The journey around the East Cape is a “must do” for all New Zealanders and a great journey for tourists. The region takes you back in time with small country and coastal towns little changed for decades. The people are warm and welcoming and there is plenty to see and do. In my opinion, it is a region slowly waking up to tourism, but the mere fact that it is unchanged is also very appealing.

It’s a big region and not one to be explored quickly. You can start your journey from the Bay of Plenty or just as enjoyably from Hawkes Bay. From Hawkes Bay there are some long steep hills to conquer so towing a heavy caravan will soak up the fuel and test the downhill brakes. You will drive under the Mohaka Viaduct just North of Napier. There is a good car park at the bottom of the hill to stop and admire this amazing piece of engineering

The main road is mostly sealed but can be very rough due to the many logging trucks that pound the road into submission and decay. It is suitable for all vehicles, although if you are cycling, be prepared for narrow roads and steep long hill climbs. It is a very popular motorcycle ride too. Freedom camping is allowed, but you must purchase rubbish bags which are your “ticket” to camp in fully self contained vehicles. For more on freedom camping, check the Gisborne District Council website.

There are many beautiful bays to explore and enjoy. The sea is bountiful and many locals make a living from the seafood as well as gathering for their families.

The East Cape region offers plenty to see and do. One of our favourites is the Rere Rockslide and Falls, some 40 klm’s inland from Gisborne.

This is a very popular spot for the locals and holidays and weekends you will see plenty of people here. The video above was taken after some heavy rain, but you can catch a ride down on an inner tube, lilo or air mattress most of the year round.

Just downstream are the Rere Falls themselves.

On the northern side of Gisborne are plenty of seaside communities to stop and see. One favourite of ours is the Tologa Bay Wharf, which juts out a kilometre.

The drive out to the East Cape Lighthouse is also very popular. The road from Te-Araroa is mostly gravel and quite narrow so care is required. You may need to check with your vehicle hire company to see if you are covered whilst driving on unsealed roads. There’s really not much out there to see and the walk up from the carpark is quite daunting.