Eastland
The Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand
Gisborne is the first New Zealand city to see the dawn and is a playground for those who love sport fishing, surfing, diving, marine and wildlife. It was also the landing place for Captain James Cook, and the first meeting place between Māori and Europeans.
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway of the North Island’s East Cape, it’s three hours’ drive from Napier and Rotorua and six hours from Auckland. Its bountiful vines have dubbed Gisborne the ‘Chardonnay Capital’ of New Zealand. There are some superb boutique wineries in the area, and the scenery is beautiful and unspoiled, dotted with idyllic, beaches and bush-fringed mountain lakes. It also hosts the sacred Mount Hikurangi and mystical Lake Waikaremoana.
The Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand
Gisborne is the first New Zealand city to see the dawn and is a playground for those who love sport fishing, surfing, diving, marine and wildlife. It was also the landing place for Captain James Cook, and the first meeting place between Māori and Europeans.
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway of the North Island’s East Cape, it’s three hours’ drive from Napier and Rotorua and six hours from Auckland. Its bountiful vines have dubbed Gisborne the ‘Chardonnay Capital’ of New Zealand. There are some superb boutique wineries in the area, and the scenery is beautiful and unspoiled, dotted with idyllic, beaches and bush-fringed mountain lakes. It also hosts the sacred Mount Hikurangi and mystical Lake Waikaremoana.
Experience Eastland (Tairawhiti)
- Find Captain Cook’s landing site at Kaiti Beach, then climb Kaiti Hill for views across to the white cliffs of Young Nick’s Head
- Take part in the Whale Rider tour – visit the village where the movie was filmed
- Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a Garden of National Significance with the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs
- Swim or surf at one of the many hidden bays and uncrowded golden sand beaches
- Explore the many bush reserves and forest parks around the region from half hour walks to 4-day hikes
- Visit a local boutique winery for tastings and tapas
- View the spectacular work of local artists and craftspeople displayed at the art galleries and craft shops
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Tairawhiti (Eastland) area, but we have alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Portside Hotel, Gisborne
Set right on the water’s edge, Portside Hotel has quickly earned its reputation as Gisborne’s favoured hotel. Understated elegance, teamed with a friendly, personalised service creates a ‘home-away-from-home’ atmosphere. Guest rooms are contemporary, suites are spacious, and there’s a lap-pool and hi-tech cardio room to enjoy during your stay.
Deluxe Room
These are more than just hotel rooms, offering a Queen bed, sitting area, kitchenette with crockery, glassware and cooking utensils, twin cooking elements, microwave, dishwasher and a small fridge. In addition, they are equipped with air-conditioning, LCD TV, separate bathroom, and private balcony or patio.
One Bedroom Deluxe Suite
These suites have been designed for maximum comfort. The open-plan lounge and kitchen are attractively fitted with stainless-steel appliances, microwave, top stove and oven, dishwasher, full-sized fridge/freezer, TV with SKY channels and two individually controlled air-conditioning units, one in the lounge and one in the bedroom. The generous separate bedroom is equipped with a Queen or King bed, while the wardrobe, tallboy and a small cabinet offer good storage. The lounge’s sliding doors open to a balcony or patio. The private bathroom has a large bath with shower over.
One Bedroom Premium Suite
With a premium view over Gisborne Port and the Harbour, these suites also have an open-plan lounge, attractively fitted kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, microwave, top stove and oven, dishwasher, full-sized fridge/freezer, TV with SKY channels and two individually controlled air-conditioning units, one in the lounge and one in the bedroom. The generous separate bedroom is equipped with a Queen or King bed, while the wardrobe, tallboy and a small cabinet offer good storage. The lounge’s ranch-sliders open to a balcony or patio with harbour views. The private bathroom has a large bath with shower over.
Ocean Beach Motor Lodge, Gisborne
Located just 5kms from Gisborne city centre, on the doorstep of the beautiful Wainui Beach, this Mediterranean-style motor lodge has 15 spacious apartment-style units, with an on-site restaurant and bar.
Executive Studio
These Studios are stylish and contemporary, with fully-equipped kitchens and bi-fold plantation shutter-doors offering access to the north-facing courtyard – perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.
One-Bedroom Unit
Spacious and self-contained, these apartment-style suites offer tasteful decoration and the ultimate in comfort for up to six guests. They come complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a private, west-facing courtyard that’s perfect for dining and relaxing.
Some of the experiences available in the Eastland area are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Reef Ecology Tour, Gisborne
This tour is all about interacting with wild stingrays, and is a very popular attraction, unique to New Zealand. Stingrays are important to Māori and are considered to be the tamariki (children) of Tangaroa, the Māori God of the Sea. Well-protected in designer waders, you’ll be greeted by your experienced guide, who will walk with you across the reef at low tide, providing insightful information about the different stingray species you may encounter.
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Haramai Tour, Gisborne
If you have a genuine interest in Māori culture, then this tour is for you. Learn about the local Ngati Porou culture specific to this region. You will be guided by a Ngati Porou kaitiaki (guide) and transported by 4WD vehicle to the sacred site of the nine majestic Hikurangi Maunga Pou (Maori carvings). During the ascent, and at the site itself, you will gain an insight into the magic and cultural splendour of Hikurangi. After a thanksgiving karakia (ceremonial blessing), you will be treated to korero (stories of significance) about each Pou. You will then be invited to take part in the inter-generational eco-project by planting a native tree. Finally, a picnic brunch will give you a taste of Ngati Porou cuisine, which will mark the perfect end to this cultural adventure.
Duration: 4 Hours
We're here to help
From assisting with your travel insurance and foreign currency to airport transfers, parking, marvellous accommodation and lounges. All Ways Tailormade are here to give you the experience of a lifetime and as stress-free as possible.
Stay in touch
Sign up to our newsletter for specials, news and updates
