We’ve recently introduced car relocations from Napier to Auckland, giving you 48 hours to explore the hauntingly beautiful East Coast of New Zealand. It is an area that is still very pristine and largely off-the-beaten track, and State Highway 35 is without a doubt one of the most beautiful roads in the country. The Eastland region is also the first region in the world to see the sunrise every day.
We highly recommend that you hop on a cheap bus ride or flight to Napier (Jetstar is offering flights at just $49 one-way from Auckland) and then drive a free rental car back to Auckland….
Day 1. Napier to Tolaga Bay (268 kms, 3h30)
Pick up your free rental car in the morning and start your drive going South! Yes, that’s the opposite of where you’re supposed to go, but Te Mata Peak is only a 25 minute drive South of Napier, and definitely not to be missed! The bare golden hills of the area are simply breathtaking.
Enjoy a tasty picnic or gourmet pizza in one of the beautiful vineyards nearby, before returning to Napier, and then start your drive towards Gisborne. The road is mostly inland to start with, passing beef and sheep stations, many maori settlements and peaceful villages, but it also passes through spectacular coastal scenery.
You can have a world class surf at Wainui Beach to break up the journey before continuing on to Whangara, which is the location of a great Kiwi film, Whale Rider.
Another half and hour or so and you will reach Tolaga Bay and its famous historic wharf. The turquoise waters and huge landscape provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. This is also the start of the Cooks cove walkway (2.5 hours) which provides spectacular views of Cooks cove and the hole in the cliff wall, but you may not have time for this.
Day 2. Tolaga Bay to Whakatane via the East Cape (320kms, 4 hours)
On your way to the East Cape, you will first go through Tokomaru Bay which is a stunning white sandy beach with rocky headlands at each end. The area is rich in culture and history. Follow the coastal road to Waima at the eastern end of the bay and you will find the photogenic old wharf, relics of the era when transport on the coast was all by sea.
Te Araroa is another 1h30hrs away. With its long pebble beach and slightly desolated feel, you really feel like you’ve reached the end of the world. In a way, it is…
From here the road follows the ocean, winding past rocky foreshore, driftwood strewn beaches, sandy and rocky bays, and spectacular cliff top ocean views. Don’t forget to also stop at the Pacific Coast Macadamia Farm for good coffee and macadamia products!
Raukokore Church makes an incredibily scenic stop on the way. This Anglican church is a landmark of the East Cape region, which stands isolated close to the shore of Papatea Bay. The church was named as one of the East Cape/Gisborne region’s “101 must-do” sites by AA.
Continue the road to Te Kaha, 70km before reaching Opotiki, which is a popular holiday village made recently famous by Taika Waititi’s film Boy. Another 100 kms and you will reach Opotiki – this cruisy little town feels like it hasn’t changed for decades. It has a great long beach that you can have all to yourself.
Day 3. Whakatane to Auckland (300 kms, 3h30)
Unless you have purchased one additional day, you need to return your relocation car this morning, so you won’t have much time to stop on the way…. Just get up early and enjoy an easy drive all the way to Auckland, and savour the memories of your spectacular trip!
All photos: Copyright by Pascal Languillon
