State Highway 35 goes around the coast of the East Cape. It is a unique place of natural beauty where kids play on horses instead of mobile phones, cows wander the roads, and local pubs do not have wifi. The Highway connects Opotiki and Gisborne and there are many sights to see along the drive.

Raukōkore Church

Nestled down by the sea, framed by the mighty Raukūmara Range, this simple but beautifully crafted seaside church is a must-stop for anyone interested in photography.

The Nuthouse Café

The Nuthouse Café serves homemade ice cream (with macadamia and mānuka honey) alongside lots of other treats that can be enjoyed on outdoor tables overlooking the sea.

Te Kaha Beach Hotel

Te Kaha Beach Hotel overlooks a sheltered bay and has a heated swimming pool if you can't brave the ocean. With modern facilities, a cafe, bar and high-quality restaurant, it is an ideal place to stop overnight.

The Lighthouse

To get to the Lighthouse you must drive 30 minutes off the Highway along a gravel coastal road. The views from the road are spectacular. When you arrive at the parking area you will climb 700 steps to reach the lighthouse!

Tokomaru Bay

Tokomaru Bay offers good fishing (particularly by the old wharf near the freezing works) and camping on both the northern and southern ends of the bay. Visitors can also stay at a heritage building in the township at an old NZ Post office for a unique accommodation option.

There's a Four Square shop for food and essentials and the famous Café 35 serving up its legendary paua pies.

Tologa Bay

Tolaga Bay Wharf is believed to be the longest wharf of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, standing where Captain Cook sailed to meet the Te Aitanga a Hauiti tribe when the Endeavour first reached New Zealand.

Tatapouri

Tatapouri Bay is a New Zealand's only wild stingray encounter where you can venture out on a reef ecology tour or snorkel and swim with the magnificent marine life. Nearby Tatapouri Bay is a well-loved campground that has everything you need and nothing you don't.

Gisborne 

Finally, you will arrive in Gisborne. give yourself enough time to explore the city and its charms – such as boutique wineries, a beautiful central city, Rere Rockslide and railbiking, which traverses an old section of the Gisborne to Napier rail line.