Eastland Tourism Operators: Accommodation | Attractions | Tours | Transport
Eastland, New Zealand
Eastland is a wild and enchanting place full of ancient stories. Bush fringed misty mountain lakes, beaches that have hardly changed for hundreds of years and farmland and vineyards that breathe the spirit of nature are characteristics of Eastland scenery.
Location
This hilly North Island region reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, and is the most easterly in New Zealand.
General Facts
As of the 2006 census, Gisbourne's estimated regional population was 19,758.
Eastland is the first mainland place in the world to see the sun each day.
The east coast is best known for its high annual sunshine hours, stunning coastal scenery and glorious country gardens.
Eastland is an area of high Maori population and is one of the best places in the country to discover Maori heritage.
The region is also one of New Zealand's prime grape-growing regions, renowned for its Chardonnay wine.
Main Attractions and Activities
Gisborne is the first city in the world to welcome the new day. Its surf beaches and long hot summers have always attracted New Zealanders on holiday.
The Gisborne area also has some of the country's best surviving carved Maori meeting houses and churches.
South-west of Gisborne is Te Urewera National Park, the third largest national park and the largest untouched native forest in New Zealand. Te Urewera, centred on beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, is one of the most stunning areas for hiking and trekking with its magnificent walks and trails.
While at Te Urewera National Park, enjoy trout fishing, hunting, swimming, kayaking or walking around Lake Waikaremoana.
At 1,754 metres high, Mount Hikurangi is the first point on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day. It's a very spiritual mountain for the Ngati Porou, the local Maori people. Climbing treks are by permission only from Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (Tribal Authority) 195 Wainui Road, Kaiti, Gisborne.
Don't Miss
- Gisborne Region Maori meeting houses and churches
- Mahia Beach
- Eastwood Hill Arboretum
- Captain Cook's first landfall memorial, Gisborne
- Visit to a Gisborne winery
- Te Poho o Rawiri Marae (community centre/meeting place)
- Tolaga Bay Wharf - New Zealand's longest wharf juts out into Tolaga Bay
- Lake Waikaremoana - a gem set in mysterious Te Urewera National Park
Main Centres
- Gisborne - main city for Eastland and centre of regional wine industry
- Wairoa - gateway to the Te Urewera National park
- Opotiki - gateway to a natural wonderland
- Mahia - a coastal getaway
