With untouched beauty and seemingly endless coastline, the beaches of Tairāwhiti Gisborne are among the best in the country. From surf beaches and top spots for beachside camping to tranquil fishing hideaways and world-class sunrise views, the coast has it all. These are the top spots on the East Coast region of Tairāwhiti Gisborne to surf, swim, and stroll. Whether you’re catching a wave, casting a line, or simply enjoying a slow-paced walk along the water’s edge, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a full day out.
Beaches offer a complete day out here. Grab fish and chips or coffee from a nearby cafe, go fishing or surfing, and relax on the sandy shores. Tairāwhiti is the land of the first light, making it the perfect place to watch the sunrise dance across the water. Journey to these shores for spectacular scenery, an unhurried pace, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon some of New Zealand’s most cherished coastal secrets.
1. Wainui and Makorori Beach
Just a short 10-minute drive from Gisborne along the iconic State Highway 35, Wainui and Makorori Beaches feel worlds away. These twin beaches offer a hit of East Coast magic. Think long stretches of sand, ocean swells, and a slower pace of life that invites you to stay a little longer.
Wainui Beach is a small coastal community offering big days of adventure. From catching the sunrise and the surf to strolling along the sandy shores, it’s the kind of place that captures the essence of a true beach escape. If you prefer to stick to two wheels, you can reach Wainui via the Wainui Beach Cycle Track, a breezy 6km ride from Gisborne to the beach. Makorori sits just over the hill, and together the two beaches are surf havens with consistent barrels and epic conditions. You’ll find surfboard hire and local instructors ready to help you ride your first wave. Surfing with Sarah, Salt Shack Surf School, and New Wave Surf School are all ones to check out.
Foodie spots to visit at Wainui Beach include Zephyr for smoothie bowls and great coffee, and Neighbourhood Cantina for tacos by the beach. Head to the northern end of Wainui and over to Okitu Beach, where the Okitu Store is perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies or grabbing an ice cream. Stay awhile – Wainui offers accommodation options that let you wake up to the sound of the waves and ease into the beachside rhythm of Tairāwhiti.
2. Tolaga Bay
A 45-minute drive north of Gisborne, Tolaga Bay is a must-stop on any classic East Coast roadie. Famous for its 660-metre-long wharf, the longest in the North Island, this landmark is impressive not only in size but also in charm. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a spot of fishing, or a bold jump off the wharf into the bay below. Tolaga Bay is more than just scenic; it’s rich in history and culture. From here, walk the Cooks Cove Walkway, a scenic track leading to the bay where Captain Cook anchored in 1769. Along the way, you’ll reach the Te Pourewa Beacon of Light, a 12-metre-tall sculpture that glows at night.
Tolaga Bay invites you to slow down, soak in the coastal beauty, and discover the stories etched into the landscape. Summer 2025/26, Tolaga Bay Holiday Park will also be re-opening – watch this space for details. Explore all the top beaches in Tairāwhiti; between here and Tokomaru Bay, you’ll find Anaura Bay, a peaceful seaside spot perfect for swimming, camping, and relaxing.
3. Anaura Bay
Tucked between rolling green hills and the endless blue of the Pacific, Anaura Bay is a picture-perfect slice of the East Coast. Known for its seclusion and laid-back charm, this long, flat bay is the ideal setting for slow days filled with swimming, sunbathing, and sandy-footed walks.
The beach is home to the much-loved Anaura Bay Motor Camp, where you can pitch a tent or park up right beside the shore. With native coastal bush as your backdrop and waves as your morning soundtrack, it’s an unforgettable camping experience. The camp blends seamlessly into the landscape, letting you truly immerse yourself in this untouched corner of Tairāwhiti. There’s even a small shop on-site stocked with all the essentials, including ice creams, drinks, and goodies, perfect for sunny afternoons on the beach. Hire kayaks, make use of the camp facilities, or simply lap up the views. Another great camping option is the Anaura Bay Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite, with wide open spaces for camping by the beach.
Catch the sunrise at Anaura Bay at Rangimarie Beachstay, with private decks in each room offering the perfect vantage point.
Families will love the open space, calm waters, and the nearby Anaura Bay Walkway, a trail that leads you up to a lookout point offering sweeping views over the bay’s turquoise waters. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and every moment feels just right.
4. Tokomaru Bay
Cruise in with the windows down and let the salty breeze guide you to Tokomaru Bay, a dreamy coastal stop along the famed State Highway 35. With its calm waters and dramatic cliff faces framing the bay, it’s the kind of place that pulls you in for a swim, whether it’s a quick dip or a full afternoon soaking up the East Coast sun.
This is classic Kiwi summer at its finest. Take a look at the historic wharf stretching out to sea, battered and weathered, adding a charm to Tokomaru Bay. As you look on, enjoy the remnants of what was once a thriving freezing works and shipping industry that created a bustling seaside village. Cool off in the ocean, then reward yourself with a pāua pie from Cafe 35, justifiably famous across the region. Grab a cold one from the Te Puka Tavern, with unmatched views out to the ocean, and settle into the slow, coastal pace.
Equal parts scenic and significant, Tokomaru Bay captures the essence of a laid-back Tairāwhiti road trip. For those looking to spend some time here, Te Puka Tavern, Stranded in Paradise, and The Post Office are great accommodation options. For those quintessential summer vibes, find some freedom camping options in Tokomaru Bay. Whether you’re staying overnight or just pausing for a break, this coastal gem leaves a lasting impression.
5. Onepoto Bay Beach
A cosy little nook, Onepoto Bay Beach is a small bay nestled into the East Coast off State Highway 35. If you’re looking for a hidden gem along the coast, this beach is the one to visit. Small, sheltered, yet easy to get to, Onepoto is a treasured spot in northern Tairāwhiti.
Located in the coastal township of Hicks Bay, Onepoto is just around the corner from Wharekahika/Hicks Bay, another spectacular beach in the region. This area is great for swimming and a lazy beach day, but it’s also ideal for visiting swimming holes, waterfalls, and even a glowworm grotto. Soak up the best beach vibes in this little corner of paradise and stay right in the thick of it at Hicks Bay Motel Lodge, perched high on the bluff with remarkable views out to the horizon.
To start planning your beach getaway in Tairāwhiti Gisborne check out this map to get the lay of the land.
6. Lottin Point
Lottin Point, located in Potaka along the remote northern stretch of State Highway 35, is known for its world-class fishing. Whether you’re casting a line from the rocks or heading out on a coastal fishing charter, this is a spot where the big ones bite.
A visit here feels like a true East Coast escape. Peaceful, rugged, and far from the crowds. Lottin Point is a destination in its own right, but also fits perfectly into a longer road trip from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne. Picture a getaway filled with swimming, fishing, and chilling out by the ocean. This part of the coast is one of the more wild, rugged and remote spots you’ll visit, and that’s exactly why it’s so special. With incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and laid-back, small-town coastal vibes, Lottin Point is well worth the journey, no matter the season. Remember to be respectful to the land and ocean, only taking what you need to keep this gem of a location plentiful for generations to come.
7. Maraehako Bay
Maraehako Bay is a hidden gem along the East Cape, home to the laid-back Maraehako Campground which re-opens in December 2025 for the summer season, where campers can pitch up right by the beach and fall asleep to the waves crashing. Fringed by native bush and set against a backdrop of pōhutukawa trees, this bay captures the essence of a quintessential Kiwi camping experience. While you’re in Maraehako Bay, a must-visit is the Nut House Cafe for delicious macadamia-inspired ice cream. If you’re looking for a morning cuppa, head east to Bhanga Coffee Cart, just a 10-minute drive away.
Whether you’re here to swim, kayak, fish, walk, or simply explore, Maraehako offers a peaceful connection to the raw, natural beauty of the East Coast. The grassy sites, undisturbed shoreline, and sense of seclusion make this a true must-visit in Tairāwhiti. Located just 20 minutes from Te Kaha, along the picturesque State Highway 35, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, disconnect, and soak up everything this unique coastal region has to offer.
This article was created in paid partnership with Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
