Three day getaways
It’s time to get away, New Zealand! Freedom has come just in time for Queen’s Birthday this weekend, and what an epic opportunity to hit the road for a mini holiday. Whether you’re out to see a new place you’ve never been, or keen to take friends, family and kids back to an old favourite hot spot, get yourself a home on wheels, and do it. It’s time to explore the beautiful cities and landscapes right on our doorstep. Check out our top picks for East Cape road trips below.
The first place in the world to see the sun, the jaw-droppingly beautiful East Cape of New Zealand is a reasonably remote, untouched paradise. Near-empty beaches, stunning bays and coves and amazing headlands make up the coast from Gisborne to Opotiki, making it the perfect place to take a motorhome, explore and park up. Enjoy the slower pace of life, and take in the awe-inspiring sights; the stunning coastal journey of the Pacific Coast Highway, SH35, awaits you.
Gisborne
A surfer’s paradise, Gisborne is home to rolling farms, an abundance of orchard and maze fields, wineries, breweries, cideries, and the National Arboretum of NZ (which looks incredible this time of year!). Full to the brim of food, wine and exceptional produce, a weekend under the Gizzy sun will warm your heart and soul. Start your weekend by heading to the local farmers market, grab yourself a coffee, and check out Kaiti beach where Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. Keen to stretch your legs before you hit the road? Safely ride the railway tracks with Gisborne Railbike Adventures. Riding tandem bikes mounted on old railway tracks, pedal your way from Gisborne to Wairoa and take in 90kms of the incredible East Coast.
Wainui Beach
Just out of Gisborne city is beautiful Wainui, a pristine beach paradise. Pack a picnic and park up for a stunning lunch spot. Keep your eyes out for horses and seals out enjoying the beach too.
Rere Falls
Take yourself to Rere Falls for a picnic or, pack a wetsuit and head to Rere rockslide with a boogie board if you are in the mood for a thrilling ride down the slippery rocks!
Whangara Bay
Visit Whangara Bay to see where NZ movie 'Whale Rider' was filmed.
Tologa Bay
Head up to Tolaga Bay and walk the legendary 660 metre wharf built in 1929 - said to be the longest wharf in the North Island. An excellent place to catch a fish, and an even better place to spend the night.
Cooks Cove
Drive up to Cooks Cove, one of the beautiful remote landing spots of Captain Cook. Lace up and hike your way down (around 2.5 hours return) through the coastal forest, check out the Hole in the Wall, and pack a picnic to have down at secluded Cooks Cove.
Tokomaru Bay
Wind past quaint villages and picturesque bays, before stopping at Tokomaru Bay to try the famous paua pie or to have a drink at the tavern with sea views.
Mount Hikurangi
Full of energy and ready to be in awe? Visit the sacred Mount Hikurangi, North Island's highest non-volcanic peak and experience the sunrise of a lifetime, watching the new day dawn before anybody else in the world. The hike can take up to 7 hours one way, so come prepared, and make sure to book your hike and spot in the Hikurangi Hut at least a week in advance.
Waihau Bay
Stop by Waihau Bay for an icecream and check out where the kiwi movie 'Boy' was filmed.
East Cape Lighthouse
Head up to East Cape lighthouse on the eastern most point of New Zealand, most epic at sunrise!
There is so much awaiting you on the East Cape - get out there explorers!
