Tourist information about the Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve and Young Nicks Head Historic Reserve in Eastland, New Zealand. For a combination of history and beautiful scenery, visit Captain Cook's first landing site and/or Young Nick's Head. Both historic reserves are today managed by the Department of Conservation.
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Captain Cook's Landing Site and Young Nick's Head

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Captain Cook Statue, Gisborne, Eastland, New Zealand.
Captain Cook Statue, Gisborne
Eastland
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

The Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve is located on Kaiti Beach Road in Gisborne, in the Eastland region of New Zealand.

The Cook Landing Site marks the historic site where, on 9th October 1769, Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. Statues of Captain Cook and Young Nick (the first crewman to sight New Zealand) are situated at the mouth of the Turanganui River near Waikanae Beach.

Drive up from Ranfurly Street to park at a variety of lookouts, or walk the walkways (entrance along Kaiti Beach Road) to enjoy the native trees and picnic areas.

Today managed by the Department of Conservation, attractions at the Cook Landing Site include:

  • Banks Garden
  • Cook Memorial

Young Nick's Head

The striking headland protecting the southern opening of Poverty Bay bears the name Young Nick's Head, after Cook's far-sighted cabin boy, Nicholas Young.

Today the cliffs, a Maori pa site and the peak of the headland are managed by the Department of Conservation. Access to Young Nick's Head Historic Reserve is through private land. Permission can be obtained from the manager at Nick's Head Station.

Great views of the Poverty Bay area and the picturesque white cliffs of Young Nick's Head can be seen from Titirangi Domain and Kaiti Hill.

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