Enchanting landscapes and ancient stories

Maori life is evident in every settlement you see. There are carved meeting houses, beautifully painted Maori churches, children riding horses bareback on the beach and conversations in Te Reo.

Deep in the misty Te Urewera Ranges, descendents of the 'Children of the Mist', the ancient Tuhoe tribe, still live in harmony with the forest around the village of Ruatahuna.

The landscape - coastal and inland - is untamed and wild. You can lose yourself in the hills and valleys, and renew your inner peace on the beautifully natural beaches.

The largest population centre in the region is Gisborne, a city that manages to combine the science of fine wine making with the laid back, down-to-earth attitude of life in the sun.

Te Urewera National Park
Within its boundaries, Te Urewera National Park encloses Lake Waikaremoana and the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. The Urewera region is home to the Tuhoe people, (The Children of the Mist).

Gisborne - the chardonnay city
Gisborne is Eastland's biggest population centre and the first city in the world to see the sunrise each day. Known as the "Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand", Gisborne produces premium white wines.

Tolaga Bay Wharf
The touring route that follows State Highway 35 takes you to spectacular coastal scenery, with many interesting cultural highlights along the way. The historic Tolaga Bay Wharf, built in 1936, is 660 metres long.

Gisborne is a prosperous, vibrant, sunny, port city. Gisborne's Waikanae beach has attracted surfers since the 1960s.

Gisborne's natural attractions include renowned surfing breaks, perfect swimming beaches, and miles of untouched coastline. There are many garden attractions, excellent bush, farm and wilderness walks, New Zealand best fly-fishing rivers, award winning wineries to visit and unique tourism activities.

Gisborne's restaurants can provide a dining experience as diverse and unique as the region is itself. Local restaurants take advantage of an abundant supply of fresh produce from Gisborne≠s beautiful natural surroundings.

Grapes are grown in vast quantities and Gisborne has consistently won awards for some of the best wines in the country. The Tairawhiti Heritage Trails take in many historic sites. Two museums also preserve this region's rich European and Maori cultural heritage with Wyllie Cottage being the oldest surviving European house in Gisborne.

Eastwoodhill Arboretum is home to New Zealand's largest and finest collection of exotics trees and shrubs with walking tracks for all levels of fitness. Vineyard tours are popular, as are the dining venues throughout the city.

Days of indulgence and Art Deco

Hawkes Bay in spring is a visual feast of orchards in blossom, new buds on the vines and daffodils in bloom. Sample the fresh seasonal produce at local markets and visit the local wineries.

For travellers, Hawkes Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand's leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country's most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year. 

As if that weren't enough, Hawkes Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to Porangahau in the south.

The landscapes of Hawkes Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains, the land steps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains.

A number of wide rivers run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings are the main population centres.

Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand's warmest, driest regions.

Taste sensations
The agricultural heritage of Hawkes Bay lives on in the region's wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. At any time of the year, you can follow food and wine trails to discover exceptional taste sensations.

Wildlife by the sea
Cape Kidnappers nature reserve is home to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Known to Maori as takapu, these birds usually breed on islands.

The Art Deco capital of New Zealand

Napier is situated on the southern shores of Hawke Bay, in the east of New Zealand's North Island. The surrounding region is a fertile horticulture and viticulture centre, famed for its excellent wine.

Napier is the capital of the Hawke's Bay regions. It enjoys a warm sunny climate and is a popular holiday destination. Extensively rebuilt in the 1930s after a massive earthquake, the city's Art Deco buildings are internationally renowned and are a popular tourist attraction. Nowhere else in the world is there such a concentration of buildings from the era. There are guided tours of the historic buildings, and the annual Art Deco weekend in mid February is a highlight of the year.

The town offers visitors a host of other attractions, many concentrated along Marine Parade such as an aquarium, kiwi house, an art gallery, and a museum. Marineland, home to a host of sea creatures such as dolphins, sealions, seals and penguins is also located on Marine Parade, as is Opossum World, which has displays about the possum population in New Zealand. Napier also has attractive Botanical Gardens. Located at the centre of the city, the gardens have flower rimmed lawns and a large aviary.

The area surrounding Napier is responsible for some of the best wine in New Zealand. There are numerous wineries where visitors can enjoy tastings, a tour and a meal. Visitors can visit the wineries independently or take one of the guided tours of the region's wineries that are available.

At the heart of New Zealand's premiere wine producing region.

Hastings lies on the fertile Heretaunga Plains, 20km inland from the shores of Hawke Bay on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Named after the first British governor of India, the city enjoys hot, dry summers. The surrounding region is a land rich in horticulture and viticulture, and produces some of the best wine in New Zealand.

Following a disastrous earthquake in 1931, the city was extensively rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the period. These well preserved buildings are a popular attraction for visitors to the city. The city's other attractions include an exhibition centre, amusement park, a brewery and the attractive Frimley Rose Garden. The city is also host to two annual events; the popular Agricultural & Pastoral Show in late October and the Highland Games at Easter. Nearby Splash Planet, a large amusement park, is also a major draw card for visitors.

A trip to the local wineries to sample the excellent wine of the region is a splendid way to spend a summer's afternoon. Nearby Cape Kidnappers is home to the world's largest gannet colony, and guided tours of the area are available.

Havelock North is well known for its boutique shops, great cafes and restaurants. The jewel in the crown is Te Mata Peak with its stunning 360 degree vistas of the Tasman ocean,Tuki Tuki river, Heretaunga plains and the Kaweka Ranges. It also has some great walking tracks. Apart from the award winning wineries, the Havelock North area boasts the Arataki Honey shop, Clifton Cafe and the British Car Museum (to name a few attractions). Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is a must do. Havelock North has Ocean and Waimarama beaches nearby,well worth the drive.

Waipukurau is a thriving farming centre in southern Hawke's Bay.  With ample golf courses nearby and renowed throut fishing rivers, Waipukurau is the ideal base for southern Hawkes Bay.

The town of Waipukurau began in the early 1850s on the site of a Maori village — some of the region's early settlers were involved in a 'model village' project, an aspect that is mirrored in the town's excellent layout today. There are excellent facilities for a wide range of sports and other recreations in Waipukurau.

Dannevirke is the largest community in the Tararua District. Prior to European settlement, Maori people of the Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu lived in the area along the rivers and streams, fishing and hunting in the bountiful native bush. The Makirikiri Marae and Aotea Meeting House have spectacular carvings illustrating the history of Maori people to the area.

In 1872 settlement began when 13 Danish and 8 Norwegian families arrived on the Hovding and Bllarat ships. An area of high fern, scrub and native bush greeted these travel weary pioneers. Ballots for sections were drawn and Dannevirke began to take face.

A major fire in 1917 saw much of Dannevirke's shopping area destroyed, but Dannevirke people are made of sturdy stuff and the tower was quickly rebuilt. Dannevirke is now a town strong in sport with excellent recreational facilities.

The Gallery of History on Gordon Street is a 'must visit' in Dannevirke and offers a comprehensive display of the town's history.

The Dannevirke domain on Christian Street hosts attractive gardens settled amongst 20 hectares of scenic tranquillity. Cricket is played in the Oval during the summer months. Stroll around the Rose Garden and at night spot the lighted fountain. In the lower part of the domain nestled within the urban boundaries are the bird aviaries and deer park.