Eastland, situated on the eastern tip of New Zealand's North Island, is the first in New Zealand – and the world – to feel the sun’s rays each day.

 

The north island's Gisborne is surrounded by fertile valleys of orchards, vineyards, farms and market gardens and is the main city in Eastland.

Eastland is a region of firsts, first to see the sun and the first landing spot for both Maori & European arrivals at Kaiti beach near Gisborne. 

Here you'll enjoy a warm climate amidst city walks of historic significance.

 

Māori ancestry can trace their Eastland heritage back 24 generations. The first arrivals of early Māori settled at Titirangi, named after their homeland mountain "Hawaiki". The elevation of the land at Titirangi and its fertility made it a perfect site for a Māori fortified pa (village). 

 

Eastland has a strong Māori population. Coastal regions consist of Ngati Porou tribe, while Tuhoe tribe occupy the inland Urewera region. The traditional culture defines the regions characteristic and way of life and Te reo Māori language is often spoken.

Gisborne is known as the chardonnay capital of New Zealand. The vineyards were first planted by missionaries in the early 1800s thinking they were close to the Hawkes Bay region, but by the time they realised they were not further south the vines had matured and were to producing good wine.

 

 

Gisborne Eastland consists of 5 main townships, all within the one sub-region.

 

Please click on the region below to go to the area applicable, within the box you'll find the towns relative to the region in question.  Travel distance between sights averages around 30mins to 1hr.