Raukokore

Raukokore is a small settlement close to the East Cape in the northeastern North Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 35, close to the mouth of the Raukokore River, 40 kilometres to the west of Hicks Bay.

Raukokore's most notable feature is its Anglican church, a landmark of the East Cape region, which stands isolated close to the shore of Papatea Bay. The church was named as one of the East Cape/Gisborne region's "101 must-do" sites by the New Zealand Automobile Association.^[1] The Raukokore church was built by a Captain Stirling from hand sawed timber and if one looks closely at the exterior planks saw teeth marks can be seen.Until a few years it was very run down but the local Stirling marae raised money and had it restored so that now its well used for church services and weddings. At the back is a well kept Maori Stirling family cemetery, where most headstones have photos of the deceased. If you visit which welcomed if you follow the local Maori custom washing your hands as you leave. Back one kilometer north is the local marae which owns the church.