The East Coast of the North Island is bursting with incredible beaches, long stretches of scenic roads, great food and wine and the most memorable sunrises. It’s a place to behold. Road trip from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne on State Highway 35 for the ultimate way to see the sights without rushing or missing any hidden gems. Whether you’re starting your journey from Ōpōtiki in the north or Gisborne in the south, drive this iconic stretch of coastal road and experience the East Cape at your own pace. Visit the sacred Maunga Hikurangi, book a fishing charter, indulge in pāua pies and stay in beachfront accommodation to watch the sunrise. Exploring Tairāwhiti Gisborne and SH35 offers a Kiwi getaway like no other.
With daily flights to Gisborne from Auckland and Wellington, it’s easy to fly in, pick up a rental car, and hit the road. Take your time along this scenic route and soak up the breathtaking views, charming stops, and local favourites around every corner. Whether by car or camper, exploring the East Coast along this winding coastal highway promises an unforgettable adventure.
1. Start in Ōpōtiki
Embark on your East Coast road trip from Ōpōtiki, journeying south along SH35 (or start in Gisborne and head north). Pass through small townships, beaches and soak up views of the Pacific Ocean. Kick-start the adventure with a ride with Motu River Jet, a thrilling and unbelievably scenic ride along the Motu River just out of Ōpōtiki. An hour into your drive is Te Kaha, a beautiful small settlement with a classic dairy (general store), the local Te Kaha cafe and the stunning Te Kaha Hotel which has a range of great accommodation and dining options. Explore the beach and rocky shores by horseback with StandFast Horse Treks before carrying on around the coast.
The ultimate East Coast road trip unfolds along a single, spectacular route. Start in either Ōpōtiki or Gisborne and follow Highway 35 as it winds along the coastline, offering endless scenic stops and stunning coastal views. You can make it a multi-day adventure by flying into Gisborne or Ōpōtiki, renting a car, and taking your time to explore. After the East Cape, continue your journey north or south—there’s no shortage of beauty in this incredible corner of the country. However you choose to experience it, this road trip promises a great escape.
2. Cruise around the Coast
From Te Kaha enjoy the beauty of SH35 and views out to Whakaari / White Island. Start a new day out on the water with East Coast Sportfishing Charters. Check out the beautiful Raukokore Church, isolated on the cliff edge and over-looking the Pacific Ocean and enjoy dinner and a place to stay at the Waihau Bay Lodge. Continue on to yet another incredibly located place to stay, Lottin Point, with beautiful and rugged sea views.
Hicks Bay to Ruatoria is an incredible leg of your East Coast road trip, with the oldest famous pōhutukawa tree in Te Araroa, views of the East Cape lighthouse and the Maunga Hikurangi experience in Ruatoria. Feast on pāua Pies in Tokomaru Bay before reaching Anarua Bay, an incredible coastal gem perfect for camping and swimming. Tolaga Bay is known for its impressive wharf, the longest wharf in the North Island, and is a mere 20-minute drive from Anarua Bay. Cooks Cove, so named as this is the spot where Captain Cook anchored to repair and restock his ship, is a must-visit by a two-hour return walk along the Cooks Cove walkway. Meander through farmland and forest from Tolaga Bay wharf to a lookout point, and continue down to the cove to explore the hole-in-the-wall.
Every great road trip includes many stops, activities and experiences along the way. Cruising around the coast offers unique and exciting ways to level up your adventure.
3. Watch the Sunrise
The fun starts with seeing the first light of the day. Tairāwhiti Gisborne is the first place in the world to see the sunrise, adding an unmatched element of wonder to your morning. Along your road trip there are perfect coastal gems to stay the night for the intention of waking up to enjoy an awe-inspiring sunrise. Tatapouri Bay overlooks the horizon creating the perfect setting to soak up the morning glow. Waihau Bay Lodge and Lottin Point Motel are ideal places to stay on the coast, getting you nice and close to an uninterrupted sunrise view. Further along the coast you’ll find Te Puka Tavern, an iconic East Coast gem where you can watch the sunrise over Tokomaru Bay.
There’s good reason to slow the trip down and stay in as many spots as you can. Some other top spots to watch the sunrise in Tairāwhiti are Maunga Hikurangi and Anaura Bay. As you near Gisborne check out Wainui Beach and Waikanae Beach. In addition to scenic beach spots, consider places with elevated views like Titirangi/Kaiti Hill and Makorori Headland. Like Maunga Hikurangi, the sunrise from these heights gives you a panoramic sweep of the entire coast, and you’ll feel as if you’re perched above the world’s first light. Another way to make the sunrise experience truly unforgettable is to plan for a cosy breakfast picnic at your chosen spot. Pack a blanket, a thermos of coffee, and a few breakfast bites from a local cafe, and take in the stunning views as the sun comes up. If you’re in Gisborne, local markets or bakeries offer plenty of fresh options to fuel your morning.
Whether you’re getting back on the road post-sunrise or sticking around to watch the surfers and get a beachside breakfast, catching the sunrise on New Zealand’s East Coast will be a highlight of your road trip.
4. The Pacific Coastal Highway
One of New Zealand’s best touring routes is The Pacific Coastal Highway, a road trip route from Auckland to Napier, encompassing the spectacular East Coast of the North Island. Spanning about 1,000km’s, it includes Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay with some of the best coastal scenery in the country. Experience part of The Pacific Coastal Highway when road tripping in Tairāwhiti.
Once you’re in Tairāwhiti you’ll feel as though you’re off the beaten track, with small coastal settlements to explore and pubs, taverns and grocers to help you appreciate the simple pleasures of a New Zealand road trip. The East Cape is home to incredible surf, so this is the stretch of the Pacific Coastal Highway to hit the waves and enjoy plenty of time at the beach. Be sure to experience the culture in this corner of the country with a stroll along the Tupapa Heritage Trail, and visit cultural landmarks like Maunga Hikurangi. If you’re continuing along The Pacific Coastal Highway, consider a guided historical tour with Tipuna Tours in Tolaga Bay to learn more about this warm, embracing region.
5. Gisborne
Gisborne can be the beginning or end of your road trip, and it makes a great hub for those long weekend getaways on the coast. Fly direct from Auckland or Wellington or if road tripping, Gisborne is just 3 hours north of Napier and 2.5 hours south of Whakatane. While in this mighty East Coast city, you’ll experience some of the best moments in your road trip. A good day in Gisborne begins at the beach. Check out Wainui Beach and Zephyr Wainui for some breakfast and surf vibes. Surfing at Makorori Beach just 15 minutes from Gisborne is a great way to start the day too.
There’s plenty to see and do in the city centre. Search for vintage treasures or top-notch designer labels while shopping in Gisborne. For train enthusiasts, the WA165 steam locomotive is a real treat. See it all from above at Titirangi/Kaiti Hill for some of the best elevated views of Gisborne. Wharf Bar and Grill overlooking the inner harbour is a great place for some Gizzy kai. Vineyards are plentiful in the region too, so check out cellar doors like Wrights Vineyard and Winery and Matawhero Wines near Gisborne. This could be the perfect way to wrap up your ultimate East Coast road trip.
Whether you’re starting in Ōpōtiki in the north, or Gisborne in the south, driving along the iconic winding coastal road is a summer must-do. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery and all the special places to stop along the way.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
