Standing tall on the East Cape, Maunga Hikurangi – Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is more than a mountain — it’s the sacred heart of Ngāti Porou and the first place in the world to see the sunrise. A visit here is both a scenic adventure and a deep cultural journey, where ancestral stories and living traditions unfold against a backdrop of sweeping horizons. For travellers, experiencing Maunga Hikurangi is an opportunity to connect with history, legend and spirit in one of Aotearoa’s most meaningful landscapes.
❓ What Makes Maunga Hikurangi So Special?
Maunga Hikurangi holds immense significance as the spiritual anchor of Ngāti Porou iwi. According to legend, this maunga was the first point of land to emerge when Māui fished up the North Island, giving it a central place in the creation stories of Aotearoa. Today, visitors can walk among nine carved pou, each telling the stories of Māui and the whakapapa of Ngāti Porou.
But it’s not just the legends that make this mountain special — Maunga Hikurangi is the first place in the world to welcome the sun each day. Watching dawn break here is a profound experience, where the line between myth and reality blurs and the whenua (land) feels truly alive.
🌄 Visiting Maunga Hikurangi
Visiting Maunga Hikurangi – Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is only possible through guided experiences with Ngāti Porou, ensuring that every step respects the cultural significance of the maunga. These tours are far more than sightseeing — they’re a journey into whakapapa, stories, and spirit.
Many visitors choose the sunrise tour, where you’ll be among the very first in the world to greet the new day. Standing high on the slopes as dawn light washes over the coast is a moment that stays with you forever. Along the way, guides share kōrero about Māui’s legendary deeds and point out the nine carved pou that bring these stories to life. Each carving represents a different chapter in Māori tradition and the identity of Ngāti Porou.
The tour ends with panoramic views stretching across the East Coast — a reminder of both the natural beauty and the deep cultural roots that make this mountain unique.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- Sunrise tours led by Ngāti Porou guides
- Walk among nine carved pou telling the stories of Māui
- Hear ancestral kōrero passed down through generations
- Take in panoramic views across the East Coast
- Be the first in the world to welcome a new day
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby
Most visitors base themselves in Gisborne, just over an hour’s drive from Ruatoria. The city offers everything from boutique vineyard stays to beachside motels and modern hotels, making it a comfortable launch point for your Maunga Hikurangi journey. For something truly memorable, you can even stay at Matawhero Wines, where vineyard accommodation lets you wake among the vines.
👉 (Read our blog on the Best Places to Stay on the East Coast for more recommendations.)
🍴 Where to Eat
Before or after your tour, Gisborne also delivers when it comes to food and drink. The city is known for its fresh seafood, from pāua fritters to fish straight off the boats, as well as local produce showcased in cosy cafés and contemporary restaurants. Pair your meal with a glass of East Coast wine and you’ve got the perfect way to round out your trip.
👉 (Check out our guide to the Best Places to Dine on the East Coast for foodie inspiration.)
🌅 Travel Tips
- Book ahead – access to Maunga Hikurangi is only possible through guided tours with Ngāti Porou.
- Dress warmly – sunrise tours can be cold, even in summer. Layering is best.
- Allow time – it’s over an hour’s drive from Gisborne to Ruatoria, so plan your travel the day before.
- Respect the maunga – this is a sacred place. Follow the guidance of your hosts and treat the land with care.
✨ Closing Thought
Climbing Maunga Hikurangi – Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast is more than a scenic outing. It’s a chance to stand at the threshold of the new day, surrounded by stories that reach back to the beginnings of Aotearoa. The blend of culture, legend, and breathtaking views makes it one of the most powerful experiences on the East Coast — a moment that lingers long after the sun has risen.
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.”
Pursue that which is precious, and if you must bow, let it be to a lofty mountain.