine, offering tastings as well as wine tours around the region's best vineyards.
- The Tairawhiti Museum combines with an art gallery and its extensive collection covers everything from Maori treasures to textiles.
- With displays ranging from tractors to engines, the East Coast Museum is great for families.
- View the region's history of flying, complete with aircraft on display, at the Gisborne Aviation Museum.
- A mammoth collection of northern hemisphere trees, plants and shrubs are on display at the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, with pleasant walking tracks that combine magical scenery with a relaxing aura.
- 62km from the city, Hackfalls Arboretum and Garden boasts a massive collection of Mexican oaks as well as natural lakes.
- About 50km from Gisborne, the Rere Rock Slide is a wild ride made smooth by a coating of constantly running water.
- The Motu Trails traverse the rolling hills of the Motu region between Opotiki and Matawai. These cycle trails are suitable for recreational and adventure cyclists alike and take you through bush-clad countryside, interspersed with views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged East Cape.
© Tourism Eastland