East Cape

A Māori coastal loop at New Zealand's easternmost point. East Cape Lighthouse sees one of the world's earliest sunrises, and the route passes ancient trees, a headland church and a church full of Māori carvings.

East Cape (Te Tairāwhiti) lies at the easternmost tip of New Zealand's North Island and forms the heart of a roughly 330 km loop on State Highway 35 (the Pacific Coast Highway) between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki. The loop runs mainly through villages of the Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui iwi. The population is sparse and the scenery remains wild and unspoiled. The highlight is East Cape Lighthouse, one of the places in the world where you can see the sunrise first. Te Araroa and Hicks Bay are the main overnight stops at the northern end of the loop, with a giant pōhutukawa tree and old wharves. On the Bay of Plenty side in the west are Tikapa, Waihau Bay and the white church of Rāukōkore on its headland. In the east, the loop passes Tikitiki St Mary's Church, filled with Māori carvings, the sacred mountain Hikurangi (climbing requires tribal permission), and Tokomaru Bay and Anaura Bay. The best season is November to April. The pōhutukawa blooms in December. Winter is rainy, and landslides occasionally close roads. The loop must be driven. Plan 2–3 days. Petrol stations and shops are few along the way, so fill up in advance and bring cash and food. Marae (Māori meeting grounds) are private, so do not enter without an invitation. The roads are winding and narrow, so watch out for livestock.

Top sights

Where to eat