COOK MONUMENT - Gisborne
The monument symbolises Cook's first land based meeting with Maori in Gisborne. The site is also the landing point of the Horouta waka, the Maori's first canoe.
Location: Titirangi Park, Gisborne
Price: free
Hours: 24
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=3473
Photo courtesy of Robyn Gallagher
JAMES COOK STATUE - Gisborne
Erected in 2000, the James Cook Statue symbolises James Cooks landing in Gisborne and sits on a globe which is etched with his places of travel.
The statue is regarded as an authentic depiction.
Location: city side of the TÅ«ranganui River mouth
Price: free
Hours: 24
Photo courtesy of Andy Palmer, teara.govt.nz
STATUE OF YOUNG NICK - Gisborne
The Statue of Nicholas Young was erected in 1995. The Statue symbolises Nicholas' sighting of the New Zealand coastline. Nicholas was the first to sight the coastline and was the son of the Endeavours Surgeon.
Location: Mouth of the TÅ«ranganui River, Gisborne.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Web: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/33529/james-cook-statue-of-young-nick
Photo courtesy of www.teara.govt.nz
COOK OBSERVATORY - Gisborne
The Cook Observatory is the World's Easternmost Observatory, with an
historical past. Part of the observatory was originally an observation post during World War 2, below the observation post was housed an anti submarine gun.
Only one test shot was ever fired from it.
Location: Kaiti Hill, Titirangi, Gisborne
Hours: Tuesday (7:30pm - non daylight saving, 8:30pm - daylight saving)
Price: $5
Web: http://www.possumobservatory.co.nz/astrogas/cook_observatory01.htm
Photo courtesy of Gisborne District Council
GISBORNE BOTANIC GARDENS - Gisborne
The botanic gardens occupy 5.1 hectares of land and date back to 1874.
Consisting of wide spaces, groomed gardens and large trees the gardens are the perfect place to enjoy one of Gisborne's beautiful days and endulge in a picnic.
Location: between Aberdeen Road and the Taruheru River, Gisborne
Price: free
Hours: daily
Web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisborne_Botanical_Gardens
TE TAUIHU TURANGA WHAKAMANA
- Gisborne
The Te Tauihu Turanga Whakamana is a large modern wooden sculpture shaped in the style of a tauihu (canoe prow), the scuplture celebrates early Maori explorers.
The Sculpture was Designed by Derek Lardelli & Te Aturangai Nepia Clamp & carved by Te Aturangai Nepia Clamp & Bill Baker.
Location: Cnr Customhouse St & Gladstone Rd, Gisborne.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Photo courtesy of Gisborne District Council
MATAWHERO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Gisborne

In the suburb of Matawhero in Gisborne you'll find this historic Presbyterian Church. Built in 1865 as a school room for the European settler community the church is one of only a few buildings to have survived Te Kooti’s raid in 1868. Te Kooti was an outlaw & Maori activist who waged war against Maori & European settlers for overriding his land claims or offending him in some way.
Location: Church Lane, Matawhero
Price: free
Hours: 10am till 4pm
Photo courtesy of gisbornespecials.co.nz
TE POHO O RAWIRI MARAE - Gisborne
​Te Poho o Rawiri Marae has an elaborately carved meeting house. You can get a decent view from the gates but you’ll need to call ahead to ask for permission to view the decorated interior.
Location: cnr Ranfurly St & Queens Dr
Price: admission by invitation - Ph 64 6 867 9960
Hours: 24 from outside
Web: http://www.wakamaori.co.nz/maori-culture/marae/te-poho-o-rawiri-marae/
Photo courtesy of www.wakamaori.co.nz
​TAIRAWHITI MUSEUM - Gisborne

The Tairawhiti Museum focuses on local history related to East Coast Maori and the colonial past. The gallery consists of free standing exhibits, rotating exhibits, and historic photographic displays, as well as a maritime wing displaying
information on waka, whaling and Cook’s Poverty Bay. For the avid surfer there is also a vintage surfboard collection available for view.
The museum houses a shop and cafe overlooking Kelvin Park.
Location: 10 Stout St, Gisborne.
Hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Sat, 1.30pm-4pm Sun
Price: adult $5 | child free, Mon free
Photo courtesy of Ian Trafford
SHOPPING - Gisborne
Gisborne is a town full of variety with shops ranging from boutique to mainstream. Remember to check the side streets, there are little delights available if your prepared to look.
​After your day of shopping in Gisborne, delight in the many coffee houses and cafes throughout the township to cater for that well deserved break and relaxation.
Helpful Links
Eastland Sights
Tourism Eastland
Gisborne, Patutahi, Ormond Valley, Te Karaka, Matawai