The East Coast

Along the East Coast to explore the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay

The northeastern tip of the North Island is bordered by a rocky coastline in the northwest and long beaches to the east. CampingCar-Online/Ramble Campervans can offer you an itinerary to explore this area in your motorhome. The towns along this coastline are ideal destinations for a road trip with family or friends because they offer many activities including art museums, Maori culture, unique architecture, wine tasting, various sporting activities and entertainment, all in a spectacular natural setting.

With mild winters and long hot summers, the Bay of Plenty is a perfect place to camp for a day or two. It is a real paradise with its exceptional climate, stunning beaches and clear blue Pacific Ocean. Trout fishing and deer hunting in the Urewera National Park are available for the sports fans. You can also try your luck at big game fishing.

Your motorhome journey would begin in Whakatane, where you can see views of the White Island volcano. Temperatures in the crater have been recorded up to 800 °C, making scenic flights and tours of the island exciting and memorable.

To explore the eastern end of New Zealand go from Whakatane to Opotiki, continuing along Route 35 along the coast and exploring the East Cape before reaching Gisborne. Allow plenty of time and make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave Whakatane because the following areas are sparsely populated. You will enjoy stunning scenery along the coastline and you will have no trouble finding campsites along the way. You can even do some 'wild' camping (outside of designated camping sites).

Gisborne, New Zealand's most isolated city, is the main port of Poverty Bay. The wine industry is very important in this region and you can visit a number of wineries. Take a walk in the Te Urewera National Park and enjoy the famous Lake Waikaremoana.

A half day of driving in your motorhome will take you to Napier, in the heart of Hawke's Bay. It's well known for its fruit and wine industries and produces about 60% of the wine from New Zealand.

Hastings is considered the fruit region of New Zealand and is especially beautiful in September when the trees are in bloom. Join one of the Art Deco walking tours from the Napier Visitor Centre. Head to Te Mata Peak, 11 km south of Hastings, to take photos of the most breathtaking views. From Napier follow Highway 5 towards Taupo or continue along Highway 2 towards Wellington.