Top Eastland scenic highlights
On the surface, the landscapes of Eastland are serenely beautiful. But after
a while you'll feel the deep mysticism that exists here - the result of 30 generations
of Maori settlement.
Selected highlights at a glance
Mount Hikurangi - first to greet each new day
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. There is an
excellent alpine hut on the higher reaches of the mountain, allowing climbers
stay the night and wake early to see the sunrise.
Urewera National Park - so wild, some parts still feel unexplored
This 212,672 hectare park lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay. It
includes the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. The nearest
towns are Whakatane and Taneatua to the north; Murupara and Ruatahuna to the west;
Wairoa to the east.
The park was once home to Maori prophet Rua Kenana, who established a religious
group at Maungapohutu in 1906. He encouraged the sale of land to the Crown, rather
than private individuals, which helped to keep the park in its unspoiled state.
The remoteness of the park has helped to protect rare native wildlife, including
kiwi, kaka (a large forest parrot), falcon and the distinctive whio or blue duck,
to name just a few.
Lake Waikaremoana can be found on the South Eastern boundary of the park. Near
the shores of Lake Waikaremoana is the small settlement of Aniwaniwa where a Visitor
Centre is located. On the lake shore you'll find a fully serviced Department of
Conservation motor camp with motels, cabins, tent-sites, petrol and a store.
Boating, fishing, and canoeing can be enjoyed on the lake, as well as hiking
and permit hunting. Lake Waikaremoana Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks
- in most seasons you'll need to book your hut accommodation ahead of time.
Enjoy the great outdoors at the Waioeka Scenic Reserve
Situated on South Highway 2 south of Opotiki, this 1800 hectare area is New Zealand's
largest scenic reserve. The Waioeka River offers excellent trout fishing and swimming
in a private, peaceful environment. Hunting, hiking, camping, picnics, canoeing,
river rafting and swimming are other options for a great day outdoors.
On the trail of Captain Cook - Cook's Cove and Tolaga Bay Wharf
Walk 5 kilometres over farmland and through bush to Cook's Cove, where Captain
Cook halted to repair the Endeavour and take on fresh supplies. Allow at least
two and half hours to make the return trip - take a picnic. The walk is closed
for the lambing season - 1 Aug to 30 Sept.
A little north is the Tolaga Bay Wharf. At 660 metres in length, it's the longest
pier in New Zealand. The wharf was built between 1926 and 1929, to enable ships
to unload in all tides. An excellent half hour stroll; take your fishing gear
and your camera.
Places to visit along the edge of East Cape
A mostly unsealed, no-exit road from Te Araroa takes you to the most Easterly
point on mainland New Zealand. The historic East Cape lighthouse stands 154 metres
above sea level and is accessed by a walking track of some 700 steps - worth it
for the views at the top. The road to the lighthouse clings to the coastline -
there are numerous sandy beaches just metres away.
In the tiny coastal settlement of Te Araroa, you'll find Te Waha-o-Rerekohu -
New Zealand's most ancient pohutukawa tree. It's more than 600 years old. Down
the road in Tikitiki is St Mary's Church - one of the most ornate Maori churches
in New Zealand.
Find a slice of heaven on the Mahia Peninsula
Mahia Beach is a delightful holiday village with great fishing, surfing and diving,
as well as safe swimming beaches and a 9-hole golf course. An excellent range
of accommodation is available, which makes it an ideal spot for a coastal get-away.
Mahia's large reserve includes one of the last large tracts of lowland coastal
forest remaining on the East Coast. A 3.5 kilometre loop track takes walkers through
a range of different types of native vegetation.
Captain Cook's landing site and Young Nick's Head
Imagine the past at the historic site where, on 9 October 1769, Captain Cook
first landed in New Zealand. Statues of Captain Cook and Young Nick (the first
crewman to sight New Zealand) are situated at the mouth of the Turanganui River
near Waikanae Beach.
The striking headland protecting the southern opening of Poverty Bay bears the
name Young Nick's Head, after Cook's far-sighted cabin boy, Nicholas Young.
Visit Titirangi Domain, Kaiti Hill for views over the Poverty Bay area and the
picturesque white cliffs of Young Nick's Head. Drive up from Ranfurly Street to
park at a variety of lookouts, or walk the walkways (entrance along Kaiti Beach
Road) to enjoy the native trees and picnic areas.
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
There’s no better season for a farmstay than spring. Visit a working farm, feed the lambs, ride overland on a scenic horse trek and stroll through rambling country gardens.
Accommodation ranges from country homesteads to quaint shearers’ cottages.
Spring is also a great time to visit the boutique wineries around Gisborne. It would be a shame not to sample a variety of Gisborne Chardonnays while in the “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand”.
| Sunrise over Mount Hikurangi on the East Coast – one of the first places in the world to see the sun. |
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| Looking like a landlocked fiord, Lake Waikaremoana is wilderness at its best |
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