That's Where I'm From - Gisborne, New Zealand! Quiz

Answer: Young Nick's Head

On the 7 October 1769 at 2pm, Nicholas Young of the HM Bark Endeavour, captained by James Cook, was the first of the crew to glimpse the outline of the eastern coast of New Zealand. This piece of land became known as Young Nick's Head.

Answer: The Mad

'The Mad' is not a name given to one of Gisborne's surfing spots. A short form of 'The Mad Mile', it is a nickname given to a long stretch of road alongside the main beach on which speed freaks like to race along. 'Pines' is a popular surf spot at Okitu Beach named after the pine trees along the sand dunes. 'The Pipe' at Midway Beach got its name because once upon a time a sewage pipe was underneath the water here. 'Stock Route' at Wainui Beach gets its name from the old stock route (for sheep and cattle) in the area.

Answer: An earthquake

On the 21 December 2007 at 9pm, Gisborne was shaken up by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast. Not uncommon for the area, the quake and its smaller aftershocks resulted in damage to many of the city's old buildings, some of which had to be condemned. It was a frightening experience for me and something that those involved in will never forget.
Incorrect answers:
After the earthquake many people feared a tsunami might have been triggered. Fortunately that did not happen but there was a small one in 1947 which destroyed the Tatapouri Hotel outbuildings.
In March 1988, Gisborne and the east coast were struck by Cyclone Bola which caused devastating floods. I was only 3 but I remember helicopters carrying huge monsoon buckets.
There have been stories of small tornadoes or water spouts around the east coast but none have been major.

Answer: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (opera diva)

Kiri Te Kanawa was born in Gisborne and is an international opera star. A large dome-covered stage was erected next to the beach for the millennium celebrations, upon which she sang as the sun rose and the dawn of the year 2000 began.
Dave Dobbyn was born in Auckland.
Neil Finn was born in Te Awamutu.
Brooke Fraser was born in Wellington.

Answer: Turanganui

The Taruheru and Waimata Rivers join together near the sea to form the Turanganui River and Gisborne's inner harbour. There is not a river called the Waikanae but there is the Waikanae stream which meets the ocean at Waikanae Beach.

Answer: Eastwoodhill

The Eastwoodhill arboretum began construction in 1910 in the style of an English estate on the 65 hectare property of horticulturist William Douglas Cook. In 1965, a farmer from there area, Bill Williams, bought the section and gifted it to the public.

Answer: Tents and caravans

These Gisborne beaches are some of the only freedom camping sites left in New Zealand. As soon as summer begins, locals and visitors race out to get the best spot! Some families make it an annual event and display all sorts of flags and decorations around their campsites.
On the odd occasion you might see a seal lying on the bank at Tatapouri or Turihau but it's not a common occurrence. Kiwi birds are rare and can only be seen in a special habitat such as a zoo or breeding house. Gisborne is not the place to experience a hot air balloon ride.

Answer: Palm trees

There are lots of nice palm trees along the river bank of the harbour, along the middle of the road and on the corners throughout the CBD. Other great features Gisborne city received during the makeover were tiled footpaths, decorative lamp posts with banners, drinking fountains and statues-although there are no fish statues that I know of.

Answer: A light grey colour with a dark grey column in the middle

The town clock tower was constructed on Gladstone Road in 1934 after the city Post Office clock was destroyed during tremors from the Napier earthquake. It stands 17 metres tall and has the dial and hands from the old Post Office clock. It was also a dedication to the town clerk Mr Robinson who died in 1933 and was modeled on an advertisement for a lighthouse.

Answer: Wine trail

Gisborne is famous for its award winning wines. Each year many varieties of wine are produced by Montana, Waimata, Amor Bendall, Longbush, Matawhero and other wineries. Although a wide range of wines are made here, the Gisborne region is most famous for its chardonnay and is proud to be the chardonnay capital of New Zealand.