• Welcome Nau mai, Haere Mai
    Forward
  • Tairawhiti-everything
    Everything See it all on the map
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-thirty-five
    All Road Trip 35 East Cape coastal highway
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-gisborne-to-wainui-beach
    Gisborne to Wainui Beach Finding the right headset
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-wainui-to-tolaga
    Wainui Beach to Tolaga Bay Embrace the tortoise
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-kaiaua-to-tokomaru
    Kaiaua Beach to Tokomaru Bay Camping (and paua pies)
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-waipero-to-te-araroa
    Waipero Bay to Te Araroa Do the mahi, get the treats
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-hicks-whanarua
    Hicks Bay to Whanarua Bay Like Hawaii in the 60's
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-road-trip-35-te-kaha-opotiki
    Waikawa Bay to Ōpōtiki In motion
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-gisborne-food-and-drink
    Gizzy Eat & Drink Produce without the pretence
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-whanau-moana
    Whanau Around the Moana Water based family goodness
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-whanau-whenua
    Whanau on the Whenua Land based family goodness
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-get-moving
    Get Moving & Feel Better When looking is not enough
    Information
  • Tairawhiti-maori-culture
    Art & Culture Too much
    Information
Tairawhiti-map

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Vehicles

Gisborne to Wainui Beach

  1. The Vibe

    Finding the right headset

    The key to this Road Trip is hidden in the name 35. Which is the ideal speed (give or take on the straights).
    Take time.
    Stop alot.
    Talk to everyone.
    You’ll be surprised what happens.

  2. 1

    Scenic Lookout

    Catch the Sunrise

    Walk, bike or drive to the top

    Catch the Sunrise

    Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Walks and Lookout

  3. 2

    Surfing

    Grab a morning surf with Sarah

    Surfing With Sarah

  4. 3

    i-SITE Network

    Best Local knowledge

    Meet the local crew and grab your free iconic map. You won't want to part with it.

    Enquire

    Best Local knowledge

    Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre...

  5. 4

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Midway Beach Surf Club

  6. 5

    Steam Railway

    Top pick on its day

    If you're here when it's running, then it's meant to be.
    See website for departure dates.

    Check Availability

    Top pick on its day

    Gisborne City Vintage Railway

  7. 6

    RailBike Adventure

    Unique

    Book Now

    Unique

    Gisborne Railbike Adventure

  8. 7

    Cycling in Gizzy

    Guided tours or hire

    Book Now

    Guided tours or hire

    Cycle Gisborne

  9. 8

    Museum

    One of the best town museums in Aotearoa

    Plus it sets you up for Road Trip 35
    10am-4pm 6 days
    1.30-4pm Sunday

    Book Now

    One of the best town museums in Aotearoa

    Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery

  10. Fresh Kai

    Gather Fresh Produce

    SH35 whanau’s (families) have a deep connection with their kai (food).

    It’s distributed in a less transactional way.
    Thus it can be more difficult for travellers to access fresh kai.

    Stock up here in Gizzy + there's good superettes along the way.

  11. 9

    Fresh Produce

    Fresh Berries and Local Produce

    11am-5pm 7 days

    Village Berries

  12. 10

    Butchery

    Fresh Local Meats

    Wed-Fri 10am-5pm
    Sat 9-12.30

    Enquire

    Fresh Local Meats

    No8 Lowe Street Butchery

  13. 11

    Fresh Local Produce

    A Saturday must

    Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm

    A Saturday must

    Gisborne Farmers Market

  14. 12

    Wine

    Local Wines for your Road Trip

    Mon-Thurs 12-4pm

    Enquire

    Local Wines for your Road Trip

    Matawhero Wines

  15. 13

    Restaurant

    Eats by the ocean

    Food matched with Gizzy wines
    Tues - Sat 3pm - 9pm

    Crawford Road Kitchen

  16. 14

    Brewery

    Local Beer for your Road Trip

    Fresh from the tap
    12-8pm

    Enquire

    Local Beer for your Road Trip

    Sunshine Brewery

  17. 15

    Fresh food & produce

    Fuel yourself & stock up

    Pre or post surf.
    It's good stuff.
    8am-2pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Fuel yourself & stock up

    Zephyr Wainui

  18. 16

    Beachfront Camping

    Beachfront near city centre

    Great facilities. Top location.

    Book Now

    Beachfront near city centre

    Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Vehicles

Wainui Beach to Tolaga Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Embrace the Tortoise

    Remember the hare and tortoise. Start slow and match the pace of Road Trip 35.

  2. Wainui Beach

    Wainui is a true beach culture, rarely found in NZ.
    There's a couple of worthy short walks before you hit the road and head North.

    Better yet - join the locals, have a splash in the waves.

  3. 1

    Nature Walk

    Beach and rock hop

    1 hr return
    Check listing for details

    Beach and rock hop

    Tuahine Point

  4. 2

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Wainui Beach has strong currents.
    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Wainui Surf Club

  5. Makorori Hill + Beach

    Feels like the gatekeeper to the East Coast roots vibe.

    Highly recommend a therapeutic body surf to immerse yourself in what’s to come.

  6. 3

    Lookout Walk

    Great view up here

    45 min round trip

    Great view up here

    Makorori Hill Walk and Lookout

  7. 4

    Surfing

    Up your surf skills

    Holly is an awesome teacher
    Visit website to book

    Salt Shack Surf School

  8. Tatapouri Bay

    Hit this place at a low tide. Locals come down to harvest kai from the huge rock ledges.

    Join them and connect to something timeless.

  9. 5

    Freedom Camping

    Surf Style Camping

    Busy beachfront.

    Surf Style Camping

    Makorori Carpark, Gisborne

  10. 6

    Camping, Coffee, Kai

    Beachfront camping + much more

    Full Facility Camping
    Plus beachfront coffee + kai experience on summer weekends

    Book Now

    Beachfront camping + much more

    Tatapouri Bay

  11. 7

    Nature Encounter

    Meet Stingrays

    One of a kind tour
    Departs daily

    Book Now

    Meet Stingrays

    Dive Tatapouri

  12. Pouawa Beach

    The road from Tatapouri to Pouawa snakes alongside the coastline. Protected moana - Tangaroa delivers.

    From Pouawa the road heads inland for the remaining 35 kms to Tolaga Bay.

  13. 8

    Freedom Camping

    Classic Camping

    Beachfront

    Classic Camping

    Pouawa Beach

  14. 9

    Nature Encounter

    Marine reserve experience

    Snorkel and / or walk

    Marine reserve experience

    Te Tapuwae O Rongokako Marine Reserve

  15. 10

    BnB Stay

    A Crows Next

    Jaw drop views

    Book Now

    A Crows Next

    Tidal Water Lodge

  16. 11

    Freedom Camping

    Top Notch Beachfront

    Well worth the detour

    Top Notch Beachfront

    Waihau / Loisels Beach Freedom Camping

  17. Tolaga Bay / Uawa

    Don’t miss the shortest detour to the longest wharf. A must.

  18. 12

    Nature Walk

    Capt Cook stayed here for a reason

    2.5 hr return

    Capt Cook stayed here for a reason

    Cooks Cove Walkway

  19. 13

    Historic

    How long??

    Longest of type in Sth Hemisphere

    How long??

    Tolaga Bay Wharf

  20. 14

    Lunch

    Road trip kai

    Tues-Fri 8am-2.30pm
    Weekends 9am-2pm
    Closed Public Holidays

    Off The Grid Cafe

  21. 15

    Beachfront camping

    Full facility camping

    Check availability

    Book Now

    Full facility camping

    Tolaga Bay Holiday Park

  22. 16

    Cultural Tour

    Local Maori Experience

    Join Hana & Victor as a manuhiri (guest) on a bespoke cultural tour

    Tipuna Tours

  23. 17

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Tolaga Bay Surf Club

  24. 18

    Freedom Camping

    Beaut spot

    Sun + Shade + beach just over the road

    Beaut spot

    Tolaga Bay Freedom Camping

Vehicles

Kaiaua Beach to Tokomaru Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Camping (and Paua Pies)

    If you seek NZ's best beachfront camping, this is your mecca.

  2. 1

    Freedom Camping

    One of the best

    Isolated, yet 15 mins from Tolaga Bay

    One of the best

    Kaiaua Beach

  3. 2

    Full Facility Camping

    Beachfront goodness

    It's quite a place to camp

    Anaura Bay Family Motor Camp

  4. 3

    Nature Walk

    Decent leg stretcher

    2 hr loop walk

    Decent leg stretcher

    Anaura Bay Walkway

  5. 4

    DOC Campsite

    Nestle under mighty Pōhutukawa

    Great location

    Enquire

    Nestle under mighty Pōhutukawa

    Anaura Bay Campsite

    Metadataoption__doc_managed_campsite
  6. 5

    B&B Stay

    Stunning

    Wow views

    Book Now

    Stunning

    Rangimarie Anaura Bay Beachstay

  7. 6

    Mini Supermarket

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Superette with Reo

    Enquire

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Tokomaru Bay Four Square

  8. 7

    Petrol + EV charging

    Grab supplies while you wait

    EV Charging Station Tokomaru Bay

  9. 8

    B&B Stay

    Stay in the old Toko Post Office

    Quirky + Funky

    Book Now

    Stay in the old Toko Post Office

    The Post Office Te Poutapeta

  10. 9

    Lunch

    Legendary Pies

    Paua pie is a local delicacy
    Wed - Sun 8.30 - 3pm

    Cafe 35

  11. 10

    Freedom Camping

    Yeah, more beachfront bangers

    Hundreds of metres of beachfront options

    Yeah, more beachfront bangers

    Tokomaru Bay

  12. 11

    Pub Food + Drink

    Local Icon

    Beachfront

    Book Now

    Local Icon

    Te Puka Tavern

  13. 12

    Historic

    Step back in time. Don't miss this turn-off

    Have a look around the ruins

    Step back in time. Don't miss this turn-off

    Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Ruins

Vehicles

Waipero Bay to Te Araroa

  1. The Vibe

    Do the Mahi, Get the Treats

    Mt Hikurangi is a spiritual touchstone.
    Allow yourself that gift.

  2. 1

    Beach + Historic

    Out on the edge

    Take it easy on this road. Partly gravel if you choose the loop.

    Out on the edge

    Waipiro Bay

  3. Township

    Ruatoria

    A couple of minutes off State Highway 35

  4. 2

    Once in a lifetime

    Maunga (Mountain) Hikurangi Experience

    Be the first in the world, on this day, to see the sun

    Book Now

    Maunga (Mountain) Hikurangi Experience

    Maunga Hikurangi Experience

  5. 3

    Scenic Flight

    Fly over the Sacred Maunga

    Join your experienced pilot and Ngāti Porou local Mahanga Maru

    Book Now

    Fly over the Sacred Maunga

    Air Ruatoria

  6. 4

    Cultural

    Ornate Māori carvings

    One of a kind.
    Take a breath.

    Ornate Māori carvings

    Tikitiki Church

  7. Township

    Te Araroa

    Busy little coastal hub. Take a stop.

  8. 5

    Mini Supermarket

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Basics and city fixes
    7am-6pm 7 days

    Enquire

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Te Araroa Four Square

  9. 6

    Petrol + EV Charging

    Grab supplies while you wait

    EV Charging Station Te Araroa

  10. 7

    Coffee and Food

    Unique coffee location

    8.30am - 11am 7 days

    Twilight Coffee & Food

  11. 8

    Takeaway

    Quality Fish and Chips

    Tues-Sun 12-6pm

    Te Araroa Kai Kart Takeaways

  12. 9

    Tāne Experience

    Largest Pōhutukawa in world

    It's one big tree.

    Largest Pōhutukawa in world

    Te Waha O Rerekohu

  13. 10

    Basic Facility Camping

    Great Spot. Remote East.

    If you stay here, you get right out there. A detour east of Te Araroa.

    Book Now

    Great Spot. Remote East.

    East Cape Campground

  14. 11

    Full Facility Camping

    Location

    Private beach access

    Book Now

    Location

    Te Araroa Holiday Park

Vehicles

Hicks Bay to Whanarua Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Like Hawaii in the 60's

    You should be in the flow state by now.

    Throw on a makeshift lavalva, place a flower behind your ear, put on your fav tunes and let it flow.

  2. 1

    Hicks Bay Motel

    Location

    Google 'Hicks Bay Motel' to book online
    Or call via link below

    Enquire

    Location

    Hicks Bay Motel Lodge

  3. 2

    Take a break

    Best SH35 playground

    General store next door

    Hicks Bay General Store

  4. 3

    Beach Stop

    Secluded beach settlement - must visit

    Swim, surf, rock pools
    Lifeguards in summer

    Secluded beach settlement - must visit

    Onepoto Beach

  5. 4

    Historic

    A very worthy short side trip

    Secluded cove with lots to look at

    A very worthy short side trip

    Hicks Bay Wharf

  6. 5

    Lottin Point Motel + Beach

    You'll have to see for yourself

    Book Now

    You'll have to see for yourself

    Lottin Point Motel

  7. 6

    Waihau Bay

    Taiki Waititi showed his love of breakdancing in the film 'Boy' near here

  8. 7

    Food + Stay + Petrol

    Lunch stop with a view

    Dec - Easter 8.30am-8.30pm 7 days
    Easter - Nov 3pm-7.30pm Mon to Fri

    Book Now

    Lunch stop with a view

    Waihau Bay Lodge

  9. 8

    Historic Ruakokore Church

    Iconic SH35

    Little Blue Penguins nest here for good reason

    Iconic SH35

    Raukokore Church

  10. 9

    Basic facility camping

    Camping bucket list location

    Do yourself a favour and stay here
    First in first served

    Camping bucket list location

    Maraehako Camping Ground

  11. 10

    B&B Stay

    Idillic Stopover

    You won't want to leave

    Book Now

    Idillic Stopover

    SheldrakeBnB

  12. 11

    Lunch

    Scenic Local Kai

    10am-3pm. 7 Days.

    Pacific Coast Macadamias Café

Vehicles

Te Kaha to Ōpōtiki

  1. The Vibe

    In Motion with the Ocean

    Somehow in this stretch, you just get to breathe out and chill out.
    Maybe it’s the height you sometimes get over the coast.
    Maybe it’s the flowing road that gets you in the groove.
    Wind down the windows. Let it in, to breathe it out.

  2. 1

    Scenic Rest Area

    Small, worthy rest stop

    Small, worthy rest stop

    Waikawa point rest area

  3. 2

    Rest Area + Camp

    Very scenic rest area

    Toilet + basic playground

    Very scenic rest area

    Te Kaha Recreation Reserve, Maraetai Bay

  4. 3

    Motel + Store + Bar

    Fantastic Beachside Location

    7am-9pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Fantastic Beachside Location

    Te Kaha Beach Resort

  5. 4

    EV Charging

    Oceanside EV charging

    EV Charging Station Te Kaha

  6. 5

    Freedom Camping

    Sprawling pōhutukawa

    I'd stay here again.
    Large area, best sites beside the trees.

    Sprawling pōhutukawa

    Omaio Freedom Camping, Hoani Waititi Reserve...

  7. 6

    Jet Boating

    Remote wilderness adventure

    Explore the less-explored

    Book Now

    Remote wilderness adventure

    Motu River Jet

  8. 7

    Scenic rest stop

    Take a short detour

    Beach stop with walkway
    Loop road

    Take a short detour

    Opape Beach and Walkway

  9. 8

    Full Facility Camp + Store

    Huge ice cream selection

    Well kept camping ground & fish burgers are good

    Book Now

    Huge ice cream selection

    Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp

  10. 9

    Cycling & Walking

    Cross the bridge into dunes isolation

    A coastal ramble by bike or shanks pony

    Enquire

    Cross the bridge into dunes isolation

    Motu Dunes Trail

  11. 10

    Petrol and EV charging

    Refuel

    Petrol stations are within a hundred meters of the EV charger

    EV Charging Station Opotiki

  12. 11

    Food staples

    Supermarket

    Unexpected, but definitely the best hot chips I've tasted at a Supermarket

    Enquire

    Supermarket

    New World Opotiki

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Gisborne to Wainui Beach

  1. The Vibe

    Finding the right headset

    The key to this Road Trip is hidden in the name 35. Which is the ideal speed (give or take on the straights).
    Take time.
    Stop alot.
    Talk to everyone.
    You’ll be surprised what happens.

  2. 1

    Scenic Lookout

    Catch the Sunrise

    Walk, bike or drive to the top

    Catch the Sunrise

    Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Walks and Lookout

  3. 2

    Surfing

    Grab a morning surf with Sarah

    Surfing With Sarah

  4. 3

    i-SITE Network

    Best Local knowledge

    Meet the local crew and grab your free iconic map. You won't want to part with it.

    Enquire

    Best Local knowledge

    Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre...

  5. 4

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Midway Beach Surf Club

  6. 5

    Steam Railway

    Top pick on its day

    If you're here when it's running, then it's meant to be.
    See website for departure dates.

    Check Availability

    Top pick on its day

    Gisborne City Vintage Railway

  7. 6

    RailBike Adventure

    Unique

    Book Now

    Unique

    Gisborne Railbike Adventure

  8. 7

    Cycling in Gizzy

    Guided tours or hire

    Book Now

    Guided tours or hire

    Cycle Gisborne

  9. 8

    Museum

    One of the best town museums in Aotearoa

    Plus it sets you up for Road Trip 35
    10am-4pm 6 days
    1.30-4pm Sunday

    Book Now

    One of the best town museums in Aotearoa

    Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery

  10. Fresh Kai

    Gather Fresh Produce

    SH35 whanau’s (families) have a deep connection with their kai (food).

    It’s distributed in a less transactional way.
    Thus it can be more difficult for travellers to access fresh kai.

    Stock up here in Gizzy + there's good superettes along the way.

  11. 9

    Fresh Produce

    Fresh Berries and Local Produce

    11am-5pm 7 days

    Village Berries

  12. 10

    Butchery

    Fresh Local Meats

    Wed-Fri 10am-5pm
    Sat 9-12.30

    Enquire

    Fresh Local Meats

    No8 Lowe Street Butchery

  13. 11

    Fresh Local Produce

    A Saturday must

    Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm

    A Saturday must

    Gisborne Farmers Market

  14. 12

    Wine

    Local Wines for your Road Trip

    Mon-Thurs 12-4pm

    Enquire

    Local Wines for your Road Trip

    Matawhero Wines

  15. 13

    Restaurant

    Eats by the ocean

    Food matched with Gizzy wines
    Tues - Sat 3pm - 9pm

    Crawford Road Kitchen

  16. 14

    Brewery

    Local Beer for your Road Trip

    Fresh from the tap
    12-8pm

    Enquire

    Local Beer for your Road Trip

    Sunshine Brewery

  17. 15

    Fresh food & produce

    Fuel yourself & stock up

    Pre or post surf.
    It's good stuff.
    8am-2pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Fuel yourself & stock up

    Zephyr Wainui

  18. 16

    Beachfront Camping

    Beachfront near city centre

    Great facilities. Top location.

    Book Now

    Beachfront near city centre

    Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Wainui Beach to Tolaga Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Embrace the Tortoise

    Remember the hare and tortoise. Start slow and match the pace of Road Trip 35.

  2. Wainui Beach

    Wainui is a true beach culture, rarely found in NZ.
    There's a couple of worthy short walks before you hit the road and head North.

    Better yet - join the locals, have a splash in the waves.

  3. 1

    Nature Walk

    Beach and rock hop

    1 hr return
    Check listing for details

    Beach and rock hop

    Tuahine Point

  4. 2

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Wainui Beach has strong currents.
    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Wainui Surf Club

  5. Makorori Hill + Beach

    Feels like the gatekeeper to the East Coast roots vibe.

    Highly recommend a therapeutic body surf to immerse yourself in what’s to come.

  6. 3

    Lookout Walk

    Great view up here

    45 min round trip

    Great view up here

    Makorori Hill Walk and Lookout

  7. 4

    Surfing

    Up your surf skills

    Holly is an awesome teacher
    Visit website to book

    Salt Shack Surf School

  8. Tatapouri Bay

    Hit this place at a low tide. Locals come down to harvest kai from the huge rock ledges.

    Join them and connect to something timeless.

  9. 5

    Freedom Camping

    Surf Style Camping

    Busy beachfront.

    Surf Style Camping

    Makorori Carpark, Gisborne

  10. 6

    Camping, Coffee, Kai

    Beachfront camping + much more

    Full Facility Camping
    Plus beachfront coffee + kai experience on summer weekends

    Book Now

    Beachfront camping + much more

    Tatapouri Bay

  11. 7

    Nature Encounter

    Meet Stingrays

    One of a kind tour
    Departs daily

    Book Now

    Meet Stingrays

    Dive Tatapouri

  12. Pouawa Beach

    The road from Tatapouri to Pouawa snakes alongside the coastline. Protected moana - Tangaroa delivers.

    From Pouawa the road heads inland for the remaining 35 kms to Tolaga Bay.

  13. 8

    Freedom Camping

    Classic Camping

    Beachfront

    Classic Camping

    Pouawa Beach

  14. 9

    Nature Encounter

    Marine reserve experience

    Snorkel and / or walk

    Marine reserve experience

    Te Tapuwae O Rongokako Marine Reserve

  15. 10

    BnB Stay

    A Crows Next

    Jaw drop views

    Book Now

    A Crows Next

    Tidal Water Lodge

  16. 11

    Freedom Camping

    Top Notch Beachfront

    Well worth the detour

    Top Notch Beachfront

    Waihau / Loisels Beach Freedom Camping

  17. Tolaga Bay / Uawa

    Don’t miss the shortest detour to the longest wharf. A must.

  18. 12

    Nature Walk

    Capt Cook stayed here for a reason

    2.5 hr return

    Capt Cook stayed here for a reason

    Cooks Cove Walkway

  19. 13

    Historic

    How long??

    Longest of type in Sth Hemisphere

    How long??

    Tolaga Bay Wharf

  20. 14

    Lunch

    Road trip kai

    Tues-Fri 8am-2.30pm
    Weekends 9am-2pm
    Closed Public Holidays

    Off The Grid Cafe

  21. 15

    Beachfront camping

    Full facility camping

    Check availability

    Book Now

    Full facility camping

    Tolaga Bay Holiday Park

  22. 16

    Cultural Tour

    Local Maori Experience

    Join Hana & Victor as a manuhiri (guest) on a bespoke cultural tour

    Tipuna Tours

  23. 17

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming in summer

    Tolaga Bay Surf Club

  24. 18

    Freedom Camping

    Beaut spot

    Sun + Shade + beach just over the road

    Beaut spot

    Tolaga Bay Freedom Camping

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Kaiaua Beach to Tokomaru Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Camping (and Paua Pies)

    If you seek NZ's best beachfront camping, this is your mecca.

  2. 1

    Freedom Camping

    One of the best

    Isolated, yet 15 mins from Tolaga Bay

    One of the best

    Kaiaua Beach

  3. 2

    Full Facility Camping

    Beachfront goodness

    It's quite a place to camp

    Anaura Bay Family Motor Camp

  4. 3

    Nature Walk

    Decent leg stretcher

    2 hr loop walk

    Decent leg stretcher

    Anaura Bay Walkway

  5. 4

    DOC Campsite

    Nestle under mighty Pōhutukawa

    Great location

    Enquire

    Nestle under mighty Pōhutukawa

    Anaura Bay Campsite

    Metadataoption__doc_managed_campsite
  6. 5

    B&B Stay

    Stunning

    Wow views

    Book Now

    Stunning

    Rangimarie Anaura Bay Beachstay

  7. 6

    Mini Supermarket

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Superette with Reo

    Enquire

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Tokomaru Bay Four Square

  8. 7

    Petrol + EV charging

    Grab supplies while you wait

    EV Charging Station Tokomaru Bay

  9. 8

    B&B Stay

    Stay in the old Toko Post Office

    Quirky + Funky

    Book Now

    Stay in the old Toko Post Office

    The Post Office Te Poutapeta

  10. 9

    Lunch

    Legendary Pies

    Paua pie is a local delicacy
    Wed - Sun 8.30 - 3pm

    Cafe 35

  11. 10

    Freedom Camping

    Yeah, more beachfront bangers

    Hundreds of metres of beachfront options

    Yeah, more beachfront bangers

    Tokomaru Bay

  12. 11

    Pub Food + Drink

    Local Icon

    Beachfront

    Book Now

    Local Icon

    Te Puka Tavern

  13. 12

    Historic

    Step back in time. Don't miss this turn-off

    Have a look around the ruins

    Step back in time. Don't miss this turn-off

    Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Ruins

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Waipero Bay to Te Araroa

  1. The Vibe

    Do the Mahi, Get the Treats

    Mt Hikurangi is a spiritual touchstone.
    Allow yourself that gift.

  2. 1

    Beach + Historic

    Out on the edge

    Take it easy on this road. Partly gravel if you choose the loop.

    Out on the edge

    Waipiro Bay

  3. Township

    Ruatoria

    A couple of minutes off State Highway 35

  4. 2

    Once in a lifetime

    Maunga (Mountain) Hikurangi Experience

    Be the first in the world, on this day, to see the sun

    Book Now

    Maunga (Mountain) Hikurangi Experience

    Maunga Hikurangi Experience

  5. 3

    Scenic Flight

    Fly over the Sacred Maunga

    Join your experienced pilot and Ngāti Porou local Mahanga Maru

    Book Now

    Fly over the Sacred Maunga

    Air Ruatoria

  6. 4

    Cultural

    Ornate Māori carvings

    One of a kind.
    Take a breath.

    Ornate Māori carvings

    Tikitiki Church

  7. Township

    Te Araroa

    Busy little coastal hub. Take a stop.

  8. 5

    Mini Supermarket

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Basics and city fixes
    7am-6pm 7 days

    Enquire

    1 of 2 best on coast

    Te Araroa Four Square

  9. 6

    Petrol + EV Charging

    Grab supplies while you wait

    EV Charging Station Te Araroa

  10. 7

    Coffee and Food

    Unique coffee location

    8.30am - 11am 7 days

    Twilight Coffee & Food

  11. 8

    Takeaway

    Quality Fish and Chips

    Tues-Sun 12-6pm

    Te Araroa Kai Kart Takeaways

  12. 9

    Tāne Experience

    Largest Pōhutukawa in world

    It's one big tree.

    Largest Pōhutukawa in world

    Te Waha O Rerekohu

  13. 10

    Basic Facility Camping

    Great Spot. Remote East.

    If you stay here, you get right out there. A detour east of Te Araroa.

    Book Now

    Great Spot. Remote East.

    East Cape Campground

  14. 11

    Full Facility Camping

    Location

    Private beach access

    Book Now

    Location

    Te Araroa Holiday Park

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Hicks Bay to Whanarua Bay

  1. The Vibe

    Like Hawaii in the 60's

    You should be in the flow state by now.

    Throw on a makeshift lavalva, place a flower behind your ear, put on your fav tunes and let it flow.

  2. 1

    Hicks Bay Motel

    Location

    Google 'Hicks Bay Motel' to book online
    Or call via link below

    Enquire

    Location

    Hicks Bay Motel Lodge

  3. 2

    Take a break

    Best SH35 playground

    General store next door

    Hicks Bay General Store

  4. 3

    Beach Stop

    Secluded beach settlement - must visit

    Swim, surf, rock pools
    Lifeguards in summer

    Secluded beach settlement - must visit

    Onepoto Beach

  5. 4

    Historic

    A very worthy short side trip

    Secluded cove with lots to look at

    A very worthy short side trip

    Hicks Bay Wharf

  6. 5

    Lottin Point Motel + Beach

    You'll have to see for yourself

    Book Now

    You'll have to see for yourself

    Lottin Point Motel

  7. 6

    Waihau Bay

    Taiki Waititi showed his love of breakdancing in the film 'Boy' near here

  8. 7

    Food + Stay + Petrol

    Lunch stop with a view

    Dec - Easter 8.30am-8.30pm 7 days
    Easter - Nov 3pm-7.30pm Mon to Fri

    Book Now

    Lunch stop with a view

    Waihau Bay Lodge

  9. 8

    Historic Ruakokore Church

    Iconic SH35

    Little Blue Penguins nest here for good reason

    Iconic SH35

    Raukokore Church

  10. 9

    Basic facility camping

    Camping bucket list location

    Do yourself a favour and stay here
    First in first served

    Camping bucket list location

    Maraehako Camping Ground

  11. 10

    B&B Stay

    Idillic Stopover

    You won't want to leave

    Book Now

    Idillic Stopover

    SheldrakeBnB

  12. 11

    Lunch

    Scenic Local Kai

    10am-3pm. 7 Days.

    Pacific Coast Macadamias Café

Header--road_trip_thirty_five

One of NZ's Great Road Trips. For cars and campervans. Time moves slowly along the remote East Coast.

Te Kaha to Ōpōtiki

  1. The Vibe

    In Motion with the Ocean

    Somehow in this stretch, you just get to breathe out and chill out.
    Maybe it’s the height you sometimes get over the coast.
    Maybe it’s the flowing road that gets you in the groove.
    Wind down the windows. Let it in, to breathe it out.

  2. 1

    Scenic Rest Area

    Small, worthy rest stop

    Small, worthy rest stop

    Waikawa point rest area

  3. 2

    Rest Area + Camp

    Very scenic rest area

    Toilet + basic playground

    Very scenic rest area

    Te Kaha Recreation Reserve, Maraetai Bay

  4. 3

    Motel + Store + Bar

    Fantastic Beachside Location

    7am-9pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Fantastic Beachside Location

    Te Kaha Beach Resort

  5. 4

    EV Charging

    Oceanside EV charging

    EV Charging Station Te Kaha

  6. 5

    Freedom Camping

    Sprawling pōhutukawa

    I'd stay here again.
    Large area, best sites beside the trees.

    Sprawling pōhutukawa

    Omaio Freedom Camping, Hoani Waititi Reserve...

  7. 6

    Jet Boating

    Remote wilderness adventure

    Explore the less-explored

    Book Now

    Remote wilderness adventure

    Motu River Jet

  8. 7

    Scenic rest stop

    Take a short detour

    Beach stop with walkway
    Loop road

    Take a short detour

    Opape Beach and Walkway

  9. 8

    Full Facility Camp + Store

    Huge ice cream selection

    Well kept camping ground & fish burgers are good

    Book Now

    Huge ice cream selection

    Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp

  10. 9

    Cycling & Walking

    Cross the bridge into dunes isolation

    A coastal ramble by bike or shanks pony

    Enquire

    Cross the bridge into dunes isolation

    Motu Dunes Trail

  11. 10

    Petrol and EV charging

    Refuel

    Petrol stations are within a hundred meters of the EV charger

    EV Charging Station Opotiki

  12. 11

    Food staples

    Supermarket

    Unexpected, but definitely the best hot chips I've tasted at a Supermarket

    Enquire

    Supermarket

    New World Opotiki

Gizzy Eat & Drink

Produce without the pretence

  1. The Vibe

    Food for the Soul

    Hot sun, alluvial plains and hard working folk creating world class produce - without the pretence.
    You just need to dig a little for it.

  2. Starts early and finishes late.

    It works as a typical day might. You choose where and when you best fit.

  3. 1

    Coffee

    Earlybird caffeine

    Easiest parking.
    6am-4pm Weekdays.
    7am-4pm Weekends

    Enquire

    Earlybird caffeine

    Raglan Roast Gizzy

  4. 2

    Must Do

    Freshest local produce

    Sat 9.30am-12.30pm
    Excellent website gives you all the extra details.

    Freshest local produce

    Gisborne Farmers Market

  5. 3

    Coffee

    Best coffee town centre

    7am-1pm Mon-Fri.

    Mr Clifton's

  6. Check for opening hours

    Many of the best services aren’t open all day. They live a lifestyle which recharges them to give the good stuff again, next day. Perhaps Gizzy leads the way for the future of good business?

  7. 4

    Coffee + Cafe

    Best beachside food

    Vegan goodness.
    8am-2pm - 7 days.

    Enquire

    Best beachside food

    Zephyr Wainui

  8. 5

    Breakfast + Lunch

    Freshest Kai

    Healthy eats with Erana & Amy
    Tues-Fri 7:30am–2pm.

    Enquire

    Freshest Kai

    Puku Ora Eatery

  9. 6

    Wine + Lunch

    Wines & platters in vines

    Thurs-Mon 12-4pm

    Enquire

    Wines & platters in vines

    Matawhero Wines

  10. 7

    Wine Experience

    Biodynamic wine pioneers

    James and Annie have the vision
    Mon-Thurs 1-4pm

    Enquire

    Biodynamic wine pioneers

    Millton Vineyards & Winery

  11. 8

    Wine + Lunch

    Vines, wines, (great) food

    Wed-Sun 11am-3pm

    Enquire

    Vines, wines, (great) food

    Bushmere Estate

  12. 9

    Fresh berries + ice creams

    So good

    Fresh local produce too.
    11am-5pm 7 days

    Village Berries

  13. 10

    Brewery

    Crafty local brews

    Taste + takeaway
    12-8pm

    Enquire

    Crafty local brews

    Sunshine Brewery

  14. 11

    Butchery

    Best butcher for DIY BBQ

    Wed-Fri 10am-5pm
    Sat 9-12.30

    Enquire

    Best butcher for DIY BBQ

    No8 Lowe Street Butchery

  15. 12

    Lunch + Dinner

    Best value kai

    Local fav
    Tues-Sun 10am-7am

    That Hangi Place

  16. 13

    Dinner

    Quality dining

    Tues - Sat 3-9pm

    Crawford Road Kitchen

  17. 14

    Pizza restaurant

    Pizza + Vibe Experience

    Craft beer on tap
    Wed-Fri 3-9pm
    Weekends 12-9pm

    Enquire

    Pizza + Vibe Experience

    Neighbourhood Pizzeria

  18. 15

    Wine + Deli

    Best city wine bar (by far)

    It's in Sam's genes
    Fri & Sat 2.30-11pm

    Siduri Wine Bar & Deli

  19. 16

    Food + Drink + Cinema

    Must visit - Quirky as

    Thurs-Sat 5-10.30pm
    Wed and Sun 5-9pm

    Enquire

    Must visit - Quirky as

    Dome Cinema & Bar

Whanau around the Moana (Sea)

Water based family goodness

  1. The Vibe

    Making Memories on the Moana

    We all look back at our childhood and remember the good simple times we had with family and friends.

    This Itinerary is just that.

  2. 1

    First Light

    Be one of the first in the world on this day

    Watch the sunrise and have a stroll along the reserve.

    Be one of the first in the world on this day

    Wainui Beach Reserve

  3. 2

    Nature experience

    Beach walk and rock pools

    Tide dependent. See listing for details.

    Beach walk and rock pools

    Tuahine Point

  4. 3

    Coffee + Kai

    Whanau friendly beach brekkie experience

    Relaxed beach vibes
    8am-2pm - 7 days.

    Enquire

    Whanau friendly beach brekkie experience

    Zephyr Wainui

  5. 4

    Beach Life

    Swimming, Surfing, Rock Pools, Cruising....

    Fantastic place to hang out with the whanau

    Swimming, Surfing, Rock Pools, Cruising....

    Makorori Beach

  6. 5

    Nature Experience

    Meet Stingrays and Kingfish

    One of a kind tour
    Departs daily

    Book Now

    Meet Stingrays and Kingfish

    Dive Tatapouri

  7. 6

    Coffee + Kai

    Weekend whanau summer hang-out

    Summer season hours
    8am-3pm Fri-Sun

    Book Now

    Weekend whanau summer hang-out

    Tatapouri Bay

  8. 7

    Nature Experience

    How cool is this spot for kids?

    Explore + Snorkle

    How cool is this spot for kids?

    Te Tapuwae O Rongokako Marine Reserve

  9. Things for Whanau to do on a beach

    Slide on water with something that floats.
    Build sandcastles.
    Build a sand wall and stop the tide.
    Fly a kite

  10. 8

    Ice Creams

    Ice Creams at the beach

    Real fruit ice creams as well as the usual.
    Good pies here too.

    Okitu Store

  11. 9

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming (Wainui Beach)

    Swim between the flags

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming (Wainui Beach)

    Wainui Surf Club

  12. 10

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming (Town Beach)

    Good parking and lots of other things to do nearby

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming (Town Beach)

    Midway Beach Surf Club

  13. 11

    Surfing

    Learn to surf (or hire a board) with Sarah

    The waves at Town Beach are more gentle than Wainui

    Surfing With Sarah

  14. 12

    Playground

    Gisborne's biggest playground

    Central.
    Good parking.
    Lots of space.

    Gisborne's biggest playground

    Adventure Playground

Whanau on the Whenua (Land)

Land based family goodness

  1. The Vibe

    The Whanau Whenua Itinerary

    Gizzy gets hot as hades in summer.
    In the height of the day, get off the beach and into some of these shady spots found further down the itinerary.

  2. 1

    First Light

    Sunrise walk up Kaiti Maunga

    Walk or drive up.
    Fun little playground about 2/3'rds the way up.

    Sunrise walk up Kaiti Maunga

    Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Walks and Lookout

  3. 2

    Local knowledge

    Get the most from your day

    The locals will look after you.
    9am-5pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Get the most from your day

    Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre...

  4. 3

    Fresh Food and Produce

    Whanau fed and watered

    Sat 9.30am-12.30pm

    Whanau fed and watered

    Gisborne Farmers Market

  5. 4

    RailBike

    Kids love tunnels

    Beach Loop tour has awesome tunnels

    Book Now

    Kids love tunnels

    Gisborne Railbike Adventure

  6. 5

    Steam Train

    Loud and unique

    Check website for departure dates

    Check Availability

    Loud and unique

    Gisborne City Vintage Railway

  7. 6

    Swimming pool

    Great Hydroslide

    Plus a fun diving pool
    6am-8pm Weekdays
    8am-6pm Weekends

    Enquire

    Great Hydroslide

    Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex

  8. 7

    Botanic Gardens

    Nice little playground near shade

    Nice little playground near shade

    Gisborne Botanical Gardens

  9. 8

    Museum

    Kids love exploring the old ship

    Finding the ship is a treasure hunt in itself
    10am-4pm 6 days
    1.30-4pm Sunday

    Book Now

    Kids love exploring the old ship

    Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery

  10. 9

    Walking

    Those trees are BIG! - Easy nature for all ages

    A nature oasis so close to town

    Those trees are BIG! - Easy nature for all ages

    Gray's Bush Scenic Reserve Walks

  11. 10

    Walk + Picnic

    Walk or picnic in a secluded bush valley

    1.2 hr return
    Family friendly
    Old school playground
    Shady respite on a hot day

    Walk or picnic in a secluded bush valley

    Waihirere Falls Walk

  12. 11

    Nature Walks

    Kids can run wild here + nature playground

    NZ's national arboretum.
    Discover your inner child and throw some acorns around.

    Book Now

    Kids can run wild here + nature playground

    Eastwoodhill Arboretum

  13. 12

    Scenic Attraction

    Waterfall that's well worth a look

    Quick stop, or longer shady picnic

    Waterfall that's well worth a look

    Rere Falls Reserve

  14. 13

    Crazy Nature Experience

    Is this place for real?

    Grab a floating craft for a slippery slide

    Is this place for real?

    Rere Rock Slide

  15. 14

    Stargazing

    Catch the stars with John

    Learn lots and have fun doing it

    Book Now

    Catch the stars with John

    Gisborne Astro Tours

Get Moving & Feel Better

When looking is not enough

  1. The Vibe

    When looking is not enough

    Do the do if it feels good for you.

    Life is short. Have a ripper.

  2. 1

    First Light Experience

    One of the great beach sunrises

    Multiple park up spots. Then go take a walk.

    One of the great beach sunrises

    Wainui Beach Reserve

  3. 2

    Walking

    Sunrise lookout

    Extension of Wainui beach experience

    Sunrise lookout

    Makorori Hill Walk and Lookout

  4. 3

    Surfing

    Surf experience with NZ champs

    Holly and Jay Quinn are good people and NZ champs on the side.

    Salt Shack Surf School

  5. 4

    Marine Reserve

    Walk or Snorkel

    It's only 15 minutes from town, but feels isolated.
    Snorkel the lagoon, left of carpark.

    Walk or Snorkel

    Te Tapuwae O Rongokako Marine Reserve

  6. 5

    Local Knowledge

    Get the inside skinny

    You'll also receive a one of a kind map, you'll want to keep
    9am-5pm 7 days

    Enquire

    Get the inside skinny

    Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre...

  7. 6

    Historical Walkway

    Cooks first landing + walkway

    TuPapa Heritage Trail is part of Aotearoa / NZ's DNA.
    Download the app for the full experience.

    Enquire

    Cooks first landing + walkway

    Tupapa Heritage Trail

  8. 7

    Cycle Touring

    Self Guided Vineyard Cycle Tour

    Katrina and Anelia will look after you.

    Book Now

    Self Guided Vineyard Cycle Tour

    Cycle Gisborne

  9. 8

    Mountain Biking

    Heaps of potential in a small area

    Lots of fun tracks in a small space

    Whataupoko Reserve

  10. 9

    Swim and Hydroslide

    Gizzy Olympic Pool is pretty cool

    6am-8pam Weekdays
    8pm-6pm Weekends

    Enquire

    Gizzy Olympic Pool is pretty cool

    Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex

  11. 10

    Crazy Natural Rock Slide

    This will get your heart pumping

    You'll need a floaty thing to slide on. Then hold on :)

    This will get your heart pumping

    Rere Rock Slide

  12. 11

    RailBike

    Quite the opposite of tunnel vision

    We'd recommend the Bay Loop for something very different.

    Book Now

    Quite the opposite of tunnel vision

    Gisborne Railbike Adventure

  13. 12

    Nature Walk

    A maze of trails at NZ's National Arboretum

    Yes, it's a tree huggers paradise, and gives others more than they'd expect.

    Book Now

    A maze of trails at NZ's National Arboretum

    Eastwoodhill Arboretum

  14. 13

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming on large beach reserve

    Life's a beach around the Midway area

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming on large beach reserve

    Midway Beach Surf Club

  15. 14

    Swimming

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming at Wainui

    Wainui generally has more current. Please swim between the flags.

    Lifeguard patrolled swimming at Wainui

    Wainui Surf Club

Art & Culture

Too Much

  1. The Vibe

    Too Much

    I’m a pakeha that’s spent most of my working life in NZ tourism.
    I’ve come across much cultural tokenism.
    Tairāwhiti is different. It feels real, alive and authentic.
    A great gift that I hope you’ll experience.

  2. 1

    Museum

    A cultural overview

    10am-4pm 6 days
    1.30-4pm Sunday

    Book Now

    A cultural overview

    Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery

  3. 2

    Local Knowledge

    Cultural insights from the locals

    Share your interests and they'll guide you in the right direction

    Enquire

    Cultural insights from the locals

    Gisborne isite Visitor Information Centre...

  4. 3

    Cultural Tour

    Customised Cultural Tour

    Nisbett has gathered the knowledge, and he will pass that on to you.

    Gisborne Tours

  5. 4

    Self Guided Walking Tour

    Experience much more than when Maori met Captain Cook

    Download the TuPapa app and immerse in the full experience

    Enquire

    Experience much more than when Maori met Captain Cook

    Tupapa Heritage Trail

  6. 5

    Nature Encounter

    Dean weaves Maori Culture into this tour

    Book Now

    Dean weaves Maori Culture into this tour

    Dive Tatapouri

  7. 6

    Kai and Coffee

    Fresh Kai Experience

    Healthy eats with Erana & Amy
    Tues-Fri 7:30am–2pm.

    Enquire

    Fresh Kai Experience

    Puku Ora Eatery

  8. 7

    Local Kai

    Much aroha (and value) in this kai

    Unique Gizzy. You won't find similar in the South Island anyway.

    That Hangi Place

Welcome

Come experience the first light Tairāwhiti, NZ

From sacred mountains to the shores of the vast Pacific Ocean, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a stunning and unique corner of Aotearoa made for discovery.