RoadAtlas
East Cape — New Zealand — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

East Cape

New Zealand

Point-to-point
Gisborne Ōpōtiki

In short: East Cape is a 334 km scenic road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 2 days, best in September-April. Highlights: Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Wharf, Ruatoria.

Distance
334 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
September-April
NotableModerateScenic

A two-day northbound SH35 drive from Gisborne through Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria and Te Araroa to East Cape and Opotiki, sequenced without backtracking and with recovery-work contingency.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
SH35 is remote and remains affected by active Tairawhiti recovery work, stop/go controls, slips and weather closures. Check the NZTA SH35 recovery page (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh-maintenance-programme/tairawhiti/sh35-recovery) and Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/) immediately before each leg, allow substantial delay or an extra night, refuel whenever available, and carry food, water and offline maps.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Gisborne to Ruatoria via Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay

Tolaga Bay Wharf Walk · Anaura Bay · Peppers Cafe

Day 2Ruatoria to Opotiki via Te Araroa, East Cape and Hicks Bay

East Cape Lighthouse Walk · Maraehako Bay · Hicks Bay Motel Lodge Restaurant

Stops along the route

Gisborne — Departure — East Cape — New Zealand
Departure
Gisborne
Start in sunny Gisborne, where surf beaches and vineyards meet the bay. It is the best place to stock up before the remote coast.
Hotels
Ruatoria — City — East Cape — New Zealand
City
Ruatoria
Ruatoria is a practical inland stop with fuel, food, and Ngāti Porou heartland around it. The hills here feel close and the road starts to turn more remote.
Hotels
Te Araroa — City — East Cape — New Zealand
City
Te Araroa
Te Araroa is a small coastal settlement with a strong local character. It is a good pause before the lighthouse side road.
Hotels
Ōpōtiki — Arrival — East Cape — New Zealand
Arrival
Ōpōtiki
Finish in Ōpōtiki after the long loop back onto easier roads. It is a useful gateway town with cafés, shops, and a change of pace.
Hotels

Things to Do

Tolaga Bay Wharf — Landmark — East Cape — New Zealand
Landmark
Tolaga Bay Wharf
This long timber wharf stretches far over the blue water. It is a classic East Cape photo stop with a raw, windswept feel.
East Cape Lighthouse — Landmark — East Cape — New Zealand
Landmark
East Cape Lighthouse
Climb the steps to one of New Zealand's first sunrise spots. The lighthouse overlooks a wild coast of cliffs, surf, and deep Pacific horizon.
Maraehako Bay — Nature — East Cape — New Zealand
Nature
Maraehako Bay
Maraehako Bay offers a quiet beach break with clear water and a laid-back camping feel. It is a peaceful contrast to the rougher headlands.
Tolaga Bay Wharf Walk — Historic coastal walk — East Cape — New Zealand
Historic coastal walk
Tolaga Bay Wharf Walk
Walk the 660-metre wharf, then continue north rather than adding the inland Rere Falls detour.
Anaura Bay — Beach and viewpoint — East Cape — New Zealand
Beach and viewpoint
Anaura Bay
Make this the optional coastal break if road delays leave enough daylight.
East Cape Lighthouse Walk — Lighthouse walk — East Cape — New Zealand
Lighthouse walk
East Cape Lighthouse Walk
Allow time for the gravel side road and steep stair climb, subject to weather and local access advice.
Show 1 more
Maraehako Bay — Coastal stop — East Cape — New Zealand
Coastal stop
Maraehako Bay
Pause briefly on the northbound run if road works have not consumed the daylight margin.

Where to Eat

Peppers Cafe — Cafe and brunch — East Cape — New Zealand
Cafe and brunch
Peppers Cafe
Use this established Gisborne cafe for an early breakfast before the long coast day.
Te Puka Tavern — East Coast pub meals — East Cape — New Zealand
East Coast pub meals
Te Puka Tavern
Stop once at Tokomaru Bay for lunch; confirm the limited opening hours before leaving Gisborne.
Hicks Bay Motel Lodge Restaurant — New Zealand lodge dining — East Cape — New Zealand
New Zealand lodge dining
Hicks Bay Motel Lodge Restaurant
This is a practical remote-coast meal stop; reserve and reconfirm hours because service can be limited.
Opotiki Bakery — Bakery and takeaway — East Cape — New Zealand
Bakery and takeaway
Opotiki Bakery
Use this arrival option only if open, and carry a self-catering meal in case remote services close.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the East Cape drive?

The East Cape covers 334 km from start to finish.

How long does the East Cape take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the East Cape, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the East Cape?

The recommended season for the East Cape is September-April.

Where does the East Cape start and end?

The East Cape runs from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki.

What are the main stops on the East Cape?

The East Cape passes through Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Wharf, Ruatoria.

How difficult is the East Cape to drive?

The East Cape is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the East Cape in a regular car?

Yes — the East Cape is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the East Cape?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the East Cape, based on its 334 km length.

Is the East Cape safe to drive?

SH35 is remote and remains affected by active Tairawhiti recovery work, stop/go controls, slips and weather closures. Check the NZTA SH35 recovery page (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh-maintenance-programme/tairawhiti/sh35-recovery) and Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/) immediately before each leg, allow substantial delay or an extra night, refuel whenever available, and carry food, water and offline maps.

What scenic tier is the East Cape?

The East Cape is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.