East Coast of North Island Guide

Key Stops and Attractions on the East Coast Road Trip

Auckland (Starting Point)

Auckland is a vibrant urban center, offering a blend of modern amenities, culture, and harborside beauty.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum: A must-visit for anyone interested in Māori culture and New Zealand’s history.
• Auckland’s Harbour and Islands: Explore the Auckland waterfront with its parks, harbour, and nearby islands. Check out Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and beaches.
• Sky Tower: Offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding islands.
• Auckland Domain & Winter Gardens: Home to beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Coromandel Peninsula

Famous for its dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. 

• Hot Water Beach: Famous for its natural hot springs, bring a spade and dig your thermal pool at low tide.
• Cathedral Cove: A must-see, known for its limestone arch and golden beach, accessible via a scenic walk or by boat.
• Coromandel Town: A perfect stop for a coffee, art galleries, and local crafts. Visit the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gauge train ride through native bush to a lookout point.
• Kauaeranga Valley: If you're up for a hike, there are several excellent walking tracks with lush scenery and waterfalls.

Bay of Plenty

This region is known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant agricultural industry. 

• Mount Maunganui: A beach town known for a dormant volcano offering a relatively easy hike to the summit. The town is also famous for its beautiful beaches, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
• Papamoa Beach: A quieter alternative to Mount Maunganui, perfect for long beach walks or a relaxing day by the water.
• Waimarino Adventure Park: A great family-friendly stop, with activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and a floating water park on Lake McLaren.
• Katikati: Features numerous murals that depict the area’s history, Māori culture, and local heritage.

Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty

Whakatāne is a charming coastal town known as the gateway to White Island (an active volcano). 

• White Island (Whakaari): A boat trip to New Zealand’s most active volcano is an incredible experience.
• Ohope Beach: A stunning, white-sand beach that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. 
• Māori Cultural Tours: Whakatāne is rich in Māori heritage, and you can explore this through local cultural experiences, including guided tours to ancient pā sites and tribal lands.

Gisborne

A laid-back town famous for its sunny weather, long beaches, and significant Māori culture. It’s also the first place to see the sunrise in New Zealand, making it a perfect stop for early risers.

1. Eastwoodhill Arboretum: A massive collection of trees from around the world, perfect for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture.
2. Tairawhiti Museum: A great place to learn about the region's Māori history, European settlement, and maritime heritage.
3. Riverside Walks: Gisborne’s river banks provide several scenic walking trails, such as The Taruheru River Walk.
4. Wainui Beach: A quiet beach with good surfing conditions and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a swim or picnic.

Poverty Bay

This area is rich in Māori history, being the site of the first encounter between Māori and Captain Cook in 1769.

• Cook’s Landing Site: Visit the site where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand and marked the beginning of European exploration.
• Kaiti Beach: A small, tranquil beach ideal for a peaceful walk or swim.
• Māori Rock Carvings: Titirangi Hill is home to large Māori rock carvings that can be seen by walking or by taking a boat tour.

Hawke’s Bay (Napier and Hastings)

One of New Zealand’s most famous wine-growing regions.

• Napier Art Deco: After a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier rebuilt itself in the Art Deco style, and today the city is a treasure trove of beautifully restored buildings.
• Hastings Farmers' Market: Hastings hosts one of the best farmers' markets in the country.
• Te Mata Peak: Located just outside of Hastings, Te Mata Peak offers sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
• Wineries and Vineyards: The region is famous for its wineries, with Cape Kidnappers, Craggy Range, and Elephant Hill are some of the top producers.

Waipukurau & Dannevirke

These are great places to experience the heart of New Zealand’s farming culture.

• Waipukurau: A quiet town surrounded by farmland, ideal for a peaceful stop or picnic by the river.
• Dannevirke: Known for its Scandinavian heritage, you can explore the local history and take in views of the surrounding Tararua Ranges.

Practical Information for an East Coast Road Trip

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December to February): Warm weather and long daylight hours, but very busy.
• Autumn (March to May): A quieter time to visit, with mild weather and the bonus of the grape harvest in Hawke’s Bay; the ideal season for wine lovers.
• Spring (September to November): Great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy lush, green landscapes.
• Winter (June to August): Cooler and wetter, with fewer tourists and great seasonal deals on accommodation.

Driving Conditions

• The roads along the East Coast are generally in good condition, but be prepared for winding coastal roads, particularly in rural areas. Always check road conditions, especially after heavy rainfall, as flooding can occur in some areas.

Accommodation

• The East Coast offers a range of accommodation options, including motels, boutique hotels, campgrounds, and luxury lodges. It’s recommended to book accommodation in advance, particularly in the summer months.

Wildlife and Nature

• The East Coast is rich in wildlife, with opportunities for dolphin watching, birdwatching, and exploring native forests. Always respect local wildlife and nature reserves.