East Coast (New Zealand) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island
About East Coast (New Zealand)
Young Nick's Head, near Gisborne, was the first land sighted by Cook's expedition. The area around Gisborne was namedPoverty Bayby Captain Cook because his first landfall party was unsuccessful in obtaining provisions when the crew encountered hostile Maori inhabitants. Cook's landing is commemorated by a statue of him on the beach at Kaiti and replicas of his ship atop poles in Gisborne's main street. The East Coast, particularly around East Cape, has a reputation for unemployment, poverty and isolation. Those who farm the land often have limited means and though they are able to live off the land and its produce, they are unable to derive a great income from it. Much of the area is multi-owner Maori Land, which makes it difficult to obtain development finance. However the cost of livin
East Coast (New Zealand) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: