One of the more remote places in the country, Tairawhiti is pivotal to Tearoom/New Zealand's history. This is where the Māori migratory waka (canoes) Horouta and Takitimu first landed, and it's also the place where Captain James Cook first set foot in New Zealand in 1769. Steeped in Maori culture, Tairawhiti is unspoiled and mostly undeveloped, giving some insight into what the country must have been like many years ago.
Perfect for a road trip, you'll find secluded bays, rolling countryside and very few people. There are a handful of places to stay - mostly campsites and the occasional BnB - and the sandy beaches are never too crowded.