Eastland New Zealand
Eastland lies on the central eastern coast of the North Island, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean and stretching from Opotiki in the North to Wairoa in the South. It is a remote mystical land of rugged mountains, spectacular coastline and sandy beaches – pretty well unchanged for centuries. The main centre is Gisborne, the world’s most easterly city and the first to see each new dawn. In spite of the seclusion, Gisborne restaurants are top class with menus based on local produce – award winning wines, cheeses and truffles make for memorable dining experiences. At Gisborne’s Kaiti Beach a memorial marks the first landing place of Captain Cook and the historic meeting of Maori and Pakeha.
SH 35 travels North of Gisborne, hugs the East Coast and passes through scattered Maori settlements with many traditional carved meeting houses and churches. Two of the most beautiful are the Church at Tikitki with all its maori carvings, and the Raukokore church, set on a promontory surrounded by the ocean, a five-minute drive from delightfulWaihau Bay. Be sure to visit Eastcape Lighthouse, the most easterly lighthouse in the world. At Anaura Bay, one of the prettiest of the East Coast beaches, you'll find Rangimarie Beachstay (pictured). The beachfront property runs down to a safe white, sandy beach and is bordered on one side by a reserve. On delightful Oruaiti Beach at Waihau Bay is Oceanside Apartments, with its spacious self-contained beachfront units equipped with everything necessary for a short or long term stay.
