The first place in the world to see the dawn of each new day, Gisborne and Eastland offer an authentic taste of New Zealand culture in a coastal setting.

In the far east of the North Island, Eastland is a secluded and picturesque natural haven of beaches, forests and farmland. Offering unique experiences for those seeking an authentic New Zealand experience, visitors can walk in forested valleys or climb a sacred mountain and be the first in the world to see the dawn of a new day.

The main centre of Eastland, Gisborne, is renowned for its subtropical summer days, long hours of sunshine and warm temperatures, and offers the fantastic combination of a vibrant café scene, white sand beaches and excellent surfing. It is a great base for visitors wanting to explore the bush reserves and forest parks around the region, ranging anywhere from half-hour walks to four-day hikes. Wairoa, in the south of the region, is the gateway for exploring Urewera National Park – the largest remaining tract of native forest in the North Island. Those who enjoy the finer things in life will appreciate the fact that Gisborne is one of New Zealand’s largest grape growing regions with a number of award-winning wineries and vineyards.

Eastland is also a region rich in culture and history. Here, visitors can enjoy an unpackaged glimpse into Maori culture, strongly evident in historic marae that still play a vital role in the community and numerous contemporary art and cultural experiences. Eastland also has deep historic significance as the place where Captain Cook first landed when he circumnavigated New Zealand in the eighteenth century.

Regional Highlights

Unforgettable Sights

Tolaga Bay Wharf Built in 1936 and measuring 660 metres in length, this is the longest pier in New Zealand and was awarded Category I status by the Historic Places Trust in April 2009. East Cape Lighthouse The most easterly point on mainland New Zealand; it’s a 22-kilometre drive from Te Araroa. The Wainui-Makorori Headland Climb to the top for views over two sweeping surf beaches. Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park New Zealand’s third largest National Park and the largest untouched native forest in the North Island is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Sunrise from Mount Hikurangi Witness stunning views over the Pacific Ocean from the first place on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise.

Adrenaline Rush

Dive Tatapouri (14 km from Gisborne) Eco tours, shark cage diving and stingray feeding. www.divetatapouri.com Game fishing Book a fishing charter and head out to the Pacific Ocean in search of shark and marlin. New Zealand Safari Adventures (Gisborne) Quad biking tours in native forest at Tangihau Station, 40 minutes’ drive from Gisborne. www.nzsafari.co.nz Surfing (Gisborne) Take a surf lesson with equipment provided or join a surf tour to find the best spots in this popular surfing region. www.gisbornenz.com

Relax & Indulge

Knapdale Eco Lodge (Gisborne) Tranquillity in a stunning rural landscape, offering luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation on a sustainably  managed farm and forestry venture. www.knapdale.co.nz Paradise Leisure Tours (Gisborne) Scenic, city or wine tours including the Sunrise Champagne Breakfast Tour, phone +64 27 223 9440. Morere Hot Springs (Nuhaka) Relax and indulge in public and private thermal pools in a beautiful bush setting. www.morerehotsprings.com

Luxury

The Repongaere Estate (Gisborne) Five luxury villas nestled in a 14-hectare estate close to wineries, olive groves and golf courses. www.repongaere.co.nz

Culture

Ti Puna Tours (Gisborne) Cultural and heritage tours to various destinations including Whangara, setting for the acclaimed Whale Rider film. www.gisbornenz.com Tairawhiti Museum (Gisborne) Award-winning complex with Maori and European artefacts including taonga Maori (Maori treasures) and a surfboard collection. www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz Waka Toa (Gisborne) Authentic encounter with Maori culture combining performance tradition and history. www.wakatoa.com

Natural New Zealand

Te Urewera National Park Hike in the largest area of untouched native forest in the North Island or go boating or fishing on Lake Waikaremoana or Lake Waikareiti.

On a Budget

Eastwoodhill Arboretum (Gisborne) A 100-hectare Garden of National Significance containing New Zealand’s largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs. www.eastwoodhill.org.nz Rere Rockslide (Gisborne) A natural 60 metre waterslide 47 km from Gisborne. www.gisbornenz.com

The Iconic Experience

Get up early and head down to the beach to watch the sunrise  from New Zealand’s easternmost city – then wake up properly with coffee and breakfast in an inviting Gisborne café.

Dining & Shopping

Exclusive Dining

The Marina Restaurant & Bar (Gisborne) Fine international cuisine in an ambient riverside setting. www.themarinarestaurant.co.nz

Casual Dining

The Works (Gisborne) Café and winery serving fresh local produce. www.workscafe.co.nz

Café

Café 1874 (Gisborne) Fabulous salads and pastas at the historic Poverty Bay Club, phone +64 6 863 2006.

Stylish Bar

Soho (Gisborne) Sophisticated city chic and a laid-back atmosphere. www.sohobar.co.nz

Cosy Pub

The Meetings Irish Ale House (Gisborne) Friendly local meeting place, phone +64 6 863 3733.

Culinary Experience

Wine tasting Sample superb local Chardonnay in this important wine-growing region.

Shop or Gallery

Artyfacts (Gisborne) Excellent museum shop with flax bags and jewellery. www.tairawhitimuseum.org.nz

Suggested Itineraries

1 Day in Gisborne & Eastland

Begin with a visit to the Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve at Kaiti Beach and drive up Kaiti Hill for superb views. Visit Te Poho o Rawiri Marae, site of the largest carved meeting houses in New Zealand (permission needed). Tairawhiti Museum features a fine collection of Maori and European artefacts. After lunch, take a stroll along the River Walkway that winds its way around the city riverbanks and explore Gisborne’s shops and cafés. Afterwards, visit Morere Hot Springs and indulge in a relaxing soak before enjoying a seafood dinner in one of Gisborne’s superb restaurants.

3 Days in Gisborne & Eastland

After arrival in Gisborne on Day 1, take a historic tour around Gisborne finishing at the inner harbour for a dinner of local seafood and fine Gisborne wine. On Day 2, drive to Tolaga Bay, experiencing some of the magnificent coastal scenery of the Pacific Coast Highway on the way. Visit the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf and stroll the Cook’s Cove Walkway. Tupaea’s Cavern, a natural rock archway, connects Cook’s Cove with Tolaga Bay. In the afternoon, either experience deep sea fishing or, as a more relaxing option, head to Morere Hot Springs and soak in the Nikau Pools. Later, visit a couple of the region’s many top class wineries. On Day 3, visit Eastwoodhill Arboretum – the largest and finest collection of exotic trees and shrubs in New Zealand.

Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway This touring route from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay wraps right around Eastland’s coastline – drive a section of the route for superb ocean views.

Transport

Airports

Gisborne has its own domestic airport with services daily to and from Auckland and Wellington.

Roads

Gisborne is situated on the Pacific Coast Highway, just over three hours’ drive north of Napier or southeast of Whakatane via the Waioeka Gorge. Coaches service the region daily from north and south, or visitors may prefer to rent a car or campervan and explore at their own pace.

Further Information

Tourism Eastland Inc.

PO Box 170, Gisborne
Phone +64 6 868 6139
Email info@gisbornenz.com
www.gisbornenz.com

Map powered by MapPress

Close

Close