Eastland, the region around the East Cape, reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, and is the first mainland place in the world to see the sun each day. 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. Eastland is still off the beaten track, even though, more recently the Maori film, The Whale Rider, has given some international attention to the area.
The East Cape offers a slow, peaceful existence to those who reside there, and an equally relaxed, enchanting place for its visitors. With few harbors and a mountainous, wild bush interior, the Cape has been isolated for many years until the road network was completed. And still today, given the remote proximity of the region, few people take the opportunity to explore what seems to be one of New Zealand’s last frontiers. Inhabited predominantly by Maori, Gisborne and the Cape region place great emphasis on the retention of their culture and traditions - it is here you will hear Te Reo Maori (the Maori language) being spoken fluently and freely.
The coastal road is windy ‘tour of discovery’ providing spectacular views of a wild coastline interspersed with picturesque little bays, inlets and coves. Dozens of clear freshwater streams flow through stunning gorges from the mountains and in the summer months are greeted at the shoreline by the bright crimson blooms of the pohutakawa trees. Popular for fishing, diving and boating this must surely be one of the county’s best-kept secrets! Beautiful beaches contrast dramatically with rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops providing the perfect home to what seems to be an abundance of crayfish! |
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| The Anaura Bay near Gisborne |
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