Tolaga Bay is a fairly isolated town on New Zealand’s east coast, located south of East Cape and about 50km north of Gisborne. It is home to New Zealand’s longest warf pictured above.
In typical kiwi fashion, it is claimed to be the largest pier in the southern hemisphere. I am not sure if this is true or not. I believe (but can not remember for sure) that it is 660m long.
The pier was only used for a short period in the beginning of the 20th century, before rail became the prefered method of transport and the pier shut down. Recently it has been restored, and is used mainly for fishing and picture taking.
After visiting the East Cape lighthouse, we headed south and stayed overnight in Talaga Bay. Beth found us an old hotel to stay at. It was a bit run down, but full of charachter. We visited the pier at sunset, and had a great meal at the hotel restaurant. We had a good local wine with our meal, as Tolaga Bay is near Hawkes Bay, and is the beginning of wine country in the North Island.
speaking of local wine, our dentist told me he thinks new zealand wines are the best. Must be Beth’s careful handling of the grapes!
So how do they have enough extra money to restore the pier? Are the that many visitors over there that it must be worth it? Nice picture again. You have a good talent at composition. I wouldn’t probably think of that word except John McMartin told me he’s teaching a photography class at their school in honduras and that’s one thing he’s trying to teach. Wants the kids to know how to use their photography for marketing, especially on the web, later in life when they have jobs. But John’s the only one with a camera in the class. I’m trying to see if I can find any extra digital cameras around here for him.
I figure you’ll post pictures of the hotel later on? Sounds interesting.
I recently visited the Tolaga Bay inclduing the Inn and Whalf. The beaches were fantastic as was the fishing off the whalf. The cafe’ in the Inn was great, with fresh baking and reasonable prices. Tolaga bay is a 45minute drive from Gisborne and your mobile does not work between the two settlements. However if you are looking for a quiet stay that is family friendly and you enjoy camping and the great outdoors then take some time out in the summer to travel and experience the East Coast hospitality.
To answer your query about the wharf and where the money comes from. The hardworking committee and community have raised the money through a variety of trusts and grants, however we still ned more to complete the project. It has now been declared an historic place category 1 so this should add some impetus to the fundraising. Cheers Anne
8 Comments »
Comment by josh — May 15, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
Tolaga Bay is a fairly isolated town on New Zealand’s east coast, located south of East Cape and about 50km north of Gisborne. It is home to New Zealand’s longest warf pictured above.
In typical kiwi fashion, it is claimed to be the largest pier in the southern hemisphere. I am not sure if this is true or not. I believe (but can not remember for sure) that it is 660m long.
The pier was only used for a short period in the beginning of the 20th century, before rail became the prefered method of transport and the pier shut down. Recently it has been restored, and is used mainly for fishing and picture taking.
After visiting the East Cape lighthouse, we headed south and stayed overnight in Talaga Bay. Beth found us an old hotel to stay at. It was a bit run down, but full of charachter. We visited the pier at sunset, and had a great meal at the hotel restaurant. We had a good local wine with our meal, as Tolaga Bay is near Hawkes Bay, and is the beginning of wine country in the North Island.
Comment by dad — May 16, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
speaking of local wine, our dentist told me he thinks new zealand wines are the best. Must be Beth’s careful handling of the grapes!
So how do they have enough extra money to restore the pier? Are the that many visitors over there that it must be worth it? Nice picture again. You have a good talent at composition. I wouldn’t probably think of that word except John McMartin told me he’s teaching a photography class at their school in honduras and that’s one thing he’s trying to teach. Wants the kids to know how to use their photography for marketing, especially on the web, later in life when they have jobs. But John’s the only one with a camera in the class. I’m trying to see if I can find any extra digital cameras around here for him.
I figure you’ll post pictures of the hotel later on? Sounds interesting.
Comment by Clara — May 16, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
I’ve got you spotted on the map. Of what substance is the big hill/cliff made? It looks like dirt, but that would erode too much? Some kind of stone?
Comment by josh — May 16, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
I’m not sure where the money to restore the pier comes from. Most likely the government.
I am pretty sure the cliffs in the picture are just mountain. Everything around here is rock from mountains because there are mountains everywhere…
I wasn’t planning on posting a picture of the inn, but here it is since you asked:
Comment by sanadrey — August 22, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
Tolaga is the most awesome place in the world!!! the people are so kind and frendliy !!! so go and visit there!!! MANY THINGS TO DO!!!!
Comment by michelle — January 6, 2009 @ 11:31 am
I recently visited the Tolaga Bay inclduing the Inn and Whalf. The beaches were fantastic as was the fishing off the whalf. The cafe’ in the Inn was great, with fresh baking and reasonable prices. Tolaga bay is a 45minute drive from Gisborne and your mobile does not work between the two settlements. However if you are looking for a quiet stay that is family friendly and you enjoy camping and the great outdoors then take some time out in the summer to travel and experience the East Coast hospitality.
Comment by Anne Henry — April 24, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
To answer your query about the wharf and where the money comes from. The hardworking committee and community have raised the money through a variety of trusts and grants, however we still ned more to complete the project. It has now been declared an historic place category 1 so this should add some impetus to the fundraising. Cheers Anne
Comment by josh — April 24, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
Thanks for the information Anne. It was a beautiful place.
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