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The East Cape of the North Island doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as its neighbors to the west (Rotorua) and south (Napier), yet this region has spectacular coastlines and a strong Maori presence and influence. The successful New Zealand films Whale Rider and Boy were filmed in this unique geographical and cultural region. The main road hugs the coast and provides a superb drive that winds past rocky coves and golden beaches fringed by forest-covered hills. The route also passes through a number of small Maori communities. The East Cape is the first area in New Zealand to welcome the sun every day.

Our trip along the East Cape started at Whakatane on the Bay of Plenty, then went north to Opitiki and along the Pacific Coast Highway, with stops at: Opeke (a small beach village with a long, sandy beach), Torere (home to the local Ngaitai tribe, with Whakairo Gateway, a richly decorated Maori gate to the school), Omaio (with a beautiful Maori carving on the gateway to the marae), and several pullouts and overlooks along the way to Te Kaha, where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset from Maungaroa Beach. Over the next few days, we continued our journey, making stops at Wharekura Point, a nice beach just outside Te Kaha; Whanarua Bay, a small picturesque bay with rock outcroppings; Raukokore, a century-old Anglican church that stands on a promontory beside the ocean; Te Araroa (with the largest pohutukawa tree in the world, "Te Waha o Rerekohu," reputed to be 600 years old); Tikitiki (known for St. Mary’s Church, considered one of the finest Maori churches in New Zealand, boasting a Maori architectural design and wonderful carvings and tukutuku, or woven panels, inside); Pouawa Hills (with sand dunes and wide beach), and Tolaga Bay (a small bay and settlement that features the longest wharf in New Zealand). The highlight of our trip on the East Cape, and one of the highlights of our stay in New Zealand, was the few days we stayed at Rangimarie in Anaura Bay, site of a small Maori settlement. It was a very relaxing experience, and we were introduced to Mire, a Maori elder with whom we made a special connection and had many informative and enlightening discussions.