Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand
New Zealand
In short: Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand is a 610 km cultural road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 5 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Whakatane, Opotiki, East Cape Lighthouse.
New Zealand's Pacific coast from Whakatane to Napier, through Māori culture, East Cape's remote headlands, Gisborne's chardonnay vineyards, Hawke's Bay's Art Deco cities, and the easternmost point of the North Island. Off the beaten track until the final destination: Napier's extraordinary Art Deco streetscape.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Whakatane to Te Kaha / Waihau Bay
Ohiwa Harbour viewpoint · Te Kaha Beach Hotel restaurant
Day 2Te Kaha / Waihau Bay to Te Araroa and Hicks Bay
Te Waha o Rerekohu · East Cape Lighthouse · Hicks Bay Motel Lodge Restaurant
Day 3Te Araroa to Gisborne via Tokomaru and Tolaga Bay
Tolaga Bay Wharf · Te Puka Tavern
Day 4Gisborne
Tairawhiti Museum and Kaiti Hill · The Works
Day 5Gisborne to Napier
Napier Art Deco guided walk · Pacifica Restaurant
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand drive?
The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand covers 610 km from start to finish.
How long does the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand take to drive?
Most travellers spend 5 days on the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand?
The recommended season for the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand is Nov–Apr.
Where does the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand start and end?
The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand runs from Whakatane to Napier.
What are the main stops on the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand?
The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand passes through Whakatane, Opotiki, East Cape Lighthouse.
How difficult is the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand to drive?
The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand in a regular car?
Yes — the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand, based on its 610 km length.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand EV friendly?
Yes — the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand safe to drive?
SH35 remains affected by East Coast recovery work. Check NZTA Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/) and the live Tairawhiti recovery page (https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/transport-rebuild-east-coast/trec-tairawhiti-recovery) immediately before each day and after heavy rain, allow at least 45 minutes of added delay plus an overnight contingency, and never force the next town through a closure. Refuel whenever available, carry offline maps, water and a full fallback meal, and reconfirm remote accommodation/dining.
What scenic tier is the Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand?
The Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.