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As we were driving into Gisborne, we couldn't help noticing all the old sailing ships sitting a top of street poles.The reason you and I asked?..........Well, Gisborne [Kaiti Beach]was the first landing place of Captain Cook when he visited New Zealand in 1769.
Whanarua Bay has a camping ground and cafe (at Pacific Coast Macadamias). It also has the best swimming beach on the west side of the peninsula. The rest of the coast is rocky and/or pebbly. Most beaches along this coast are not safe for swimming. This one looked perfect!
A large yellow warning sign beside this wharf is a disclaimer by the local Gisborne District Council for any responsibility for injury or death caused by wharf collapse. One look at this ramshackle wooden structure will impress upon you its age and the conditions it has coped with. One look will also make you see why the local council suggest you take your life in your hands stepping foot on it!
I enjoyed seeing the old red and white churches in the small coastal localities along SH35 on the western side of the Eastland peninsula. Notable places to see these old buildings with their settler style architecture are Te Kaha and Torere. There's a rather run down one at Omaio and the beautifully maintained one at Raukokore (which, by the way, is blue and white). Te Araroa had a nice big green and white church in the town. When the weather and light are right, these old buildings can be interesting subjects for photographing.
If you are planning to visit the cape, the best time to come is in the summer months. Generally between Sept - March.This is when the weather is at its best and the days will be generally long and hot. The weather is just as unpredictable in this region as it is in the rest of New Zealand but overall the days are hot and excellent for swimming, divein, surfing etc. This area is also exposed to most cyclones that may visit the country generally from dec-march.I have experienced a few over the years ... the worst being Cyclone Bola and Fergus.The winds were pretty bad but nothing too destructive compared to other parts of the world. The rain probably causes most damage here with slips blocking the roads from time to time.If you intend to visit this region just keep an eye on the weather report.
Whitianga Bay is a nice place to stop to take some pictures. The coast here is rocky with big waves, so it is not suitable for swimming.
Bella Vista Motel Gisborne
29 Opinions
Teal Motor Lodge Gisborne Gisborne
1 Review and 11 Opinions After a long day’s drive we finally arrived in Gisborne. The drive to this secluded spot is long...
Portside Hotel Gisborne Gisborne
37 Opinions
Reviews and photos of East Cape attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for East Cape sightseeing.
Q: Hi all! Y'know when you just cannot think of something that you are convinced you should know?! Well, earlier this year while in...
A: p.s actually the sunrise thing i mentioned rings a bell the more i think on it, sunrise lodge? sunrise backpackers? i'm off to do a google search :-) lol by the by, it...
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