The Region

History

Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sun and as such was named by the Maori as Tairawhiti which means "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Kaiti Beach, near the city, was where l ocal tradition holds that the Horouta canoe brought the first Maori migrants to this area and is also the place of the first European landing in New Zealand by Captain James Cook. Cook sighted New Zealand on the 8th October 1769. Nicholas Young was the first on board to sight the coastal hills now known as 'Young Nicks Head'.

Local folklore tells that the Maori of the time perceived the 'Endeavour' as an enormous bird with wings of great size and beauty. The longboats they regarded as fledglings while the occupants, Cook and his men, were thought to be atua (sprit people or god figures).

On 9 October 1769 Cook and his party made their historic landing just to the east of the Turanganui River mouth. Cook and some of his men crossed the river and walked along Waikanae Stream leaving gifts near some Maori whare (homes). On hearing gunfire they hurriedly returned to find that a Maori of Aitanga a Hauiti had been killed while warning shots were being fired.
The following day local Rongowhakaata challenged a landing party with a haka and Cook and a Maori leader met with a hongi and exchanged gifts. Warriors and sailors mixed together uneasily and when a sword was snatched a shot was fired and a Maori was fatally wounded.

More unfortunate deaths occurred when canoes, approaching the 'Endeavour', failed to understand the marines' signal volley. However, some Maori were taken on board, fed, given gifts and after a night on board were rowed ashore next morning. Cook and a party including Mr Banks, Dr Solander and Tupaea, a Tahitian interpreter, walked along the sand-hills shooting waterfowl on the way. When they returned to the longboat they met a large party of Maori and further conversation and exchange of goods took place.

Cook weighed anchor on 12 October and the 'Endeavour' sailed from Poverty Bay, named by Cook "...as it afforded us not one thing we wanted".

European settlement was established in 1831 and the town which developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870.

Prior to this the settlement was known as Turanga but confusion with Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, led to the name change. To the early Maori the Poverty Bay area was known as Turanganui-a-Kiwa, "The stopping place of Kiwa". Gisborne became a borough in 1877 and a city in 1955.

Activities and Attractions

New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the World. Everything and anything is possible in this wilderness wonderland. If you can't do it here a kiwi probably hasn't invented it yet!!! Kiwis are renowned for adventure and adrenalin. Bungy jumping, Zorbing, Jet Boating, Fly by Wire are just a few of the adrenalin activities invented by Kiwis.

But you don't have to be an adrenalin junkie to enjoy New Zealand. There is something here for everyone and anyone's tastes. Adventure, arts and culture, wildlife and scenery, lifestyle and relaxation.

Emerald Hotel, Gisborne and the East Coast community can offer you a multitude of activities to suit your every need. All activities can be booked via the hotel reception or directly from your hotel room. Most activities can be billed directly back to your hotel saving you time and creating one easy account at the end of your stay.

Fishing

Gisborne and the East Coast offer some of the best fishing and diving in New Zealand.

The East Cape area is home to many types of fish including Shark, Marlin, Southern Yellowtail (Kingfish), Groper, Snapper, Terakihi, Bluenose and Tuna. The East Coast Kingfish is renowned by international visitors as one of the best in the world. Mid to late Summer (February / March are best) is the ideal time to go after game fish. Clear trout filled streams and lakes surrounded by native bush abound on the East Cape.

Hunting

Gisborne is surrounded by hunting opportunities and is home to the first big game hunting Safari Ranch in the world to see the sun. The ranch rises to 2000 feet above sea level and is an ideal location for New Zealand trophy Red stag and Fallow buck hunting. Hotel staff can arrange fully guided half, full or over night hunting trips with fully trained, experienced and safe guides

Golf

There are two main courses in Gisborne with a further 8 quality courses all within driving range of the Hotel. The courses range from a nationally ranked links championship course to tree lined fairways and county courses with grazed fairways and fenced greens.

Wineries / Vineyards

Gisborne is one of New Zealand's largest grape growing regions with just over half its 2000 hectares of vineyards planted to Chardonnay. A Mediterranean climate and suitable soils are the key factors in the success of wine production in this region which regularly produces unique, full-flavoured, award winning wines of international standard. Wine tasting and tours can be arranged by the Hotel with most of the vineyards and wineries within a 15km radius from Gisborne City.

Gisborne also hosts the International Chardonnay Challenge (mid October) and the Gisborne Wine and Food festival (Labour Weekend) every year.

Surfing

Surfing and Gisborne go hand in hand. Ask any kiwi surfer where one of the best places in New Zealand is to surf and they will say "Gizzy". A visit to Gizzy without saying you caught a wave is just not a trip to Gisborne. Beautiful beaches and amazing surf breaks everywhere.

Hotel staff can arrange surf lessons for beginners and experienced surfers wanting the edge or even the ultimate guided surf tour with well known experienced local surfers. It's all here!!!

Gardens and Walk

Gisborne has both private and public gardens of tremendous beauty. A lot of these gardens are open to the public but some are on private property that has been made available only by prior arrangements.

EASTWOODHILL ARBORETUM

Eastwood Hill Arboretum is the National Arboretum of New Zealand, 35km from Gisborne this unique forest and garden contains New Zealand's largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs set among 150 hectares of hills, valleys and ponds with a network of easy walking tracks. Covering 1 hectare within the arboretum is the Homestead Garden. This garden is recognized as a "Garden of National Significance". Eastwood Hill Arboretum is one of the region's major visitor attractions.

HACKFALLS ARBORETUM

A wide range of trees and shrubs in a hill setting enhanced by two natural, five and ten hectare lakes. Spring flower and autumn leaf colours. Outstanding collection of 50 different Mexican oaks. Awarded arboretum of merit in May 2002 by International Dendrology Society

Gisborne has a number of historic and scenic walk available to the public. These walks cater for all levels of fitness and mobility ranging from 10 minutes up to 4 day guided walks through native forests and pristine coast lines viewing spectacular water falls, golden sandy beach's, historic sights and breathtaking scenery. All walks can be fully guided with picnics or lunches supplied. Just talk with our experienced and knowledgeable Hotel staff.

Cultural Experiences

Gisborne and the East Coast of New Zealand are rich in history and culture. The first landing place of the European (Captain Cook in 1769) and Maori over 1000 years ago. The area contains historic and spiritual places like Mount Hikurangi. This is one of the most significant natural features on earth. It is the first place to see the sun of every new day, because of its special location in relation to the international dateline. It is 137km from Gisborne City and stands at 1754 metres. Access to this spiritual place can be arranged by Hotel staff

NUKUTAIMEMEHA (THE PEACE OF NUKUTAIMEMEHA)
TRADITIONAL WAKA TAUA (WAR CANOE)
Nukutaimemeha is a 45 metre long waka which lies at the mouth of the Waiapu River. It is still considered one of the largest Waka Taua of its kind in the world. Ten years in the making, this Taonga (treasure) belongs to the descendants of Maui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga. Nukutaimemeha is situated in Rangitukia on private land, and may be closed from time to time. You should therefore enquire as to the situation regarding access with Hotel staff.

WHALERIDER TOURS

Watch the movie in the private movie theatre then experience the real thing with a guided tour of Whangara, the place where the movie was filmed by Hone Taumaunu, cultural consultant to the "Whale Rider". Visit the home where much of the filming actually took place and listen to the story that inspired the film. Tours are approximately 2 hours.

Guided tours can also be arranged by Hotel staff of local Marae, historic and cultural sights as well as cultural experiences and concerts

Other activities and tours include quad bike tours, farm tours, scenic helicopter flights, charter cruises, AQUACULTURE (Paua Farm) tours, Vintage Steam Train (an incredible 3 hour journey that takes in spectacular views of the East Coast), Surfing lessons, 4x4 driving and hot springs. This region has almost everything for everyone. Just tell the Hotel staff what you want and they will arrange it all for you.

"We have long stay specials and non daily service rates available... for more information call us on +64 6 868 8055"

E-mail: reception@emeraldhotel.co.nz
Telephone: +64 6 868 8055
Fax: +64 6 868 8066
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