GNZTR - Great New Zealand Touring Route

Pacific Coast Highway Experience

Auckland > The Coromandel > Bay of Plenty > Whakatane > Gisborne > Hawke’s Bay
7 Days / 6 Nights

A relaxed pace along white sand beaches, through charming coastal towns, the remote and rugged East Cape to the food bowl of New Zealand.

DAY 1: Auckland to The Coromandel

Depart Auckland on the Pacific Coast Highway skirting the Hauraki Gulf across the fertile plains to The Coromandel, where Kiwis love to holiday.
Drive time: 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Head through the historic town Thames, up the western seaboard of the peninsula to Coromandel Town, once the centre of the gold-mining heritage of the region. Coromandel Adventures offer a range of trips to explore the hidden gems, including a majestic grove of Kauri and the Coastal Walkway at the northernmost tip of the peninsula, where the road ends and the adventures begins. Many of the activities are centred on the sheltered Mercury Bay, where a boat or kayak tour is a great way to explore the dramatic volcanic coastline. The main town of Whitianga has many accommodation options, and Tairua is the closest town to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove  two of the icons of the region.  All the small coastal towns have great swimming or surf beaches, and the green headlands have great walkways and viewpoints.  Make sure you try the fresh seafood grown in the Hauraki Gulf.

DAY 2: The Coromandel to Tauranga

As you head south with intermittent views of the ocean, you will reach the town of Whangamata.  Famous for its surf beach and also for Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary, a collapsed blowhole just off the beach, where the enclosed azure lagoon is entered through a hidden sea cave.  Further south is Waihi, home to the Gold Discovery Centre.  This is worth a stop to hear the stories of yesteryear and the pioneers who shaped this part of the country.

As you drive into the Bay of Plenty, the scenery transforms into lush, fertile orchards and farmlands, home to the world-famous kiwifruit. From the tangy green to the sweet gold and vibrant red varieties, your taste buds are in for a treat, with plenty of local delights to try, including unique kiwifruit liqueurs. Be sure to stop by Avocado Tours in Katikati along the way, where you’ll explore a beautiful avocado orchard and sample a range of delicious avocado products. Then, continue on to Tauranga, the region’s vibrant main city, nestled on a stunning harbour with the breathtaking Mount Maunganui Beach just across the water—often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. After a day of exploring, Tauranga offers a variety of accommodation options, from sleek apartments and waterfront hotels to cosy kiwi motels and charming cottages, ensuring you’ll find the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Drive time: 2-3 hours

DAY 3: Tauranga

Discover Tauranga in the stunning Bay of Plenty, a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind. Begin your journey with Mauao Adventures, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk around the iconic Mount Maunganui (Mauao), or take to the skies with  Adventure Helicopters for an aerial view of the region. Explore the crystal-clear waters with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris, where you can encounter marine wildlife up close. Immerse yourself in Māori culture with Mana Māori Experiences, learning about the region’s rich cultural history. Head to Katikati for a tour of an avocado orchard with  Avocado Tour, where you can savour delicious, locally grown produce. For thrills, challenge the rapids with  Riverbugs, catch some waves with  Hibiscus Surf School, or experience skydiving with Skydive Tauranga. After your adventures, indulge in fresh, local cuisine at Tauranga’s vibrant dining spots or rejuvenate in the geothermal pools at Mount Hot Pools and end your day kayaking through an illuminating glowworm canyon with Waimarino Glowworm Kayak Tours.
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 4. Tauranga to Whakatāne

Begin your day with a stunning sunrise from Mount Maunganui (Mauao), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Next, take a short drive along the coast to Maketū for an interactive cultural tour and a delicious cookout feast with Muirs Tours, where you’ll experience the true spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality). Continue your adventure east along the breathtaking Bay of Plenty coastline to Moutohorā Island, a restricted, pest-free wildlife sanctuary. Visit with Moutohorā Island Sanctuary Tours or KG Kayaks, discovering endangered flora and fauna, learning about conservation efforts, and unwinding in the geothermal hot pools at a secluded beach. Top off your journey with a visit to Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm, where you’ll savour fresh, local kaimoana (seafood) harvested directly from the pristine waters of Ōhiwa Harbour. For a truly immersive cultural experience, explore Whirinaki Forest Footsteps with a guided tour and spend the night at Kohutapu Lodge, learning about Māori traditions and history.

DAY 5: Whakatane to Gisborne

It is worth taking the time to drive around around the East Cape today, where coast is breathtakingly rugged and beautiful, and you really have the feeling of remote and untouched nature. The Tairāwhiti Gisborne region is the first region in the world to see the sunrise every day. Your journey will be one of discovery, the first Maori explorers and Captain Cook arrived on these shores. There are some great places like Hick’s Bay where you can overnight to break the journey if you would like to take things at a slower pace.  You should consider making the 30-minute detour to the East Cape Lighthouse, part of the pilgrimage to stand at the most-easterly place in mainland New Zealand. But for a ruly memorable firstlight experience, join guides from Ngati Porou to be the first in the world to see the sun rise on the sacred site of Maunga Hikurangi. You might also take the time to linger at the Tolaga Bay Wharf, extending far into deep water.  At 660 metres in length, New Zealand’s longest wharf is no ordinary pier. On arrival in Gisborne you will have the choice of a range of accommodation and time to enjoy some of the spectacular local wines.
Drive time: 6 hours.

DAY 6: Gisborne to Napier

In addition to wine, chardonnay being the dominant and renowned variety, Gisborne is famous for surfing.  Grab a board or maybe a bike from Cycle Gisborne to explore the area. Don’t miss a visit to Dive Tatapouri, for a unique interactive marine experience with stingrays and other sea life. Later in the day make your way to Hawke’s Bay, arriving in Napier, the stunning Art Deco capital.  For a full style experience, stay in the Art Deco Masonic Hotel and the region has an excellent range of accommodation.
Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes.

DAY 7: Napier and surrounds

You can easily spend two or three days enjoying the fabulous food and wine from this region, known as the food basket of New Zealand.  A great way to visit some of the Hawke’s Bay’s wineries, including the famous Church Road, is on the Cycle Trails, but for locals’ insider knowledge and carefree transfers, go with Prinsy’s Tours.  Gannet Safaris Overland will take you over spectacular Cape Kidnappers Station to view the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world.  An Art Deco Tour of Napier will give you insight into how the city was rebuilt in this style followung a devastating earth quake, and for the stories of the people who came long before, Waimarama Maori Tours will show you the significant places of the area, including the iconic Te Mata peak