Ōpōtiki

One of the most beautiful driving tours in New Zealand – and perhaps in the world – is around the East Cape of the North Island. This follows State Highway 35, commonly known as the Pacific Coast Highway. The route takes in the easternmost point in New Zealand and starts at the Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki, ultimately leading to Gisborne City in Poverty Bay. This article describes the first leg of the trip, from Opotiki to Whangaparaoa Bay, covering a distance of approximately 120km.