Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The East Coast
Why Go?
New Zealand is known for its mix of wildly divergent landscapes, but on the East Coast
it's the sociological contours that are most pronounced. From the earthy settlements of the
East Cape to Havelock North's monied, wine-soaked streets, there's a full spectrum of NZ
(New Zealand) life.
Maori culture is never more visible than on the East Coast. Exquisitely carved
marae
(meeting-house complexes) dot the landscape, and
te reo
and
tikanga
(the language and
customs) are alive and well.
Intrepid types will have no trouble losing the tourist hordes - along the Pacific Coast
Hwy (State Hwy 35; SH35), through rural back roads, on remote beaches, or in the mys-
tical wilderness of Te Urewera National Park. And when the call of the wild gives way to
caffeine withdrawal, you can get a quick fix in Gisborne and Napier. You'll also find
plenty of wine here: the Hawke's Bay region is striped with vine-rows.
When to Go
»
The East Coast basks in a warm, mainly dry climate. Summer temperatures around
Napier and sunny Gisborne nudge 25°C, rarely dipping below 8°C in winter.
»
The Hawke's Bay region basks in mild, dry, grape-growing conditions year-round, with
an average annual rainfall of just 800mm. Harvest time is Autumn (March to May).
»
In winter, heavy downpours sometimes wash out sections of the Pacific Coast Hwy
around the East Cape: check road conditions at either end (Opotiki or Gisborne) before
making the trip.
Best Outdoors
»
Cape Kidnappers (
Click here
)
»
Cooks Cove Walkway (
Click here
)
»
Hawke's Bay Trails (
Click here
)
»
Surfing in Gisborne (
Click here
)
