Things to Do in Eastland

• Gisborne
  Famous as the country's Chardonnay Capital, Gisborne enjoys a seaside location on Poverty Bay, and provides an ideal base for exploring the region's many attractions.
• Eastwoodhill Arboretum
  Located 35km west of Gisborne, the arboretum contains New Zealand's largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees, shrubs and climbers, with ponds, formal gardens and walkways. The reserve is accessed via a 45min bushwalk.
• Wineries
  Visitors can sample local wines at some of the smaller boutique vineyards, including Matawhero and organic Millton Winery (open Oct-Easter). The Gisborne Visitor Information Centre has details of opening times and tours.
• Te Urewera National Park
  A vast 212,572ha park and the largest remaining area of native forest in the North Island. The park's 51km track around Lake Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
• East Cape
  The historic lighthouse at New Zealand's eastern-most point provides dramatic views along the coastline. The cape can be reached from the seaside Maori communities of Te Araroa and Hick's Bay.
• Mount Hikurangi
  Located near Gisborne, this 1752m high mountain is the first point on the New Zealand mainland to see the sunrise. Climbing treks require permission from the local iwi (tribe), Ngati Porou.
• Tolaga & Tokomaru Bays
  North of Gisborne, these townships offer a beautiful coastline, and horse trekking opportunities. Tolaga Bay is famous for New Zealand's longest wharf (660m), which was built between 1926 and 1929.
• Mahia
  North of Wairoa, this scenic 21km peninsula is famed for its fishing, surfing and diving.
• Morere Hot Springs
  Natural hot mineral springs set in a bush reserve at Morere, featuring public and private pools, a picnic area and bushwalks.
• Opotiki
  Gateway to the East Cape, Opotiki offers a host of watersports including whitewater rafting and jetboating on the Motu and Mohaka Rivers.
• Motu River
  One of New Zealand's great, wild rivers, the Motu drops nearly half a kilometre over its 110km length.