East Cape Lighthouse near Te Araroa is the easternmost point of New Zealand’s mainland. It’s the first place to see the sunrise, reached by a quiet coastal road and 800 steps up a headland. A campervan makes it easy to stay close, rise early and watch the day begin before anyone else.
Wake up at the edge of the Pacific, brew a coffee and climb to meet the first light.
Area at a glance
Te Araroa is a small coastal settlement on the East Cape of the North Island. The lighthouse, reached via a winding gravel road, sits above dramatic cliffs looking straight out over the Pacific Ocean. It’s remote, wild and rewarding.
Why a campervan helps
- Stay nearby to catch sunrise without a long pre-dawn drive
- Carry food and water — no shops at the lighthouse
- Flex between beach stops, marae visits and the lighthouse climb
- Comfortable base for the long loop drive around the East Cape
Best time to visit
Year-round, but sunrise is the highlight. Summer offers warm mornings and clear skies. Winter can be chilly but dramatic, with fewer visitors. Calm days give the best views; strong winds are common on the headland.
Stops along the way
Te Araroa
- Small settlement with supplies and NZ’s oldest pohutukawa tree
- Last fuel and shop stop before the lighthouse road
East Cape Lighthouse
- Reached by ~800 steps from the car park
- Uninterrupted Pacific horizon views
- Best experienced at sunrise
Respect & safety
- Drive slowly — road is narrow gravel with stock wandering
- Carry enough fuel; distances are long between stations
- Respect local communities and marae along the cape
- Take rubbish with you — no bins at the lighthouse
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes for the lighthouse steps
- Water, snacks and a thermos for sunrise
- Warm layers, even in summer mornings
- Camera for dawn light and wide seascapes
Driving & overnight notes
- Basic campgrounds and freedom camping areas exist along the coast
- Nearest full holiday parks back in Te Araroa or Tokomaru Bay
- Plan fuel stops — fill in Gisborne or Ōpōtiki before heading out
Search Campervans — Live Availability
Make East Cape easy
A campervan means you can linger in this remote corner, sleep close to the ocean and be on the steps before dawn. It’s freedom to catch the first light of the new day without rushing the long drive in and out.
Event Campers shows live availability from trusted rental brands so you can compare layouts and prices in one place. Pick your van and make East Cape a highlight of your North Island journey.
