Exploring the East Cape

Nature’s splendor, scarcely touched by humans...

The East Cape is the name given to the stretch of coastline around the most eastern point of New Zealand’s North Island. Stunning white sandy beaches stretch the length of the East Cape, and remote townships are found along its length.

The East Cape is the first place in the world to see the sun rise and life is much slower and simpler here. This is a place unfettered by commercialism, where nature has been left untouched in all its raw beauty.

One of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, the East Cape (with Te Kaha as one of its charming towns) offers world-class fishing, diving and boating.

The coastal road to Te Kaha is a real ‘tour of discovery’. Take your time to get here, and along the way you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of dramatic cliffs, a wild coastline interspersed with beautiful blue-water bays and sheltered coves, ancient Pohutukawa trees (beautiful in summer as they blossom a vibrant red) and freshwater streams that flow from the mountains inland. 

While you stay with us, we recommend you pack a picnic, your togs, a good map and a sense of adventure and set off in your vehicle to explore this paradise. You can discover the entire top section of the western (Bay of Plenty) side of the East Cape, at a leisurely pace, within a day.

Some highlights of the East Cape:

• Be the first person in the world to see the light of a new day at the summit of Mount Hikurangi or on a lonely beach
• See New Zealand’s largest (22 independent trunks) and oldest (over 600 years old) Pohutukawa tree –called Te Waha o Rerekohu
• Climb the 500 steps to the most eastern lighthouse in New Zealand and take in breath-taking views
• Catch a big fish from a boat or off the beach and bring it back to the Resort to BBQ for dinner!
• Kayak along the coastline and discover one of many utterly secluded bays and coves where you could quite likely have the entire beach to yourself
• Just relax and recharge – dig your toes into the sand…
• Savour the flavour of fresh Crayfish – abundant in the waters around Te Kaha and simply mouth-watering