East Cape
Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769, and European settlement began in 1831. The town is named after William Gisborne who was the Colonial Secretary in 1879.
Gisborne is one of the few places in New Zealand where Maori cultural traditions are still evident in the day-to-day activities of the people, and where the Maori language is a part of everyday life.
As you drive around the East Cape, Maori culture is evident in every small town. Look for carved meeting houses, workers at the marae and fishing for kai moana (seafood), and children riding horses.
There’s a soulful, mystical quality to the scenery of East Cape. You’ll find deserted beaches textured with white sand, smooth pebbles and wave-eroded rocks; misty, forest-fringed mountain lakes; and rustic backcountry that has scarcely changed in decades. In early summer, the coastal road is ablaze with crimson pohutukawa blossom.
The forested hinterland is home to red deer, pigs and goats, along with countless possums, making the East Cape a popular destination for hunters. In contrast with the simple charm of the Cape, Gisborne is a city where you can indulge in gourmet dining and wine tasting. Built in a casual sprawl from the edge of the ocean, Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning. It’s also the country’s Chardonnay Capital – the local wineries have become a major visitor attraction for Gisborne.
Source: AA Travel
Photo: "Gisborne Sunset"
More information
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