Eastland
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Gisborne is the main city of this sunny, Pacific coast region. Indeed it is said hereabouts that Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sun each day! Although this is very much a coastal region, there are inland areas teeming with vineyards and rolling agricultural lands.
The region was first settled by some of the first Maori tribes to come to New Zealand, when they landed around the Kaiti Beach area in their now familiar long ocean going canoes called Waka. Some time after that a certain Captain James Cook sailed into Poverty Bay in the year 1769, and came ashore near the mouth of the River Turanganui. But it was not until 1831 that a first European settlement was established, and subsequently named after the Hon. William Gisborne who was the British Colonial Secretary at the time.
Cook had named the bay as Poverty Bay simply because he couldn't replenish with sufficient provisions during his visit, and it should not be taken as a reflection on the region's true natural resources as we see them today! Indeed the inland countryside produces fine crops of citrus fruits, grapes, kiwifruit and other sub tropical plants, and the hill country is home to herds of sheep and goats.
Gisborne developed from those early beginnings, but it was not until 1955 that it became a fully fledged New Zealand city. Even so the population is small by international standards at around 30,000 people out of a total of 45,000 for the greater area. This east coast region has a mild climate - with warm sunny summers and mild winters - and is often quoted as being one of the warmest places in New Zealand. Gisborne is a marine city with fishing boat harbour, modern marina, and a good cluster of welcome cafes and restaurants. For great views of the city and surrounds visit the Titirangi Domain on Kaiti Hill, or for more intimate views of the inner city take a stroll along the relaxing riverside walkway.
Other things to do in Gisborne include viewing Maori arts on exhibit at the local Tairawhiti Polytechnic, riding on the vintage railway (from Gisborne to Wairoa), and experiencing the popular farmer's market held every Saturday at Alfred Cox park. If fishing is your scene then you can fish for trout on the local rivers, or deep sea fish from the Tatapouri Sport Fishing Club on the wharf. There are beaches for fun and relaxation, and for those seeking the thrills of the surf this is one of the top places to balance on a board!
The whole peninsular northwards from Gisborne is teeming with bays, beaches, history and culture. The best way to experience this area is to follow the Pacific Coast Highway 35 in a big loop around from Gisborne north to East Cape and returning along the opposite coast down to Opotiki. It is a magnificent scenic journey of over 330 kilometres, and will occupy 6 hours in the driving seat not including stops!
The roads are relatively quiet, so take it easy and enjoy this unspoilt quarter of New Zealand. A further key attraction from Opotiki is the chance to visit the famous volcanic White Island, which lies some 48 kilometres offshore, and is widely known for it's constant issuing of natural steam and the occasional eruption of molten ash and rock. You can visit by boat, plane or helicopter.