Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway The Pacific Coast Highway encompasses a large area of the upper North Island. Hugging the coastlines of five distinct North Island regions - Auckland, Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, Eastland and Hawke’s Bay - the Pacific Coast Highway is a relaxing journey of variety and discovery.

Pacific Coast Highway: The Route

Auckland

The Pacific Coast Highway begins in Auckland, giving you the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, offering all manner of shopping, eating and entertainment. Auckland City is within easy access to some of the region’s best vineyards, beaches and attractions.

Auckland Accommodation  |  Auckland Activities

The Coromandel

The Coromandel bursts with colour and vibrancy year round; carpeted in bush and awash with artistic people. A water sport and recreation paradise with a vast coast and many walking tracks, Coromandel is home to many scenic highlights including Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Mercury Bay & Karangahake Gorge.

Coromandel Accommodation  |  Coromandel Activities

Bay of Plenty

Continuing around the coast towards the southeast takes you into the bountiful Bay of Plenty region.  Blessed with a warm climate and inviting swimming beaches, the "Bay" deserves its reputation as the place to be over the summer. Relax at 'The Mount', taste kiwifruit at Te Puke, or walk on White Island - a live marine volcano!

Bay of Plenty Accommodation  |  Bay of Plenty Activities

Eastland

The vast Eastland coastline is home to innumerable small bays and beaches, just waiting to be explored. An area rich in Maori culture and history, Eastland is a great place to visit a local marae or take a tour of Whangara - the tiny settlement made famous in the film Whale Rider. 

Eastland Accommodation  |  Eastland Activities

Hawke's Bay

There’s no better way to end your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway than to visit the food and wine capital of New Zealand – Hawke’s Bay. NZ’s oldest wine growing area is populated with outstanding vineyards and wineries, and is famous for its Art Deco architecture, wildlife encounters and family activities.

Hawke's Bay Accommodation  |  Hawke's Bay Activities

 

 

 

Route Map

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Route Facts

  • Approx. 1027km long
  • One way (either direction)
  • Minimum duration: 4 days
  • Start: Auckland or Hastings
  • End: Hastings or Auckland
  • Nature, city life, coastal, scenery, history, culture, wine & food, walking, wildlife
     

Pacific Coast Highway Driving Distances

More Information

 © Pacific Coast Highway