Gisborne
Proudly sitting on the edge of Poverty Bay, Gisborne is the first place in New Zealand to see the sunrise, often glistening in the sun on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It lies at the edge of one of the country’s most fertile plains. Produce abounds; it is known for its wine production, citrus and many other crops and general vegetable growing, mostly for export.
Captain James Cook first sighted the coastline of New Zealand from his ship Endeavour, near Gisborne on October 6, 1769. Cook eventually circumnavigated both islands of NZ making highly accurate charts of the coastline, with only two glaring exceptions: he thought Banks Peninsula was an island and that Stewart Island was a peninsula.
This morning we had the privilege of an authentic Maori cultural experience, visiting a local iwi (tribe) PakowhaiMarae. The welcome and introduction to the culture was for me one of the most genuine experiences I have had with a visiting group at anytime, anywhere in New Zealand.
The afternoon was spilt between wine tasting and a visit to New Zealand’s national arboretum Eastwoodhill. With 15,000 trees/shrubs, it holds collections of some of the world’s most threatened species.
Another memorable day, leaving all with high expectations for the days ahead.
