Scenic Highlights

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.