New Zealand

Eastland reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, and is the first mainland place in the world to see the sun each day. There's a wonderfully fresh quality to the scenery of Eastland. Bush fringed misty mountain lakes, beaches that have hardly changed for hundreds of years, farmland and vineyards that breathe the spirit of nature.

Maori culture is evident in every small town you see - carved meeting houses, women preparing a hangi, children riding horses, men diving for mussels and crayfish. The further you go, the more nature's bounty tempts - camping, diving, fishing, hunting, swimming and surfing opportunities abound.

There are many interesting and beautiful walks within the region, but one of the most stunning areas for hiking and trekking is in the Te Urewera National Park, the third largest national park and the largest untouched native forest in New Zealand. Soft adventure, such as horse trekking is another way to experience the magic of Eastland.

In contrast with the splendid seclusion of the forested hinterland, Gisborne is a city where you can indulge in gourmet dining and wine tasting. You'll find the Southern Hemisphere's first commercially grown black truffles, the finest cheeses and Chardonnay to die for. Gisborne's white sand surf beaches attract surfers from all over the world - Captain Cook was the first, his ship Endeavour surfed into Kaiti Beach in 1769.

Gisborne - one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand
Opotiki - gateway to a natural wonderland
Wairoa - gateway to the Urewera National Park
Mahia - a coastal getaway

RETURN TO CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND REGION