The road around the East Cape, which begins its journey in Opotiki and travels around
a seemingly endless necklace of picturesque bays to Gisborne, is a unique, seldom
seen part of NZ with its own distinctive style and personality.
day one: east cape
Key
- Destinations
- Apex Locations
It’s the first point in NZ to see the sun every day -a uniquely spiritual experience
which draws upon the lore of the local Maori, Ngati Porou. Visitors can sample macadamia
nut products at Pacific Coast Macadamias in Whanarua Bay or delight in the region’s
large array of gourmet foods including fresh crayfish, truffles, fine olive oils,
award-winning cheeses and superbly crafted wines from Gisborne, NZ’s Chardonnay
Capital!
There are many historical churches to see en route including the Anglican Christ
Church in Raukokore, built in 1895 and on a bit of a lean thanks to the Wahine storm
of 1968, and St Mary’s Church in Tikitiki, one of the most richly decorated Maori
churches in NZ. Its stunning interior features carvings, tukutuku panels and stained
glass windows recounting the history of the Ngati Porou.
Historical sites also abound. Whangaparaoa is the site where Maori canoes landed
in 1350 AD, and Cook’s Cove near Tolaga Bay provided a temporary home for the crew
of the Endeavour during Captain James Cook’s first exploration of the NZ coastline
in 1769. Captain Cook made his first landing in Gisborne on 8 October 1769, seeking
fresh food and water. Met by local Maori, he misunderstood their traditional welcome
and left the bay without provisions. Naturally upset, he called the area Poverty
Bay.
But it’s Ruatoria that is the true heartland of the East Cape. Relaxed and friendly
it’s a mellow town where locals are happy to share their unique lifestyle and culture
with visitors. The only remnant of Ruatoria’s once troubled past is its local iwi
station, 98.1 Radio Ngati Porou. It was started to keep communication flowing in
the community; today it simply provides entertainment...
Please click the link to download the full
East Cape and Poverty Bay scenic drive, courtesy of apex car rentals
new zealand... the kiwi way
To read more extracts from our driving holiday's guidebook please click on any of
the following links:
north island scenic drives
south island scenic drives
purchase new zealand driving holidays online
If you would like to purchase a copy of this stunning nz pictorial guidebook online
please click here (RRP $24.95 plus postage)
view today's best deals for east cape and poverty bay rental cars
With apex rental cars the longer you hire the lower the daily rate. Please click the link to view today's best east cape and poverty bay rental car deal.