Eastland Scenic Highlights

Eastland | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

On the surface, the landscapes of Eastland are serenely beautiful. But after a while you'll feel the deep mysticism which is the result of 30 generations of Māori settlement.

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Eastland Scenic Highlights Overview

Though one of the lesser travelled regions of New Zealand, Eastland offers some of the the most stunning coastal scenery in the country.

Yet it is not only the coastline that provides Eastland with it's beauty, the hinterland is equally stunning.

Wilderness lakes, mountain ranges, dense forests, rivers and rolling farmland are all present, as well as Te Urewera National Park, the third largest national park in the country.

Mount Hikurangi

At 1,754 metres high, Mount Hikurangi is the first point on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day. It's a very spiritual mountain for the Ngati Porou, the local Māori people.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Sunrise Mt Hikurangi, Eastland, New Zealand.

Sunrise Mt Hikurangi
Eastland
Photographer: Tourism Eastland Inc
(www.gisbornenz.com)

Climbing treks are by permission only from Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (Tribal Authority) 195 Wainui Road, Kaiti, Gisborne. There is an excellent alpine hut on the higher reaches of the mountain, allowing climbers stay the night and wake early to see the sunrise.

» Mount Hikurangi Information

Urewera National Park

Urewera National Park—so wild, some parts still feel unexplored. This 212,672 hectare park lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay. It includes the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. The nearest towns are Whakatane and Taneatua to the north; Murupara and Ruatahuna to the west; Wairoa to the east.

Waioeka Scenic Reserve

Waioeka Scenic Reserve is situated on South Highway 2 south of Opotiki, this 1800 hectare area is New Zealand's largest scenic reserve. The Waioeka River offers excellent trout fishing and swimming in a private, peaceful environment. Hunting, hiking, camping, picnics, canoeing, river rafting and swimming are other options for a great day outdoors.

» Waioeka Scenic Reserve Information

Find a slice of heaven on the Mahia Peninsula

Mahia Beach is a delightful holiday village with great fishing, surfing and diving, as well as safe swimming beaches and a nine hole golf course. An excellent range of accommodation is available, which makes it an ideal spot for a coastal get-away.

Mahia's large reserve includes one of the last large tracts of lowland coastal forest remaining on the East Coast. A 3.5 kilometre loop track takes walkers through a range of different types of native vegetation.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Whangara East Cape, Eastland, New Zealand.

Whangara East Cape
Eastland
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

» Mahia Beach Travel Directory

Places to visit along the edge of East Cape

A mostly unsealed, no exit road from Te Araroa takes you to the most Easterly point on mainland New Zealand. The historic East Cape lighthouse stands 154 metres above sea level and is accessed by a walking track of some 700 steps—worth it for the views at the top. The road to the lighthouse clings to the coastline—there are numerous sandy beaches just metres away.

In the tiny coastal settlement of Te Araroa, you'll find Te Waha-o-Rerekohu—New Zealand's most ancient pohutukawa tree. It's more than 600 years old. Down the road in Tikitiki is St Mary's Church—one of the most ornate Māori churches in New Zealand.

» East Cape Lighthouse Information

» East Cape Travel Directory