Captain James Cook sailed from Europe into the unknown southern Pacific Ocean and discovered New Zealand in 1769. Gisborne has two monuments, which are testament to this huge feat of navigation. The Millennium Monument set in gardens by the river mouth, with Young Nicks Head in the background, is a good likeness of the historic sailor and a fitting memorial. The dramatic headland protecting the southern opening of Poverty Bay is named after cabin boy, Nicholas Young, who was the first crewman on board Cook’s barque Endeavour to sight New Zealand.
This whole area is worth an hour of your time for both its historic and scenic attractions. If you happen to be here mid-afternoon on a sunny day, it is quite delightful. The area is within easy walking distance of the central business district.
Of the two Cook statues, it is the monument on Kaiti Hill, within Titirangi Reserve, however, that is the most interesting. The bronze statue was erected with much enthusiasm at the time of the bicentenary of the landing of Cook in 1969. The problem is that the statue is not of Captain Cook and the uniform of the statue is not even British. Whom the person depicted actually was, is unknown to everyone.
How such a total bungle happened appears to be a mystery. Naturally the statue has been a source of delight for photographers and a source of embarrassment for historians. Go see it and join countless thousands who have a picture of what must be one of the world’s most strange memorials. It has become a major attraction for visitors to Gisborne. You can drive up the hill or take the walkway which starts along Kaiti Beach Road. It is a bit of a walk but the views on the way up the hill and the statue itself are worth the effort. City tours naturally include this in their itinerary if walking seems too much. One of the largest Maori carved meeting houses in New Zealand is situated at the foot of Kaiti Hill.
From journal New Zealand's remote East Coast