East Cape Lighthouse Gisborne
New Zealand's easternmost lighthouse, offering breathtaking coastal views and the chance to see the world's first sunrise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the world's first sunrise
East Cape Lighthouse Gisborne
Best Time
Catch the world's first sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's easternmost lighthouse, offering breathtaking coastal views and the chance to see the world's first sunrise.
"A bit of an effort to get here, but well worth it for the glorious views from Aotearoa/New Zealand's easternmost part."
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The final road can be narrow & unsealed. Confirm access before you go! :car:
🚶 Track Status Updates
Lighthouse track & toilets may be closed for maintenance. Check recent reports. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East Cape Lighthouse
Easternmost point of mainland New Zealand
Iconic lighthouse offering breathtaking views from New Zealand's easternmost point. A rewarding destination after a scenic drive.
World's First Sunrise
East Cape
Witness the dawn break over the Pacific Ocean, a truly magical experience from this unique vantage point.
Scenic Coastal Drive
SH35 to East Cape
Enjoy a picturesque journey along the coast, with winding roads and stunning ocean vistas leading to the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Road Conditions
Lighthouse Track Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The final road can be narrow & unsealed. Confirm access before you go! :car:
🚶 Track Status Updates
Lighthouse track & toilets may be closed for maintenance. Check recent reports. :walking:
☀️ Sunrise Spectacle
Aim for dawn to witness the world's first sunrise from this incredible spot.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks
There are no facilities nearby, so bring your own provisions to enjoy the views. :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The final road can be narrow & unsealed. Confirm access before you go! :car:
🚶 Track Status Updates
Lighthouse track & toilets may be closed for maintenance. Check recent reports. :walking:
☀️ Sunrise Spectacle
Aim for dawn to witness the world's first sunrise from this incredible spot.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks
There are no facilities nearby, so bring your own provisions to enjoy the views. :apple:
🐄 Watch for Stock
Be mindful of wandering farm animals on the rural roads. :cow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the East Cape Lighthouse a worthwhile destination, praising the scenic drive and the unique experience of witnessing the world's first sunrise. However, many note that access to the lighthouse track and toilets has been intermittently closed due to maintenance, which can be a point of disappointment. The drive itself is considered beautiful, but requires careful attention due to road conditions.
"A bit of an effort to get here, but well worth it. The final piece of road from Te Araroa can be narrow, a bit uneven and unsealed in places, but it is scenic all the way. Once you are parked there is a decent uphill hike - steps and a path - to get to the lighthouse and the glorious views from Aotearoa/New Zealand's easternmost part of the mainland. Pack a lunch or other snacks and something to drink because simply sitting down to take in the view is well worth it."
Mike Johansson
"As of August 2025, the walking track up to the lighthouse, and the public toilets are still closed. Lovely drive out to the lighthouse, the road was in good condition, but often gravel. Keep an eye out for wandering stock."
Dan Koczur Lisa Walsh
"As of sep 26 2025 the track up and toilet are closed. Its a pretty drive out there tho."
Nick G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The East Cape Lighthouse is located on the easternmost point of mainland New Zealand. From Gisborne, you'll take State Highway 35 north. The final stretch of road leading to the lighthouse can be narrow, uneven, and unsealed in places, so drive with caution. The journey offers scenic coastal views.
The road to East Cape Lighthouse is often gravel and can be narrow and uneven, especially the final section. While generally manageable, it requires careful driving. Recent reviews suggest the road was in good condition, but it's always wise to check local advice.
Public transport options to East Cape Lighthouse are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider renting a car in Gisborne for the most flexible experience.
The drive from Gisborne to East Cape Lighthouse typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to admire the scenery.
Yes, drive slowly and be prepared for gravel surfaces. Keep an eye out for wandering stock, as they are common in the area. Enjoy the scenic coastal views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the East Cape Lighthouse. Access to the lighthouse grounds is generally free.
The lighthouse grounds are typically open during daylight hours. However, the walking track up to the lighthouse and the public toilets have experienced intermittent closures for maintenance. It's advisable to check for any current access restrictions before your visit.
Recent reports indicate that the walking track up to the lighthouse and the public toilets have been closed for maintenance due to slips. It's crucial to check for the latest updates on access status before planning your visit.
Access to the interior of the lighthouse is generally not permitted for the public. Visitors can admire it from the outside and enjoy the surrounding views.
Public toilets have been intermittently closed for maintenance. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks as there are no facilities available at the lighthouse itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are sunrise and sunset. Capturing the first sunrise of the day from New Zealand's easternmost point is a truly spectacular experience.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the lighthouse against the ocean, panoramic views of the coastline, and, if you're there at the right time, the breathtaking first sunrise of the day.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules for New Zealand and any local restrictions before flying a drone in this area. Always fly responsibly and respect the environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the lighthouse. A tripod is highly recommended for sunrise shots to ensure sharp images in low light.
The area around the lighthouse itself offers the most iconic views. For sunrise, find a vantage point that captures the lighthouse silhouetted against the dawn sky.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are enjoying the panoramic views from New Zealand's easternmost point, witnessing the sunrise, and taking photos. The drive to the lighthouse is also a scenic experience.
Historically, there was an uphill hike with steps and a path to reach the lighthouse. However, this track has been subject to closures for maintenance. If open, it's a moderate uphill walk.
The drive along State Highway 35 itself is part of the experience, passing through coastal scenery and small communities. Waihau Bay is a notable stop along the route.
Bring snacks, drinks, a camera, and warm clothing as the weather can be unpredictable. If the track is open, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Yes, East Cape Lighthouse is a popular destination for a day trip from Gisborne. Allow ample time for the drive and to soak in the views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Be prepared for unsealed sections and potential stock on the road, adding to the adventure. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic stops along the way. 📸 Photographers
+1 Bring your wide-angle lenses and tripods to capture the dramatic coastal landscapes and the iconic lighthouse. The golden hour light here is exceptional. 🚶 Hikers & Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Easternmost Point
Be prepared for sections of gravel road, which can be narrow and uneven, requiring careful navigation. While the drive is rewarding, it's important to be aware of potential access issues. Recent reports indicate that the walking track leading directly to the lighthouse and the public toilets have been intermittently closed due to slips and ongoing maintenance.
Capturing the First Light
+1 Witnessing the sunrise here is a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Arriving before dawn allows you to find a good vantage point and prepare your camera for the spectacular display. The soft, golden light of the early morning illuminates the vast Pacific Ocean and casts a dramatic silhouette of the lighthouse. For photographers, this location offers incredible opportunities. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive seascape and the iconic lighthouse.
+1 Using a tripod is essential for sharp, clear shots in the low light conditions of dawn. Experiment with different compositions, perhaps framing the lighthouse against the vibrant colors of the rising sun or capturing the gentle waves lapping at the shore. Remember to check the sunrise times for your visit and allow ample time to reach the lighthouse, especially considering the road conditions.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit