East Cape lighthouse is the Eastern most point of New Zealand and is accessed from the settlement of Te Araroa on SH35. East Cape Road starts sealed but quickly turns to gravel, the condition of which can vary greatly depending on the season and recent weather. On clear days the road offers great views of the coast.
About 200 metres before the end of the road where a couple of houses are there is a walking track up to the East Cape lighthouse comprising of 700 fairly steep steps.
There is a very basic campsite on the way out to the East Cape Lighthouse, just a paddock and a longdrop but apparently the views are impressive: https://www.rankers.co.nz/experiences/3966-East_Cape_Camping_Site_Te_Araroa.
Te Araroa is a very small settlement. There are 2 shops but they have very limited opening hours which seem to be flexible and have been known to close before the documented closing time. Don’t rely on either of them being open when you get there.
Contributed by: @oldbeer
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Flat
Slippery when wet?: Yes
Suitable for bikes > 650cc Beginner
Suitable for bikes < 650cc Beginner
River crossings? No
Recently completed this trip and the road was great. Tarseal for much of it unfortunately and currently being upgraded. Campground, while basic does have flushing toilets and hot showers. Plenty of space and great swimming in the stream flowing out to the beach. Brilliant breakfast at the cafe back in Te Araroa opposite the store. Not early rises though so don’t be in a hurry.
The road out to East Cape lighthouse is closed due to a number of major slips blocking the road.
27th Feb 2022, Road is still closed beyond the Camp ground, I “Walked the track” beyond this point. The slip in the photograph above is the last section of the road, and is now passable and in the process of being metalled again. Most of this road is now sealed, apart from a few KM’s near the start and here.
Road is now mostly sealed