Walks Along the Pacific Coast Highway: Between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki
No Bots, Just Boots on the Ground
The Pacific Coast Highway, State Highway 35, is one of the most off-the-beaten-track road trips you can do in the North Island of New Zealand. The East Coast (AKA the East Cape) is full of history, and with that, a wealth of walking tracks to stretch your legs and take in the landscape. From easy coastal walks to full-day missions in the mountains, there are Pacific Coast Highway walks for every traveller!
Take an easy stroll under the majestic cliffs of Tolaga Bay on the Tolaga Bay Wharf, find beautiful beaches on the Cook’s Cove Walkway, and prepare for an epic trip up Mt Hikurangi – the first bit of land to see the sun in New Zealand. These walks are just part of the awesome road trip you can experience on the Pacific Coast Highway. For more information on the highway, check out The North Island Scenic State Highways and the Eastland Road Trip Itinerary: Gisborne to Opotiki.
The highway runs between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne, spanning 334 km (207 mi) of hiking and walking adventures.
Side note: Our insights come from firsthand experiences and trusted recommendations. In other words, we are not AI-generated. For more about our travel expertise, check out our bio at the bottom of the page.
Table of Contents
1. Tolaga Bay Wharf (5 Minutes One Way)
Let’s start with an easy one. A road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway cannot go without a stop at Tolaga Bay. Here, you can walk along New Zealand’s longest wharf at 660 m (2,1065 ft), which gives you stunning views of the neighbouring white cliffs and a long stretch of beach. Look out for fish see through the clear turquoise waters at the end of the wharf.
Location: At the end of Wharf Road, Tolaga Bay. Approximately 58 km (36 mi) from Gisborne.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Earnest Reeve Walkway (30 Minutes Return)
At the northern end of Tolaga Bay, there is a more challenging walk leading to more rewarding views. The Earnest Reeve Walkway goes up a steep stepped climb to a lookout. Here, you’ll get epic views overlooking the bay and even Mt Hikurangi on a clear day.
Location: End of Wharf Road on Tolaga Bay’s beach. Start the walk from the northern end of the beach. Approximately 58 km (36 mi) from Gisborne.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Cook’s Cove Walkway (2-3 Hours Return)
If you’re looking for a lengthier mission on the Pacific Coast Highway, then the Cook’s Cove Walkway is the place to do it. Climb over farmland and descend through native bush to Cook’s Cove, a sheltered cove where Captain James Cook spent some days replenishing supplies just after landing in Gisborne a few days earlier. Along the way, make a couple of side trips to the “Hole in the Wall/Te Kotere-o-te-Whenua” and a memorial with a lookout.
Location: Mid-way down Wharf’s Road, Tolaga Bay. Approximately 54 km (33.5 mi) from Gisborne.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Anaura Bay Walkway (2 Hours Loop)
[Update: Only the first part of the Anaura Bay Walkway is open from the northern entrance. Check out the link below for updates].
This walk has it all: the views, the forest and the wildlife! Situated in the Anaura Bay Scenic Reserve, the Anaura Bay Walkway takes you through mixed forest abundant with birds. Take it slowly to increase your chances of spotting the usually inquisitive native birds. Then, cross a farm paddock to an open ridge where you can marvel at the views of Anaura Bay, Motuoroi Island and the southern coast. This walk then loops back around via some pine forest, onto a 4WD track, and back to the scenic reserve.
Location: Anaura Bay Scenic Reserve is at the northern end of Anaura Bay. Turn off State Highway 35 down Anaura Road. Approximately 85 km (53 mi) from Gisborne.
© Department of Conservation New Zealand5. Mt Hikurangi Walkway (7 Hours One Way)
The biggest mission on the East Cape has to be climbing Mt Hikurangi (Te Ara ki Hikurangi). Although it is possible to hike in one day (if you’re fast), most people stay overnight and revel in the beautiful sunrise the next morning. Mt Hikurangi is the first point of contact for the sunrise in New Zealand! This mountain is steeped in cultural significance and provides some epic views of the surrounding mountains to anyone who climbs it. The Hikurangi Hut is about 10 km (6 mi) from the start of the track (4-6 hours), and the climb to the summit is 2.5 km (1-2 hours) away from the hut. Note that you will need to gain access permission about seven days prior by contacting Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou at 068649004. Guided hikes are also available. Finally, check out our guide to Multi-Day Hiking in New Zealand to see how to prepare for a multi-day walk.
Location: The track entrance is at Pakihiroa Station along Tapuaeroa Road off State Highway 35. Approximately 170 km (105 mi) from Gisborne.
© Department of Conservation New Zealand6. Chopper’s Track (1 Hour Return)
Check out this walkway made by the original Hicks Bay Motel owner to access Onepoto or Horseshoe Bay at the bottom of the cliff. Anyone is welcome to use the track, which zig-zags through pohutukawa trees. Alternatively, there is the ‘Long Track’, which is tougher but is an alternative way to get back to the motel.
Location: Access is via the Hicks Bay Motel just off State Highway 35. Approximately 186 km (115.5 mi) from Gisborne/148 km (92 mi) from Opotiki.
© Hicks Bay Motel7. Tautarangi Coastal Walkway (1 Hour Return)
As you get closer to Opotiki and the end/beginning of the Pacific Coast Highway, there is one last Pacific Coast Highway walk you just can’t miss! The Tautarangi Coastal Walkway follows an old stagecoach road through native forest to some awesome coastal views. You’ll also spot ancient pā sites (sites of fortified Māori villages) and landing places where the first settlers of the area came in their canoes.
Location: Opape Beach, off State Highway 35. Approximately 15.5 km (9.6 mi) from Opotiki. To find the walk, walk east along the beach and cross a stream where the entrance is signposted on the bank opposite.
© Pxhere8. Walks Near Gisborne
On the Gisborne end of the Pacific Coast Highway, check out the Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve (about 7 km/4 mi from Gisborne) and the Wainui-Makorori Headland (9 km/5.5 miles from Gisborne). For more details on where to find these walks, check out 10 Gisborne Walks You Can’t Miss.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Walks Near Opotiki
On the Opotiki end of the Pacific Coast Highway, check out the Opotiki Stop Bank Walkway and the Hukutaia Domain, which are both accessible from town. For more details on where to find these walks, check out the 15 Best Walks in Opotiki.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Walks on the East Coast and Pacific Coast Highway
That’s it for our guide to walks on the East Coast and Pacific Coast Highway; for more information about hiking in this beautiful region, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the 50 Best Hikes in New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
