The East Coast of Te Tai Rāwhiti is blessed with golden sand, rolling surf, and beaches that feel endless. From surf breaks near Gisborne to quiet bays further north, every stop along the coast offers something unique — perfect for swimming, fishing or simply soaking up the sunshine. Here are five of the best beaches on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast, each worth adding to your journey.
🌊 Tatapōuri Beach – Marine Encounters
Just a short drive from Gisborne, Tatapōuri Beach is best known for its marine life encounters with stingrays and reef fish. The shallow reef makes it a great spot for guided tours, but it’s also a beautiful beach for sunrise walks and coastal views.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- Guided reef tours with Dive Tatapōuri
- Stunning sunrises over the Pacific
- Family-friendly beach close to Gisborne
🌉 Tolaga Bay – Famous Wharf & Wide Sands
A 50-minute drive north of Gisborne, Tolaga Bay is home to the longest wharf in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 660 metres out to sea. The wide, sandy beach is popular for swimming, fishing and family picnics, with safe waters and plenty of space to spread out.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- Walk the 660-metre Tolaga Bay Wharf
- Safe swimming and family-friendly beach
- Great for picnics, fishing and sunbathing
🌺 Tokomaru Bay – Relaxed East Coast Vibes
Further up the coast lies Tokomaru Bay, a laid-back spot with golden sand, gentle surf and a relaxed holiday vibe. The bay stretches for 8 km, making it perfect for long walks, beachcombing, or just unwinding to the rhythm of the waves.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- 8 km stretch of golden sand
- Relaxed atmosphere with holiday charm
- Popular for swimming, fishing and surfing
🏄 Wainui Beach – Surfers’ Paradise
Just outside Gisborne, Wainui Beach is one of the East Coast’s most famous stretches of sand. Known for its world-class surf breaks, it attracts surfers from across New Zealand and beyond. But even if you don’t surf, Wainui’s long golden beach is perfect for walking, swimmin, and soaking up the sun. Families love it for its wide open spaces, while early risers are treated to unforgettable East Coast sunrises.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- World-class surf breaks popular with locals and visitors
- Golden sands ideal for swimming and walking
- Stunning sunrise views just minutes from Gisborne
🌴 Hicks Bay – Wild Beauty at the Top
At the northern tip of Te Tai Rāwhiti, Hicks Bay rewards the journey with its wild beauty. Backed by forested hills, the beach feels untouched and offers a chance to truly switch off. It’s also a gateway to Cape Rēinga-style scenery further around the coast.
✨ Highlights of the Experience
- Remote untouched coastline
- Surrounded by lush forest and hills
- A gateway to the East Cape journey
✨ Closing Thought
Exploring the best beaches on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast reveals a coastline of contrasts — from family-friendly sands and iconic wharves to hidden bays and wild headlands. But no matter where you stop, you’ll find the same treasures: golden sand, fresh seafood and warm East Coast sun.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“Ko te whenua te waiū mō ngā uri whakatipu.”
The land is the sustenance for future generations.
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