Gisborne

Captain Cook's landing site: Bordering the shore of Poverty Bay, prosperous Gisborne belies the name bestowed by Captain Cook. His party came ashore at Kaiti Beach, near the mouth of the Turanganui River, on October 9, 1769, the first Europeans to land on New Zealand soil. A monument on Kaiti Beach Road marks Cook's landing site.

From a lookout atop Kaiti Hill, you have a splendid view over the city, harbor, and surrounding river valleys. Nearby is Cook Memorial Observatory.

For information on local activities, visit the Public Relations Office at 209 Grey Street.A regional museum and arts center is located on Stout Street. In summer, bathers enjoy Waikanae Beach, near the center of town at the end of Grey Street. Other good swimming beaches extend north of Gisborne from Wainui to Whangara.