A Guide to a Road Trip Around the East Coast of NZ's North Island

A Detailed Guide to a Road Trip Around the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island

The East Coast of New Zealand's North Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, lush forests, rich Māori culture, and fascinating history. This road trip will take you along the Pacific Ocean's edge, from the vibrant city of Auckland in the north, through the culturally significant Gisborne, all the way to the renowned Hawke’s Bay region, which is famous for its wineries and art deco architecture. It’s an incredible journey full of coastal views, outdoor activities, and a variety of experiences that showcase the best of New Zealand’s North Island.

Overview of the East Coast Road Trip

This road trip along the East Coast will take you from Auckland, at the northern tip, through Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne, to Hawke’s Bay in the south. The route spans a mix of coastal beauty, charming towns, historic landmarks, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Each section of the coast is unique, from the iconic beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula to the sun-drenched vineyards of Hawke's Bay.

Total Distance: Approx. 800-900 kilometres (500-600 miles)

Duration: 7–10 days (depending on pace and stops)

Key Stops and Attractions on the East Coast Road Trip

1. Auckland (Starting Point)

• Description: As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a vibrant urban center located at the top of the North Island. It serves as a natural starting point for a road trip around the East Coast, offering a blend of modern amenities, culture, and harborside beauty.
• Notable Sights:
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum: A must-visit for anyone interested in Māori culture and New Zealand’s history, with exhibits covering everything from natural history to Polynesian migration.
  • Auckland’s Harbour and Islands: Explore the Auckland waterfront with its waterfront parks, yacht-filled harbour, and nearby islands. Consider a short ferry trip to Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and beaches.
  • Sky Tower: The iconic tower offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding islands, perfect for getting oriented before hitting the road.
  • Auckland Domain & Winter Gardens: For a peaceful break, Auckland Domain, a large park, is home to beautiful gardens and walking trails.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

• Description: A stunning detour from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The region is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and those looking to relax in a peaceful, coastal setting.
• Notable Sights:
  • Hot Water Beach: Famous for its natural hot springs that bubble up from the sand. Bring a spade and dig your own thermal pool at low tide.
  • Cathedral Cove: A must-see, this stunning cove is known for its limestone arch and golden beach, accessible via a scenic walk or by boat.
  • Coromandel Town: A quaint town that is a perfect stop for a coffee, art galleries, and local crafts. Consider a visit to 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, the Kauaeranga Valley offers several excellent walking tracks with lush scenery and waterfalls.

3. Bay of Plenty

• Description: Continuing south, the Bay of Plenty region is known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant agricultural industry. Tauranga, a major port city, is the largest urban area in the Bay of Plenty.
• Notable Sights:
  • Mount Maunganui: A stunning beach town known for the iconic Mount Maunganui, a dormant volcano offering a relatively easy hike to the summit with panoramic views of the bay. The town is also famous for its beautiful beaches, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Papamoa Beach: A quieter alternative to Mount Maunganui, Papamoa is perfect for long beach walks or a relaxing day by the water.
  • Waimarino Adventure Park: A great family-friendly stop, offering activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and a floating water park on Lake McLaren.
  • Katikati: Known as the Mural Town, Katikati features numerous murals that depict the area’s history, Māori culture, and local heritage.

4. Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty

• Description: Further south from Tauranga, Whakatāne is a charming coastal town nestled on the edge of Ohiwa Harbour and is known as the gateway to White Island (an active volcano). The area is rich in Māori culture and natural beauty.
• Notable Sights:
  • White Island (Whakaari): A boat trip to New Zealand’s most active volcano is an incredible experience. Tours can be arranged from Whakatāne for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the smoking crater and surrounding volcanic landscape.
  • Ohope Beach: A stunning, white-sand beach that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It’s consistently rated as one of New Zealand’s top beaches.
  • 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.

5. Gisborne

• Description: Gisborne is a laid-back town on the east coast, 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.
• Notable Sights:
  • Eastwoodhill Arboretum: This massive collection of trees from around the world is located just outside of Gisborne and is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture.
  • Tairawhiti Museum: A great place to learn about the region's Māori history, European settlement, and maritime heritage.
  • Riverside Walks: Gisborne’s riverbanks provide several scenic walking trails, such as the Taruheru River Walk, offering lovely views of the town and surrounding countryside.
  • Wainui Beach: A quiet beach with good surfing conditions and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a swim or picnic.

6. Poverty Bay

• Description: The area around Poverty Bay is rich in Māori history, being the site of the first encounter between Māori and Captain Cook in 1769. It is also home to some spectacular coastal scenery.
• Notable Sights:
  • Cook’s Landing Site: Just outside of Gisborne, you can visit the site where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand and marked the beginning of European exploration of the country.
  • Kaiti Beach: A small, tranquil beach that’s ideal for a peaceful walk or swim.
  • Māori Rock Carvings: The Titirangi Hill is home to large Māori rock carvings that can be seen by walking or by taking a boat tour on the bay.

7. Hawke’s Bay (Napier and Hastings)

• Description: Continuing south, Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand’s most famous wine-growing regions and home to the city of Napier, renowned for its art deco architecture, and Hastings, known for its bustling farmers’ markets and vineyards.
• Notable Sights:
  • 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. Take a guided Art Deco walking tour or visit the Napier Art Deco Trust.
  • Hastings Farmers' Market: Hastings hosts one of the best farmers' markets in the country, full of local produce, cheeses, wines, and artisan products.
  • Te Mata Peak: Located just outside of Hastings, Te Mata Peak offers sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. A hike to the summit is highly recommended.
  • Wineries and Vineyards: The region is famous for its wineries, with Cape Kidnappers, Craggy Range, and Elephant Hill being some of the top producers. You can tour the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and pair the wines with gourmet meals.

8. Waipukurau & Dannevirke

• Description: If you have time, consider detouring through Waipukurau and Dannevirke in the southern part of Hawke’s Bay. These rural towns are great places to experience the heart of New Zealand’s farming culture.
• Notable Sights:
  • 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): The best time for a road trip along the East Coast, with warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for beach stops and outdoor activities.
• Autumn (March to May): A quieter time to visit, with mild weather and the added bonus of the grape harvest in Hawke’s Bay, making it an ideal season for wine lovers.
• Spring (September to November): Spring is another great time to visit, especially if you want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy lush, green landscapes.
• Winter (June to August): While it can be cooler and wetter, this is the off-season, so you’ll experience fewer tourists and some 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.

Conclusion

A road trip along the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical significance. Whether you’re exploring remote beaches, vineyards, Māori heritage sites, or the iconic Art Deco city of Napier, there’s something for every traveller. The journey from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay will provide you with a deeper connection to the land, its people, and its rich history. It’s a road trip that combines the best of New Zealand’s coastal charm with its adventurous spirit.