Feel the very essence of New Zealand in a charmingly authentic and unspoilt part of the country where vineyards cloak the hills and white-sand beaches beckon.

Well off the beaten track, Eastland rewards visitors with a taste of soothingly slow-paced life. This is a place where barefoot children ride two-up on ponies down country lanes and marae (meeting houses) provide a focal point for communities. Eastland offers an unpackaged glimpse into Maori culture – journey with a Maori guide to the top of a sacred mountain to watch the sunrise for an unforgettable experience. But don’t think you’ll be leaving contemporary comforts behind because there’s a sophisticated side to Eastland, evident in vineyards that produce New Zealand’s best Chardonnay and in the main centre, Gisborne, where café and surf culture blend.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Listen to the calls of native birds as you munch your trail-mix on the shores of Lake Waikaremoana, deep in the heart of Urewera National Park. Shout out a good morning to the world at East Cape Lighthouse – the eastern-most point on mainland New Zealand. Sip a cool glass of Chardonnay under the summer sun and make up your own mind about whether it’s the best in the world.

NOTABLE CULTURE

Eastland is rich with historic Maori meeting houses such as Te Poho o Rukupo, one of the oldest in Poverty Bay, and the richly carved Te Mana o Turanga. Follow the Tairawhiti Heritage Trail to find out more.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

On 9 October 1769 Captain Cook sailed into Poverty Bay and came ashore near the Turanganui River – making this New Zealand’s first European landing place.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Climb Mount Hikurangi (at 1,752 metres, it’s the fourth highest in the North Island) to watch the sunrise and take in views as far as White Island. The mountain is sacred, so take a guided tour or seek permission from the local iwi (Maori tribe), Ngati Porou.