From the coastal wilderness of Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) to the cultural hub of Napier, there’s no better way to discover the Northland’s east coast than on a scenic road trip. To get your itinerary started, we’ve listed the best stops along the way and must-see attractions for an epic road trip in your Thrifty rental car!

Gisborne

Believed to be the first city in the world to see the sunrise each day, Tairāwhiti is a picturesque paradise on the North Island. Beginning your East Coast journey here? There’s plenty to do and see before setting off for Napier, starting with the Tairāwhiti Museum. On the banks of the Taruheru River, the museum provides locals and visitors with an in-depth look at the region’s history, focusing on Māori heritage. Explore nine galleries here with pieces showcasing everything from ceramics and fine artworks to interactive displays and maritime exhibits. Plus, you can relax with a cuppa under shady trees at the Exhibit Cafe. Next up on the itinerary in Gisborne is a visit to a local winery. Bushmere Estate offers the best of the region’s red, white, specialty and sparkling wines. From tastings to table settings, wander through the luscious vineyard and settle in for a delicious taste of carefully crafted starters, canapes, and mains - remember to assign a designated driver!

Māhia Peninsula

Moving further south, buckle up for a peaceful drive along the Māhia Peninsula. Known for its beautiful beaches, surf-friendly waters, and scenic walking tracks, it’s truly the place to wind down and embrace natural beauty on the East Coast. If the weather allows, make a beach day out of your time here and take a dip in crystal-clear waters. Let the little ones build sandcastles as you admire the waves crashing against towering cliff faces as you take in a view like no other. Eager explorers can take on the Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track - a 4.5 km loop through a semi-coastal forest. Native trees provide shelter as you wander through the forest, and there’s an excellent spot for a picnic mid-way through the track. With a plethora of lookouts and viewpoints scattered throughout the Peninsula, you’ll find somewhere to stop and fill your camera roll with pictures that have to be seen to be believed.

Wairoa

Ready to get back into the rental car? Before heading to Wairoa, explorers can take a pit stop and stretch their legs at the Mangaone Caves, about 40 minutes out of Māhia. Head here for an easy 20-minute walk through limestone caves - remember to bring a torch! Next on the list is the river town of Wairoa. Named after the Wairoa River, this town is often a popular stop for visitors venturing onto the Te Urewera National Park. In town, it’s hard to miss the red and white facade of the Wairoa Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the history through photographic collections, Māori artefacts and detailed artworks. Got time to kill? Also in town, you’ll find the Gaiety Theatre, where you can catch a screening or live event in a historic theatre setting. Use your time in Wairoa to destress with a stroll along the picturesque pathways and observe the monuments throughout the town like the Portland Island Lighthouse.

Napier

After another two-hour drive south, you’ll arrive in Napier. This stylish city is a testament to the strength and resilience of its residents, with its defining features being the unique Art Deco buildings that were rebuilt after the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake in 1931. Napier is home to an abundance of wineries in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay winery region. Here you can discover the oldest winery in New Zealand at Mission Estate in Taradale Hills. From hosted tastings in a restored seminary building to an indulgent lunch or dinner among the vines, Mission celebrates the best of authentic NZ wines and hospitality. Remember to assign a designated driver. On the foreshore, explore Napier like a local with a stroll down Marine Parade. Here you can enjoy a scoop from the local ice creamery, sit awhile at the sunken gardens and admire the water features that are scattered along the waterfront. You’ll also find the National Aquarium of New Zealand here, which features native wildlife exhibits, penguin encounters and interactive demonstrations.

If you’re still craving the thrilling feeling of the open road, you can extend your Northland adventure with a drive to Cape Kidnappers for beach adventures or try your hand at fly-fishing in the Tukituki River. Now that you know where the best culture, wineries and scenery live on the East Coast, all that’s left to do is make the road trip playlist, pick up the keys to your Thrifty rental car and buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime!