East Cape New Zealand in Pictures

Hi Everyone,

The East Cape in New Zealand is a totally magical place – so remote in parts it can feel like you are stepping back in time. Yet ironically it was one of the first places of NZ discovery for Maori and European explorers. It’s where the Maori migratory Waka Horouta and Takitimu first landed from Hawaiki about 1’000 years ago. It’s also where Captain James Cook first landed in New Zealand in 1769.

Full of fabulous activities such as horseback riding, adventurous walks, bike trails and more. It’s definitely a place to be recommended with 3 essential tips for anyone making the journey:

1. Inform yourself at an i-site beforehand.
2. Take plenty of food provisions – whilst there are cafes along the way they can be few and far between.
3. Watch your petrol en-route – have an eftpos or credit card ready. All petrol stations are unattended and prepay.

East Cape New Zealand in Pictures

Officially the East Cape begins at Opotiki, but coming from Auckland we decided to make our first stop Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Lovely views whilst walking up Mt Maunganui

 

Relaxing after a walk up the Mount.

Favourite hotel in Tauranga – Trinity Wharf

Opotiki a lovely place for a coffee stop.

Room with a view at Te Kaha

Back door view from our unit – what a sunset!

A row of Phoenix palm trees at Waihau Bay.

Hicks Bay. The area is named after Zachary Hickes, second-in-command of James Cook‘s Endeavour, which sailed along the East Cape on 31 October 1769.

A typical petrol station at Te Araroa. Make sure to visit the information centre there to meet the locals and have a complementary tea and cookies.

Superb view from Lottin Point – an area famous for it’s fishing.

Raukokore Church.

Looking back at Te Kaha.

Typical house at Tokomaru Bay.

Also Tokomaru Bay. A somewhat rough day but lovely place to sit by the fire eating fresh muffins and watch the surf. Make sure you escape before the water reaches the road though!

Gisborne canoe art – Te Tau-Turanga Whakamana canoe prow carving detail. Also a wonderful sandy beach at Gisborne – recommend visiting in Summer months!

Napier – next to Auckland, Napier has got to be my favourite place in New Zealand. Renowned as being one of the Worlds 2 Art Deco cities alongside Miami!

 

Inspired?

Hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of New Zealand’s East Cape and Coast… for more information Trip Advisor is always a great place for real tips!

 

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Treat Yourselves to a Weekend Away!

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