Day Five

Gisborne is a relatively boring place. Basically a blue collar, sort of nondescript port that seems to be very involved in the shipping of logs and lumber. Very close by however, is one of New Zealand's best and most famous surfing beaches, Wainui. The waves were very impressive, reminding you of the north shore of Hawaii.
After a quick breakfast, we headed off to Whakatane on the Bay of Plenty. On the way, you go through a spectacular gorge and preserve area. At one of the stops, was an old bridge used in the early attempts to settle in the area.

Whakatane (in Maori, the "wh" is pronounced as an "F", so Fakatane), is at the heart of early Maori culture and colonization of New Zealand. The name "Whakatane" is reputed to commemorate an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua. The men had gone ashore and the canoe began to drift. Wairaka, a chieftainess, said “Kia Whakatāne au i ahau” (“I will act like a man”), and commenced to paddle (which women were not allowed to do), and with the help of the other women saved the canoe. A statue of Wairaka stands at the mouth of the river.
There is a Maori canoe on display. Some incredible carving detail.

Another stunning sunset looking back towards Whakatane.