This is an unforgettable road trip through the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island that few include in their itinerary. The East Coast is the setting for one of New Zealand’s iconic films: Whale Rider with stunning scenery, hot pools, pristine beaches, and in the urban centres, wine tastings and art. You might find you need to extend your travel plans to take it all in. The whole road trip equates to roughly 1,073 kilometres of distance. Along this route, there are numerous places to stop and explore, which is why we’ve made a list of highlights, so you won’t miss a thing. This guide recommends roughly 4 days to experience all attractions, but you can extend or shorten this itinerary to suit your trip specifically.
Day 1: Auckland to Tauranga
Drive from Auckland: 2 hours 40 minutes (200km)
To start your road trip drive from Auckland city and head south following State Highway 1 to State Highway 2. Enjoy driving through the Bombay Hills to your first stop at Karangahake Gorge.
Karangahake Gorge
This narrow gorge is stunning, only an hour and forty minutes drive from the big city. This is the perfect place for a stop to stretch your legs. Make sure the Karangahake Tunnel Walk. This is an easy 3km walk which will take about an hour to complete. From here you drive an hour along the edge of the ancient beauty of the Kaimai Ranges to the city of Tauranga.
Tauranga
Set on the coast, this is the biggest city in the Bay of Plenty. Check out the lively arts scene with a visit to the Tauranga Art Gallery. There are also a lot of water activities to explore from fishing, sailing, kayaking, or diving.
Tauranga has wonderful accommodation options to suit any budget for your first-night stay on your road trip. Choose between luxury, eco, budget or backpacker accommodation.
Day 2: Tauraunga to Gisborne
Drive from Mount Maunganui: 3 hours 45 mins (272 km)
Mount Maunganui
It is recommended to make an earlier start for day 2 and make the short drive to Mount Maunganui. This is a quaint surf town with an iconic mountain Mauao. It’s a 40-minute walk to the summit. Climb to the top to watch the sunrise and enjoy the incredible views before setting off on day two.
Leaving Mount Maunganui, you will head for State Highway 2 and follow the route along the Bay for one hour to Whakatane.
Whakatane
Located in the eastern part of the Bay of Plenty, this town is a worthwhile place to stop to break up the journey. There is an opportunity to learn about Māori culture and history, visit New Zealand’s only repatriated and most-travelled Māori meeting house, Mataatua Wharenui returned after more than 130 years away. Go fishing, surfing, kayaking or play a round of golf.
Don’t miss eating brunch L’Epicerie Larder, an authentic French deli in the heart of Whakatane.
Just out of town is Awakeri Hot Springs. Take a step back in time with old-school camping and cabins. A soak in the pools is perfect after a morning in the car.
East Cape (Optional)
After driving 40 minutes from Whakatane, you will come to Opotiki. You will have a choice at this point to take a side trip around the East Cape. This scenic route will take 5 and a half hours to drive, but you will discover New Zealand's landscape that very few get to experience it. Alternatively, you can take State Highway 2 and drive directly to Gisborne. This journey will take 2 hours.
On the East Cape side trip, you will be treated to incredible beaches as well as Māori culture and history that has been maintained by Māori communities. Further down the coast, Tolaga Bay is known for its 660 meters long wharf, a remnant of its lively trading past. Right at the beachfront is the Tolaga Bay Holiday Park or stay at the Tolaga Bay Inn.
Gisborne
One of the sunniest places in the country, Gisborne is a great place to do a wine tour or soak up the sun on the beach before heading back to your accommodation for the night.
Minutes away from the centre of town are the organic wine estates, Millton Vineyards and Winery, and Wrights Wines. Both offer cellar door service. Wrights also does gourmet platters, making it a lovely late lunch stop.
From boutique hotels, farm stays, eco treats and holiday parks you will find the stay that suits you best.
Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sunrise. It is recommended to have an early night so you can get up and enjoy the sunrise along the beach.
Day 3: Gisborne to Taupo
Drive from Taupo: 4 hours 45 minutes (329 km)
Taupo
After a welcoming start to the day, your drive to Taupo will take four and a half from Gisborne. The route brings you along the picturesque coast of northern Hawkes Bay before heading inland to Taupo. The first glimpse of the deep blue of Lake Taupo after miles of the verdant green bush will take your breath away. Choose from lodges, boutique hotels, hostels, and holiday parks for your stay. Taupo is a popular place, make sure you book in advance during the summer season.
Taupo has an array of eateries for you to choose from to replenish after your long drive. If you would like to relax you can soak in the hot pools or if you have the energy head for the Craters of the Moon walk for an amazing geothermal experience. Book a tour to see the giant Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings or visit the incredible Huka Falls located a 5-minute drive from Taupo town.
Day 4: Return to Auckland via Hamilton
Drive from Taupo: 3 hours 15 minutes (272 km)
It’s an easy two-hour drive north from Taupo to Hamilton, the Garden City.
Hamilton
For the perfect last stop, visit Hamilton Gardens or head to Zealong Tea Estate, New Zealand’s only tea plantation. Book a tour and enjoy high tea before drawing your road trip to a close with an hour-and-a-half drive back to Auckland city.
This road trip itinerary could be done in an action-packed three or four nights or could easily be stretched out to a week especially if you decide to do the East Cape side trip. ___mode wishes you happy travels!
Updated on October 13, 2022.
