Whale Rider Film Travel Guide, Part 2
Eastland is rich in both Maori and European history. This is the place where the first Polynesian voyages landed, where Captain Cook made his first landfall and where Maori and European traditions have woven a truly unique cultural tapestry. There are numerous ornately-carved Maori wharenui - or meeting houses - which are still the focus of Maori social and cultural gatherings. Many of these magnificent buildings are in the original sites of pre-European marae (village centres) rebuilt in the early 1900s and fully restored to their original glory in more recent years.
Whale Rider Tours Guided tours to Whangara to see where the movie
Whale Rider was filmed. Visit the house where much of the filming took place, walk on the beach and have a talk with one of the film's cultural advisors. Tours are approximately 3 hours long and depart from the Gisborne Visitor Information Centre. Minimum 2 people - $50 per person.
Tairawhiti Museum This award winning complex houses a fine collection of Maori and European artefacts, an extensive photographic collection and art galleries which exhibit local, national and international art works. Shop specialises in local art and craft.
Toihoukura Visual Maori Arts and Design Situated at Gisborne's Tairawhiti Polytechnic, exhibiting paintings, weaving, carving and sculpture by students attending one of the country's leading Maori art and design schools.
Te Poho o Rawiri Marae At the foot of Kaiti Hill, is one of the largest carved meeting houses in New Zealand. Opened in 1930, the interior has excellent examples of carving, weaving and painted art in traditional Maori style.
Mount Hikurangi Ngati Porou possesses one of the most significant natural features on earth - Hikurangi Mountain. It is the first place to see the sun of every new day, because of its special location in relation to the international dateline. It is 137km from Gisborne City and 205km from Opotiki. Hikurangi stands at 1754m. The Hikurangi track is located on Pakihiroa Station 3km from the turnoff from SH35 (signposted). This track runs through private land, and may be closed from time to time. You should therefore enquire as to the situation regarding access. Te Runanga O Ngati Porou is the custodian of the hut which is located 10km up the mountain from the bridge and Pakihiroa Station entrance. 4WD Tours are available. Hut fees $5 per person.
Te aio o nukutaimemeha (the peace of nukutaimemeha)
Traditional waka taua (war canoe) Te Aio o Nukutaimemeha is a 45m long waka which lies at the mouth of the Waiapu River. It is still considered one of the largest Waka Taua of its kind in the world. Ten years in the making, this taonga (treasure) belongs to the descendants of Maui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga. Te Aio o Nukutaimemeha is situated in Rangitukia on private land, and may be closed from time to time. You should therefore enquire about access. Te Runanga o Ngati Porou are the custodians of the waka. Entry fee $5 per person. History tours are available.
Cape Runaway Maori Historic Walks Explore the history and culture of this remote and beautiful peninsula on foot.
Contact: June McDonald
Waihau Bay, RD3
Opotiki
East Cape Fishing Charters Onepoto Bay is a secluded, tranquil little bay in Hicks Bay (Wharekahika). Your hosts, Marilyn and Joseph McClutchie, jointly operate East Cape Fishing Charters and cater for visitors travelling to the district. They support and promote fishing policy, based on Maori tikanga (customary fishing practice) to ensure fishing is sustainable and fishing areas are not depleted for future generations. Tangaroa is a 7.5-metre o.a., custom-built aluminium hardtop surveyed for 8 persons. Onepoto Bay is 2 minutes from the Hicks Bay store - central to a number of accommodation options, which also provide meals. Charter: half and full day hire. Cost per person depends on location.
Contact: Joe and Marilyn McClutchie
Onepoto Beach Road
Hicks Bay, East Cape
New Zealand
Kakariki Adventure Tours All types of outdoor tours by arrangement. Our strong connections with local Maori communities mean we can meet any request you may have. Jetboating, hiking, fishing, hunting, caving, golf, surfing, hot springs, farm visits, gardens, Marae visits.
Maungakahia Bicycle Trail Nau Mai Haere Mai
Bicycle hire to White Rock, Waimakariri, Taiporutu. Rock Fishing - hire handlines, hooks and bait. Learn the history of Rongomaiwahine, Chieftainess of Mahia. Learn Kaimoana conservation.
Contact: Kathleen Mato
or visit Nukutaurua Rd - Table Cape
Mahia Peninsula
Te Wainui Maori Village Situated at Whatatutu 25 minutes from Gisborne. Includes seminars on traditional healing, local history, carving & weaving, performing arts, souvenir shopping, hangi cuisine. Courtesy bus for groups from hotels, motels and the Visitor Information Centre. Season opens Dec 15. Fri to Sat, allow 3 hours. Discounts for groups of minimum of 10. Bookings essential. (Facilities for special occasions, school stayovers and conferences.)
Opotiki Marae Stays All marae stays are very flexible and can include any one or all of the following activities: A full welcome (powhiri) including a short history by a kaumatua, massage (miri miri), hangi, flax weaving, horse trekking, kapa haka, and/or, a trip to Hokianga Island and shellfish gathering. Passengers board the Te Torea boat at Ohope Wharf (the boat is a comfortable and stable pontoon style boat), the journey over gives an in-depth tour of one of New Zealand's most natural and least spoilt harbours. You are provided with commentary explaining the history of the area and the wildlife of the harbour. The coach or minivan will meet passengers on arrival at the Ohiwa boat ramp and transfer them the couple of kilometres up the road to the Upokorehe Marae or one of two other nearby Marae should there be a funeral or other such occasion on. Full Maori welcome on arrival, then depending on length or stay break to activities, lunch/dinner or concert.