East Cape Lighthouse
The iconic East Cape Lighthouse sits on the easternmost point of New Zealand and is absolute magic at sunrise.
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The ultimate
SH35 Itinerary
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Time
3 Days
Highlights
East Cape Lighthouse
Sacred Maunga Hikurangi
Cook's Cove Walkway
Wine tasting
Proximity
Starting in Opotiki to Gisborne via Hick's Bay and Ruatoria on SH35
Day 1: Maraehako Bay, Lottin Point and East Cape Lighthouse
Depart Opotiki, Torere Macadamia Nursery and a late morning swim
Begin day one from Opotiki and head down to Torere where you can arrange for an organic farm tour of New Zealand’s largest macadamia nursery. Wind your way along scenic bays and sheltered coves for safe swimming like the beautiful Maraehako Bay.
The largest pohutukawa tree in the world, East Cape Lighthouse
Te Araroa is a must-see for the largest pohutukawa tree in the world. When it’s time to refuel, pop in at the East Cape Manuka Café before you tackle the spectacular walk up to the iconic East Cape Lighthouse.
Stay in Hick's Bay.
Highlights
Torere Macadamia Nursery
NZ's oldest pohutukawa tree
East Cape Lighthouse
Proximity
2 h 10 min | 146km via SH35
Day 1: Maraehako Bay, Lottin Point and East Cape Lighthouse
Day 2: Sacred Maunga Hikurangi
NZ’s most sacred sunrise
There’s no better way than to start your day atop sacred Maunga Hikurangi, the highest point on the East Cape and the first place in the world to see the sunrise. You’ll meet a Ngati Porou guide in Ruatoria, then make your way up the mountain by 4X4 in time to see the first rays of sun hitting the huge carvings.
The ‘centre of the universe’ and Te Puka Tavern
You’ll arrive back in Ruatoria at around 10.30. After that, continue south to Tokomaru Bay – known by locals as ‘the centre of the universe’. Check out the historic wharf and then settle in for dinner and a room at Te Puka Tavern – with million-dollar views of the vast Pacific Ocean, it will be hard to leave.
Maunga Hikurangi
Maunga Hikurangi is the sacred mountain of the Ngati Porou people, and the first place in the world to see the sunrise. Gain access to our sacred maunga and sacred sites to obtain a unique authentic Maori cultural experience and sunrise.
Maunga Hikurangi
Tokomaru Bay Wharf
Historic wharf in a beautiful location.
Highlights
Maunga Hikurangi
Tokomaru Bay
Proximity
1 h 17 min | 89.7km via SH35
Day 2: Sacred Maunga Hikurangi
Day 3: Tolaga Bay, Cook’s Cove Walkway and wine tasting
Tolaga Bay and Cook’s Cove Walkway
Start the day with a hearty brunch before heading off to Tolaga Bay Wharf for a stroll along NZ’s longest historic wharf. Lace-up your walking shoes and walk to the historic Cooks Cove Walkway, around 2.5 hours return (bring your togs for a refreshing dip in the safe cove itself).
Wine tasting
From there, cruise south into Gisborne for an afternoon of wine tasting – make sure you taste the local chardonnay, which the region is famous for.
Tolaga Bay Wharf
A Category One Heritage NZ Site and one of the top 100 historic sites to visit in the country.
Highlights
NZ's longest historic wharf
Cook's Cove Walkway
Wine Tasting
Day 3: Tolaga Bay, Cook’s Cove Walkway and wine tasting
