I was now able to go on a bit more of an excursion and left Rotorua for a round trip on the North Island. My first goal was to drive east to the sea and then follow the road south along the sea. My final stop for the day was then Gisborne.
There are road trips â and then there is Route 35, the legendary highway that traces the wild and remote coast of New Zealandâs East Cape. Stretching from ĹpĹtiki in the Bay of Plenty to Gisborne on the East Coast, this 330-kilometer journey is more than just a drive â itâs an exploration of isolated beaches, rugged headlands, MÄori culture, and some of the most untouched landscapes in Aotearoa. In this video, we take you along State Highway 35, uncovering the highlights, hidden gems, and timeless beauty of the East Cape.
The journey begins in ĹpĹtiki, a small town known as the gateway to the East Cape. From here, the highway hugs the coastline, winding past bays, rivers, and rolling hills. Almost immediately, you feel the pace of life slow down. This is a road less traveled, far from motorways and city traffic, where every bend reveals another stretch of golden sand or another tiny settlement clinging to the coast.
One of the first highlights is Hicks Bay, a quiet, secluded spot that captures the spirit of the East Cape. Remote and windswept, it offers beaches where youâll often find yourself alone, gazing out at an endless horizon. Not far away lies Te Araroa, home to New Zealandâs oldest and largest pĹhutukawa tree â Te Waha-o-Rerekohu, estimated to be over 600 years old. Its gnarled branches stretch wide, a living symbol of endurance and connection to the land.
At the very tip of the East Cape, a side road takes you to the East Cape Lighthouse, the easternmost point of mainland New Zealand. To reach it, you climb more than 700 steps, but the reward is immense: sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, where the first light of the new day touches Aotearoa. Watching the sunrise here is an experience that stays with you forever â standing at the edge of the world, among the very first people on earth to see the dawn.
Further along Route 35, you pass through small communities such as Ruatoria and Tokomaru Bay, places rich in MÄori heritage and history. Many towns along the East Cape are centered around marae (meeting grounds) and churches, reflecting the deep cultural identity of the region. This is a place where te reo MÄori (the MÄori language) is spoken widely, and where visitors are welcomed with warmth and manaakitanga â the spirit of hospitality.
The coastline continues to deliver dramatic views: long stretches of untouched beaches, rocky headlands, and waves rolling in from the vast Pacific. Tolaga Bay is one of the standout stops, famous for its historic 660-meter-long wharf, the longest in New Zealand. Once a hub for coastal shipping, today itâs a popular spot for fishing, strolling, or simply soaking in the views of the bay. Nearby, the Cooks Cove Walkway leads to the site where Captain Cook once anchored in 1769, combining history with sweeping coastal vistas.
The final stretch toward Gisborne brings you through fertile farmland and vineyards. Gisborne itself is a city of sunshine, surf, and wine â a perfect place to relax after the long, winding drive. Known as the first city in the world to greet the sun, Gisborne is also famous for its chardonnays and surf beaches like Wainui, making it a fitting end to a journey that celebrates both nature and culture.
Driving Route 35 is not about speed â itâs about slowing down, savoring the views, and connecting with a part of New Zealand that remains off the beaten track. The road is narrow, winding, and in places remote, but thatâs exactly what makes it so special. Here, you discover the heart of the East Cape: its landscapes, its people, and its stories.
Practical tips: The drive along Route 35 takes at least 6â7 hours without stops, but youâll want to allow a full day, or even overnight, to explore. Services can be limited, so fuel up in ĹpĹtiki or Gisborne and carry supplies. Accommodation is available in small towns along the way, and camping grounds offer the chance to wake up to ocean views.
Route 35 is more than a highway â itâs a journey into the soul of the East Coast, where the land meets the sea and tradition meets timeless beauty. For those willing to take the long way around, itâs an unforgettable road trip into one of New Zealandâs most magical corners.
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