Eastland

Need to know ...

In the far east of the North Island, Eastland is a secluded haven of beaches, forests and farmland. The main centre, Gisborne, offers a vibrant café scene and white sand beaches. Maori culture is strongly evident and it’s a region rich in history.

Main Centres

Gisborne – main centre.
Opotoki – peaceful beach resort.
Wairoa – base for Te Urewera National Park.
Mahia – picturesque beachside spot.

Getting There

By Air – Napier has the nearest airport.
By Road – 3 hours, 25 minutes from Napier. Coaches service the region daily from the north and south.

What to Do

Tairawhiti Museum (Stout St, Gisborne, t +64 6 867 3832).
Morere Hot Springs (Main Rd, SH2, Morere, t +64 6 837 8856).

Eating Out

Gordon Gecko (Waterfront, Gisborne, t +64 6 868 3257) – good Kiwi fare by the wharf.
The Marina (Marina Park, Gisborne, t +64 6 868 5919) – one of Gisborne’s finest.

Where to Drink

Sunset Point Sports Bar (Newcastle St, Mahia Beach, Gisborne, t +64 6 837 5071).
The Irish Rover (Peel St, Gisborne, t +64 6 867 1112) – live entertainment. Open till late.

Coffee Fix

Sandbar / Malibu Café (7 Oneroa Rd, Wainui Beach, t +64 6 868 6828).

Something to Take Home

Artyfacts (Tairawhiti Museum, Stout St, Gisborne, t +64 6 867 3832) – flax bags, jewellery.
The Pencil Gallery (Cnr Gladstone Rd & Grey St, Gisborne, t +64 6 867 9721).

Did you know?

Notable Culture

The Maori name for the Eastland district is Tairawhiti – ‘The Coast Upon Which the Sun Shines Across the Water’.

Moment in History

On 9 October 1769 Captain Cook sailed the Endeavour into Poverty Bay and came ashore near the Turanganui River – making this the first European landing place in New Zealand.

Note This!

Tairawhiti Museum and Te Moana Maritime Museum in Gisborne is an award-winning complex displaying an excellent collection of Maori and European artifacts.

Sights

Visit the impressive Tolaga Bay Wharf – built in 1936 and measuring 660m in length, it’s the longest pier in New Zealand.
The remote East Cape Lighthouse is the most easterly point on mainland New Zealand – it’s a 22km drive from
Te Araroa. Climb up to the top of the Wainui-Makorori Headland, 8km from Gisborne, for views over two sweeping surf beaches.

Action

Surf’s up! Hit the waves on a world-famous surf beach – there are great spots right
along the coast, suitable for a range of levels.Go hiking in Te Urewera National Park – home to the largest area of untouched native forest in the North Island.

Relax

Enjoy a relaxing soak in the delightful Morere Hot Springs.Spend an afternoon wine tasting around Gisborne – the Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand.

THE experience

Get up early and head down to the beach to watch the sunrise – Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the dawn of each new day – then wake yourself up with coffee in an inviting Gisborne café.

Websites to Check Out

www.gisbornenz.com
Eastland Travel Information