East Cape and Te Araroa Bay

Where the first light of day touches the land. As I savored the solitude and tranquility of this peaceful place, I thought of the crowds who had gathered here to witness the first sunrise of the new millennium.
This is traditional Māori land, where the deep spirituality, legends, myths, and distinctive way of life of the Māori people can be experienced perhaps more vividly than anywhere else. The region is also home to some of New Zealand’s last remaining pristine native rainforests.