Whale Rider Film Travel Guide, Part 1
Pounded by the wild East Coast surf,
Eastland is part of a stretch of coastline that embraces one of New Zealand's most beautiful and historic regions. With its dramatic, deserted beaches and remote farming and fishing villages, the Gisborne and
Eastland region is an ideal destination for a wilderness camping or backpacking holiday.Its strong Maori communities also provide opportunities for a cultural tour or marae visit.
Whangara
The small beachside community of Whangara is the heart of Niki Caro's acclaimed film
Whale Rider, and retains a strong Maori character and heritage. Just 30km north of Gisborne, Whangara is the hometown of Witi Ihimaera, who wrote the novel on which the film was based. It belongs to the ancestral lands of the Ngati Porou tribe, although Whangara's hapu (sub-tribe) is the Ngati Konohi. Visitors who are interested in seeing where the movie was made can take a three-hour guided tour to Whangara from the
Gisborne Information Centre (209 Grey Street). It visits the house where much of the filming took place, and also provides a chance to talk with one of the cultural advisors to the film.
Gisborne
The heart of the Gisborne and
Eastland region is the historic city of Gisborne, New Zealand's most easterly city and the first in the world to see the sunrise. Gisborne contains a memorial to Captain Cook, who made the first European landing at nearby Poverty Bay in 1769. After clashing with the local Maori while trying to restock his supplies, Cook decided the area had little to offer and departed, christening the bay with its unflattering name. Today, there is no lack of attractions for visitors to enjoy in this scenic region. The city's beautiful parks and gardens are ideal for a stroll, and the area's thriving wineries have made Gisborne the country's Chardonnay Capital. Drop in at the Gisborne Information Centre for details of opening times and winery tours. The region also offers a host of outdoor activities including jetboating, deep-sea fishing, scubadiving, river adventures, horse trekking, hunting in the hills and surfing.
Eastland
North of Gisborne and Whangara, a string of remote rural communities dot the unspoilt coastline of the East Coast. Historic
Tolaga Bay is famous for New Zealand's longest wharf (660m), built between 1926 and 1929, and there are horse trekking opportunities at both Tolaga and
Tokomaru Bay. Further north are the Te Puia hot springs - perfect for a relaxing soak - and historic Ruatoria, the centre of the Ngati Porou tribe. Maori politician Sir Apirana Ngata lived here, as did All Black George Nepia. The town sits in the shadow of sacred Mount Hikurangi, Eastland's highest peak (1752m) and the first point on the New Zealand mainland to see the sunrise. Climbing treks require permission from the local iwi (tribe), Ngati Porou.
East Cape
North of Ruatoria is the beautiful East Cape, famous as the country's eastern-most point. The Cape and its historic lighthouse are accessed from the seaside Maori communities of
Te Araroa and
Hick's Bay, and visitors who take time to travel to this remote point will be rewarded with dramatic views along the coastline.
Marae Protocol
Please remember that is not culturally acceptable to walk onto a marae (meeting place) without an invitation. There are opportunities for Maori cultural tours and marae visits through official operators, and you can enquire at the Gisborne Visitor Centre for details.
Whalewatching
Although there is no whalewatching in
Eastland, you can see these magnificent marine mammals at
Kaikoura on the eastern coast of the South Island. This coastal township is world-famous for the great sperm whales which frequent the waters around the town, along with a host of other marinelife including dolphins, NZ fur seals, orcas, pilot whales and blue penguins.
