Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian migration canoes landed, where Captain Cook made his first landfall and where Maori and European first encountered each other.
Spring action in Eastland is lively with multi-sport competitions and two major art competitions, as well as Gisborne’s Wine and Food Festival. This is a great time to learn to surf and this is the perfect region in which to do.
Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian migration canoes landed, where Captain Cook made his first landfall and where Maori and European first encountered each other.
Population: 62,300 | Area: 15,487km2
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Enchanting landscapes and ancient stories
Maori life is evident in every settlement you see. There are carved meeting houses,
beautifully painted Maori churches, children riding horses bareback on the beach
and conversations in Te Reo. Deep in the misty Te Urewera Ranges, descendents
of the ‘Children of the Mist’, the ancient Tuhoe tribe, still live in harmony
with the forest around the village of Ruatahuna.
The landscape - coastal and inland - is untamed and wild. You can lose yourself
in the hills and valleys, and renew your inner peace on the beautifully natural
beaches.
The largest population centre in the region is Gisborne, a city that manages
to combine the science of fine wine making with the laid back, down-to-earth attitude
of life in the sun.
Key Features
Te Urewera National Park Within its boundaries, Te Urewera National Park encloses Lake Waikaremoana and
the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. The Urewera region is
home to the Tuhoe people, (The Children of the Mist).
Gisborne - the chardonnay city
Gisborne is Eastland’s biggest population centre and the first city in the world
to see the sunrise each day. Known as the "Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand",
Gisborne produces premium white wines.
Tolaga Bay Wharf
The touring route that follows State Highway 35 takes you to spectacular coastal
scenery, with many interesting cultural highlights along the way. The historic
Tolaga Bay Wharf, built in 1936, is 660 metres long.
Key Tips
To reach SH 35, which is part of the Pacific Coast Highway touring route, follow
SH 2 from the north or south.
Gisborne is the main city of the Eastland region - a great starting place for
your explorations.
There are daily flights to Gisborne airport from Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua.
Intercity bus services operate in the Eastland Region, and local courier companies
are available for travel within the region.
MEMORY: Submitted by J BOLTON from New Zealand
"
They are the most naturally friendly people you could wish to meet. No wonder the sun chooses to start it's day in New Zealand.
"
Whale Rider This moving story is based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera, who was born and bred in the Gisborne region.
At 660 metres long, the Tolaga Bay wharf is one of the world's longest.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Don’t miss the Pohutukawa trees – they bloom during summer and the bright red flowers can be seen right around the coast road. Because flowering generally begins in late December, the Pohutukawa is sometimes called the ‘New Zealand Christmas Tree’.
According to Maori lore, when the trees flower early, summer will be long and hot.
The coastal road takes you to numerous safe, uncrowded swimming and surfing beaches. Remember that the sun can be very harsh near the sea.
