New Zealand · 7 days · 1,100 km · One-way
East Cape + Gisborne — first sunrise on Earth
The route few people take: East Cape (lighthouse where sun first rises on Earth), Gisborne (Chardonnay capital), Tolaga Bay (Southern Hemisphere's longest wharf), Te Urewera (Maori heartland). Winding empty seal, a marae every few kilometres, warm climate and great wines.
Highlights
- East Cape Lighthouse first sunrise
- Tolaga Bay wharf
- Gisborne Cook's landing
- Te Urewera NP
- Mahia Peninsula
- Tairawhiti Museum
- Whakaari White Island viewpoint
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Auckland → Rotorua → Whakatane
Auckland → Whakatane · 320 km
Overnight: Awakeri Hot Springs
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Day 2
Whakatane → Te Araroa
Whakatane → Te Araroa · 220 km
Overnight: Te Araroa Holiday Park
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Day 3
East Cape Lighthouse + Tolaga Bay
Te Araroa → Tolaga Bay · 150 km
Overnight: Tolaga Bay Holiday Park
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Day 4
Tolaga Bay → Gisborne
Tolaga Bay → Gisborne · 60 km
Overnight: Gisborne TOP 10
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Day 5
Gisborne wineries + Mahia
Gisborne · 100 km
Overnight: Gisborne TOP 10
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Day 6
Gisborne → Napier (Hawke's Bay)
Gisborne → Napier · 220 km
Overnight: Kennedy Park Resort
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Day 7
Napier → Wellington
Napier → Wellington · 330 km
Recommended brands for this route
Selection based on road type and trip length. Tighter budgets — we can also quote Mighty.