Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand
New Zealand
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Whakatane
One of New Zealand's sunniest towns and the departure point for Whakaari boat trips to an active sulfurous volcano rising from the Bay of Plenty 48 km offshore.
- Opotiki
The gateway to East Cape, where SH35 leaves the Bay of Plenty and begins its remote 330 km loop around the easternmost reaches of the North Island.
- East Cape Lighthouse
The easternmost lighthouse in New Zealand, reached by a 700-step climb above the Pacific, overlooking the first point on Earth to see each new day's sunrise.
- Tikitiki
Home to St Mary's Church, one of New Zealand's most ornate Maori meeting houses, with intricate carvings and tukutuku panels honouring Ngati Porou WWI soldiers.
- Tolaga Bay Wharf
At 660 metres, the longest wharf in New Zealand stretches into the Pacific from a remote East Cape bay. Built in 1929 and recently restored, it is a striking SH35 landmark.
- Gisborne
The first city in the world to see the sun each day, with excellent beaches and underrated chardonnay and gewurztraminer vineyards including Matawhero and Millton.
- Napier
Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, Napier is one of the world's finest intact Art Deco streetscapes, celebrated every February with vintage cars and 1930s fashion.
Where to Eat
- Muirs Bookshop & CaféCafé
A charming café offering a selection of local pastries and coffee, nestled within a historic bookshop in Gisborne.
- The WorksNew Zealand
A riverside restaurant in Gisborne serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Ussco Bar & BistroBistro
A stylish bistro in Gisborne offering a fusion of international flavors and local produce in a historic building.
- Pacifica RestaurantSeafood
An award-winning Napier restaurant specializing in innovative seafood dishes inspired by Pacific flavors.
Things to Do
- St. Mary's ChurchHistoric Site
A historic church in Tikitiki adorned with intricate Māori carvings and tukutuku panels, commemorating local soldiers.
- Te Waha o RerekohuNature
Visit New Zealand's oldest and largest pohutukawa tree in Te Araroa, a natural wonder over 600 years old.
- National Aquarium of New ZealandMuseum
Explore marine life exhibits and conservation programs at this renowned aquarium in Napier.
- Napier Art Deco TourTour
Discover Napier's rich Art Deco heritage through guided walking tours showcasing its unique architecture.