Visit Eastland & Gisborne, New Zealand

Stretching out into the Pacific Ocean, the little-visited and unspoilt Eastland harbours some of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery.

As the Pacific Coast Highway hugs the shore all the way from Opotiki to Te Araroa, it passes through tunnels of ancient pohutukawa forest, tiny settlements rich in Māori culture, and spectacular, deserted bays.

Gisborne

Gisborne, the country’s most easterly city, is renowned for its long hours of sunshine and fertile plains, producing many subtropical fruits and some of the country’s best chardonnays.

The inland route back to Opotiki climbs steadily up to Matawai, then plunges into the magnificent Waioeka River Gorge which runs back down to the Pacific Ocean.