Auckland – Whakatane – Napier

Overview

Pacific Coast Highway

Experience every kind of seaside scenery on this epic coastal journey, from Auckland to Napier, otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway.

Around the Firth of Thames, on your way to the old gold town of Coromandel, you’ll see peaceful beaches and picturesque bays. On the other side of the peninsula, surf washes onto fine white sand - dig your own spa pool at geothermal Hot Water Beach. The lifestyle city of Tauranga is nice for a night before you move onto Whakatane, where an active volcano steams offshore.

After the friendly settlements of East Cape, you’ll arrive in the Chardonnay town of Gisborne. Napier is your final destination – enjoy the architecture and the wine.

The Pacific Coast Highway is part of the Great New Zealand Touring Route.

Route Summary