Travel Itinerary:
New Zealand's East Cape from Auckland

If you are trying to escape the bustle of Auckland or people in general, East Cape is the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. Here, Rico Pena describes his recent campervan trip to the East Cape and what made it so special.

With a five-day break between jobs, I was looking for a quick escape from Auckland to visit somewhere I hadn’t been before. Having lived in the supercity for several years, I’d explored most of the surrounding area. As such, I was looking for somewhere slightly further afield and preferably somewhat ‘off the beaten path’. East Cape seemed like the perfect destination.

I LOVE a cardinal point, so I had to go with East Cape being the most easterly point of mainland New Zealand. Sporting a lighthouse and little else, it seemed like the perfect destination for a long weekend away from it all. So I rented a Jucy Campervan (Carabina – the cheapest option I found) and set out on my mini adventure.

East Cape Lighthouse overlooking Whangoekeno Island

Day 1: Auckland to Pikowai Campground

Distance: 280 Kilometres

Time: 3.5 Hours

This is a quick drive with no traffic, so aim to leave Auckland outside of the rush-hour mayhem. Drive past Tauranga or make a slight detour. Either way, this is where the road starts to hit the coast.

The small Pikowai Campground is a simple affair positioned right off the beach. You can see White Island from the shore here, and if you get the pitch furthest East, you can see it from your campsite. It’s not usually busy, and there were plenty of spots when I visited.

This is more of a stopover than anything else, but the beach is great and even better if you have time for a swim. I just stayed for the night but managed to fit in a small beach walk after dinner.

Day 2: Pikowai Campground to East Cape Campground

Distance: 250 Kilometres

Time: 3.5 Hours

Get ready to leave civilisation behind as you meander east; the road narrows, hugging the coast as it curls in and out of picturesque bays. This drive requires some care and attention, but the effort is richly rewarded.

Nearing the cape, Te Araroa is the last town. With a Four Square convenience store and a few other amenities, this is an excellent place to stock up on any supplies you may have forgotten or to fill up with petrol before the final leg to the East Cape campground.

East Cape Campground is the perfect isolated spot to pitch up to. With an honesty box and no assigned spaces, it is a large plot of land with a loo. The beach isn’t perfect; however, I enjoyed my spot more for the expansive sea views. I threw open my campervan doors, made dinner, and sat outside well into the evening, drinking in the endless ocean vista. I was all alone and totally unplugged.

Campervan at East Cape Campground with Rainbow

View from East Cape Lighthouse overlooking Whangoekeno Island

Day 3: East Cape Campground to Gisborne

Distance: 180 Kilometres

Time: 2.5 Hours

The next day I drove to East Cape lighthouse, a further 10 minutes down the road and took in the views. There is a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse; however, there really isn’t much to do here. So I soaked up this most easterly point of mainland New Zealand, turned around, and headed to Gisborne.

Once back in Te Araroa, I turned south on an even more curvy road. Set back from the coast and lacking the stunning views of the previous day, I found this part of the trip the most tedious. Luckily, I downloaded a podcast in advance (phone signal is patchy at best here) and just powered through to Gisborne’s Top 10 Holiday Park.

The holiday park is right on the bay, with a paved walking path to enjoy. There isn’t much to Gisborne; I stayed to say I had been. If you’ve been before or are not interested, there are plenty of alternative campsites in the area.

East Cape overlooking cliff shore

Day 4: Gisborne to McLaren Falls

Distance: 292 Kilometres

Time: 4 Hours

Waking up and having a quick breakfast, I started the longest day heading back towards Auckland. You can have a long drive back to Auckland (6:45 hours) or split it up by staying at McLaren Falls Park along the way.

This Bay of Plenty Council campground is a fantastic place to see New Zealand’s famous glow worms. Here, you’ll find the glow worms outside in a small valley with a stream and waterfall. It’s a short walk and accessible if you’re camping here overnight. There is also a café on site for a nice dinner or breakfast, and the camping areas have toilets and a hot shower.

Day 5: McLaren Falls to Auckland

Distance: 200 Kilometres