Best Places to Stay on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast – Coastal Comfort & Local Charm

The East Coast of Te Tai Rāwhiti offers a mix of stays that suit every traveller. From coastal taverns and motels to beachside campgrounds and vineyard retreats, there’s no shortage of welcoming places to rest your head. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise on the East Cape, sipping wine among the vines, or staying central in Gisborne, you’ll find accommodation that adds to the character of your journey. These are some of the best places to stay on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast, each offering its own charm and connection to the land and sea.

🍻 Te Puka Tavern – Tokomaru Bay Classic

Right on the beachfront at Tokomaru Bay, the Te Puka Tavern is a much-loved local spot with a pub, bistro and accommodation. Its laid-back style, sea views and historic character make it a favourite stop for travellers looking for an authentic East Coast experience.

The tavern is more than just a place to stay — it’s a community hub where locals and visitors come together. Enjoy a hearty meal in the bistro, a cold drink with friends or simply sit back and watch the surf roll in. Accommodation options range from simple, comfortable rooms to more spacious setups that suit families or groups. With the beach right outside your door, it’s a spot where you can wake to the sound of waves, take a morning stroll along the sand and feel part of the easy rhythm of Tokomaru Bay life.

✨ Highlights of the Stay

• Rooms with beachfront views
• On-site bistro and bar
• A true East Coast icon

🌴 Hicks Bay Motels – Remote & Relaxed

Perched high above Hicks Bay, this motel complex looks out over one of the most dramatic coastlines in Aotearoa. Guests can enjoy the simplicity of comfortable rooms paired with some of the best ocean views on the East Coast. It’s the perfect base for exploring the upper coast and East Cape, including the iconic lighthouse that marks the easternmost point of New Zealand.

The motel grounds have a welcoming, laid-back feel, with outdoor areas to relax and take in the view. There are also an on-site café and restaurant serving fresh meals, so you can sit back and let the pace of East Coast life sink in. For travellers making the loop around the cape, this is the kind of stop that offers both rest and adventure, wrapped in one of the most breathtaking outlooks on the journey.

✨ Highlights of the Stay

• Ocean-view rooms with balcony options
• On-site café and restaurant
• Close to East Cape Lighthouse

⛺ Tatapōuri Campground – Beachside Escape

Just a short drive from Gisborne, the Tatapōuri Bay Campground offers powered and non-powered sites right by the beach. It’s a well-maintained spot where you can wake to the sound of waves, spend your day exploring reef tours or surfing nearby and unwind under a sky full of stars.

The campground stretches along the shoreline so it offers a range of spots for campers. However if you can, try to stay closer to the beach. The highway runs just above the grounds, and staying beachfront makes the most of the setting. Facilities are tidy and practical and the friendly atmosphere makes it a favourite for families, couples and road trippers alike. With the ocean at your doorstep and Dive Tatapōuri next door, it’s a place where the East Coast’s relaxed lifestyle is easy to sink into.

✨ Highlights of the Stay

• Absolute beachfront camping and cabins
• Perfect for families and groups
• Easy access to Dive Tatapōuri

🍇 Matawhero Vineyard Cottages – Boutique Retreat

Stay among the vines at Matawhero Wines, where boutique vineyard cottages bring together luxury and rustic charm. Just outside Gisborne, this is a perfect choice for couples or travellers looking to pair their stay with East Coast wine tasting. Each cottage is styled with comfort in mind, offering touches like plush bedding, private decks and vineyard views that change with the light.

Guests can wander over to the cellar door for wine tastings and platters or simply relax on their deck with a glass in hand as the sun sets behind the vines. The pace is slower here, so you have time to savour both the wine and the peaceful rural surroundings. As a result it’s a stay that feels indulgent yet welcoming. In the end it’s the kind of place where memories linger long after the last sip.

✨ Highlights of the Stay

• Boutique vineyard cottages with style
• On-site wine tastings and platters
• Peaceful, romantic atmosphere

🏨 Emerald Hotel – Central Gisborne Comfort

For those wanting to stay in the heart of the city, the Emerald Hotel Gisborne offers modern comfort with a prime riverside location. Its spacious rooms and suites are designed for relaxation and many include balconies that look out over the water. In addition, the hotel features a pool, gym and stylish lounge areas, giving you the chance to unwind between adventures.

Moreover, step outside and you’re only minutes from cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, making it easy to dive into Gisborne’s vibrant food and wine scene. With this mix of convenience and comfort, the Emerald Hotel is a strong choice for travellers who want the buzz of the city while still being close to the beaches and coastlines that define Te Tai Rāwhiti.

✨ Highlights of the Stay

• Central location in Gisborne
• Riverside views and pool
• Close to cafés, restaurants and shops

✨ Closing Thought

From seaside taverns to vineyard cottages, from remote motels to family campgrounds, there are countless ways to stay along the East Coast. Each place carries its own story — some shaped by history, others by the rhythm of the ocean or the bounty of the vines. What ties them together is the sense that wherever you rest your head, you’re never far from the beach, the sunrise, and the easy pace of Te Tai Rāwhiti life.

🌍 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.