Last updated July 2026
Matawhero is a rural locality 7 km west of Gisborne on the fertile Poverty Bay flats. It is closely associated with the Rongowhakaata iwi and carries a layered history of Māori settlement, early European farming, and a pivotal event in the New Zealand Wars. The area’s rich soils have supported agriculture for generations, from traditional crops to modern vineyards. Today visitors come to see the surviving 1860s church and to taste wines at one of Gisborne’s pioneering cellar doors.
Practical Information
| Location | 7 km west of Gisborne city centre |
| Iwi affiliation | Rongowhakaata |
| Key heritage site | Matawhero Church (built 1865–1866) |
| Winery | Matawhero Wines cellar door (tastings and platters by arrangement) |
| Access | Short drive from Gisborne via sealed roads |
About Matawhero
Matawhero occupies flat, fertile land on the western edge of the Poverty Bay flats. The locality has long been valued for its productive soils and proximity to Gisborne. Rongowhakaata people maintained kāinga and cultivations here before and after European arrival.
The Matawhero Church is the oldest confirmed building in the East Coast district. Constructed in 1865 or 1866 as a schoolroom for settler children, it later served Anglican and then Presbyterian congregations. It is the only structure in the immediate area that survived the 1868 attack.
Remnants of earlier pā and kāinga are recorded in the wider landscape, reflecting continuous Māori occupation. The church and surrounding farmland together illustrate the transition from pre-European settlement to colonial agriculture.
Modern Matawhero remains a quiet rural setting with vineyards and farms. Its short distance from Gisborne makes it an easy destination for those interested in regional history and wine.
The 1868 Matawhero Tragedy
In the early hours of 10 November 1868 a war party led by Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki attacked the small settlement. Around 60 people, both Māori and Pākehā, were killed. The raid was Te Kooti’s utu following his exile to the Chatham Islands.
Major Reginald Biggs, the resident magistrate, was among those killed. The attack targeted both military figures and civilians and left the community deeply traumatised. Colonial forces under Colonel Whitmore later pursued Te Kooti.
The event remains one of the most significant incidents of the New Zealand Wars on the East Coast. Memorials and annual commemorations continue to mark the loss and the complex legacy of the period.
Matawhero Wines and Contemporary Attractions
Matawhero Wines was established in the 1960s by Bill Irwin. The first wines under the Matawhero label were released in 1975, making it one of Gisborne’s earliest boutique producers. The winery’s label features an image of the historic church.
The cellar door offers wine tastings and gourmet platters among the vines. Visitors can also explore an underground cellar containing older vintages. The site operates year-round with bookings recommended.
The combination of the preserved church and the working vineyard gives Matawhero a distinctive character that blends heritage with present-day agriculture.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the winery as peaceful and welcoming, praising the quality of the wines, generous platters, and the chance to sit among the vines. Many appreciate the historic church as a quiet, evocative stop that adds context to the area’s story.
Reviewers note the short drive from Gisborne makes Matawhero an easy half-day outing. They often mention the contrast between the rural calm and the weight of the 1868 history, and recommend combining a wine tasting with a visit to the church.
Where to Learn More
NZHistory.govt.nz: Detailed account of the 1868 attack and its context from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Heritage New Zealand: Official listing and description of Matawhero Church.
Matawhero Wines: Cellar door information, tasting options and booking details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Matawhero Church built?
It was constructed in 1865 or 1866 as a schoolroom and is the oldest confirmed building in the East Coast district.
What happened in the 1868 Matawhero Tragedy?
In the early hours of 10 November 1868 Te Kooti’s forces attacked the settlement, killing around 60 people in an act of utu. Major Reginald Biggs was among those killed.
Is the Matawhero Church open to visitors?
The church is a preserved heritage building. Access is usually during community events or by prior arrangement with the parish.
Can I visit Matawhero Wines?
The cellar door offers tastings and platters. Bookings are recommended and the site is open year-round.
Who is the main iwi associated with Matawhero?
Rongowhakaata maintain strong connections to the area, and Te Kooti himself was of Rongowhakaata descent.
How far is Matawhero from Gisborne?
It lies 7 km west of the city centre and is reached by a short drive on sealed roads.
Are there walking tracks in Matawhero?
The locality is primarily farmland and vineyard. Short walks are possible around the winery grounds, but dedicated public tracks are limited.
Is Matawhero suitable for a day trip?
Yes. Most visitors combine the historic church with a winery tasting and return to Gisborne the same day.
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