Is This New Zealand's Best Road Trip? | East Cape Lighthouse + Tolaga Bay

Is this the ultimate North Island road trip? The Pacific Coast Highway cruises the East Cape so we stopped at Taloga Bay wharf, the East Cape Lighthouse and so much more along the way! Check out CUPRA here - cupra.co.nz
Welcome to the start of an epic road trip adventure along the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This full stretch of road is known as one of the best roadies in NZ, the Pacific Coast Highway. A portion of that is often skipped in favour of the fast route to Gisborne though, so we decided to take on the long route, the road less traveled, and head the full way around the East Cape to check it out.
This part of New Zealand is chill, relaxed, slower and absolutely full of beauty! The beaches, the coastline, the feeling and the sites - there's so much to love.
Along our roadie we check out:
- Te Waha O Rerekohu, the oldest pohutukawa tree in the country
- The East Cape lighthouse, the most easterly point of New Zealand
- Tolaga wharf, the largest wharf of it's kind in the southern hemisphere
- So many epic back roads
- And endless stunning beaches
We teamed up with CUPRA for this trip and drove a Formentor for the week. If you're in the market for a new car and looking for the right balance of value, technology, style and comfort then definitely check them out! cupra.co.nz
Note - This video features footage from some attractions that were either closed and/or showed drone footage, these were supplied by Tourism New Zealand and Tairāwhiti Gisborne tourism to support the promotion of tourism in the region: www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz
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#PacificCoastHighway #EastCape

[@AmitSenguptaVlogs]

I just loved the intro and what amazing views of the coast ❤️⛰🛣

[@jessicali8594]

Good that you went when you did, according to severe weather website articles about flooding & landslides on the East Cape of NZ. Thanks again for taking us all along.

[@indapamod]

That intro was kicka$$!!! East coast looks amazing...kinda reminds of the West Coast drive from Greymouth to Westport.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Whoop - thanks! Yeah that's a stunning drive as well for sure

[@thesiestanomads7188]

Another superb video - you guys are certainly the best. Love the way the paid partnership never takes over the content. Keep up the great work and thanks for the entertainment

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yay, thank you! We appreciate that.

[@joayres5264]

Beautiful road trip, Tolaga Bay stunning as always, our country sure is cute 😍

[@DanegerAndStacey]

It really is! We are beyond blessed and spoilt for choice really aren't we?

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

What a stunning drive! If that tree could talk! Epic drone shots guys!! Love your accommodations!! ~Great video!!!! ~Cara 😊

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Totally - that tree would have some stories to tell for sure! So unique. Thanks for the love guys

[@radudumanovschi3387]

I like the road. Reminded me of a time when I was little going on vacation with my grandparents in the car.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Ah how cool, those are the amazing memories that stick with us too

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

@@DanegerAndStacey yeah i am have rough time ate the mo messages me back stacey an daneger cuzin rory

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

@@DanegerAndStacey YEAH BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WE LIVE IN NZ NEW ZEALAND. I SOO GOTT DO THAT. ROADD TIP UPP THERE SOMEDAY ULTIMATE NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP ???? THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY CRUISES THE EAST CAPE HAVE LOOKING AROUND AT TALOGA BAY WHARF AN THE EAST CAPE LIGHTHOUSE AN GISBORNE NZ NEW ZEALAND. ETC. CUTE PLACE SOON LOVELEY

[@stevefrederick4842]

Have done that road trip with friends🇳🇿👍❤️

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Awesome! We're guessing we got bloody lucky with the lack of travellers, was it relaxed out there for you guys too?

[@stevefrederick4842]

Keep up the good production work as we all know you will

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Appreciate that, cheers, Steve!

[@rob9386]

you guys seem like such a fun couple. great video

[@LondonWalkbyLondonSocialite]

What a lovely tour 🦋🦋🦋 thanks for shairing 🦋🦋🦋

[@travel_is_life_DE]

Miss New Zealand. Great video. Greetings from Germany 🙂

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Not long now and you can come back! Borders opening up soon!

[@user-ms6er3tq3s]

トラガベイの景色は最高だよね！

[@edwardduarte5123]

Damn. I thought you two were doing a car commercial in the intro. Very cool.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

We'll take that as a compliment haha!

[@wherewevewandered]

Well if this hasn’t made us keen for a NZ roadie, I don’t know what will!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yaassss! Do it!

[@mafkrimnra8084]

Beautiful love ❤️ the road trip can’t wait to see more

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yay! Next video just went live

[@sumitnagargoje1790]

You guys never stop to amaze me!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Ah, you're making our night over here 😍

[@sumitnagargoje1790]

@@DanegerAndStacey haha! ❤️

[@stephaniegruenberg7044]

So excited for this mini series!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Whoop! Some really cool experiences coming

[@stephaniegruenberg7044]

@@DanegerAndStacey can't wait!

[@ianlove3]

So so cool thank you for sharing.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You are so welcome!

[@markh3720]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Cheers, Mark!

[@paulcalkin7960]

Thanks again I miss my home land so much, keep on traveling and show the world. Kiwi living in Sweden

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Glad to share a bit of home with you all the way over there mate!

[@RexWaldron]

It's just so good to see you guys out on the road again 👍 It's obvious how much you are both loving it too!🤩

[@DanegerAndStacey]

It's been awesome! We've really missed exploring. Hope you're well, Rex :)

[@jasehatcher8283]

Love!

[@lesleymercieca6571]

Beautiful coastline

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Stunning isnt it! 😍

[@lucydantay3623]

Will 100% be doing this road trip in the near future! also Daisy definitely was more of a Dave haha

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You're 100% right on that, Lucy! It was hilarious once we stopped recording and then we were both like "aaaaahhh that was NOT a girl" 🤣🤣🤣

[@PADLOX123]

I love your videos. I loved New Zealand when I went, can't wait to go back, there is so much to see it's just so beautiful. 😍

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Glad you like them! There really is so much, we still feel like there's a lot for us to explore and share as well

[@robhaunui3343]

Hahaha - Daisy rocks ! Very tame and not a cow-ard (sorry,it was too easy)

[@DanegerAndStacey]

HAHA love it! Turns out Daisy was definitely more of a Dave anyway 🤣

[@robhaunui3343]

@@DanegerAndStacey hehehe,yes,there was definitely an anatomical feature on that bovine that indicated the "Daisy" name,although generic for most moo cows,was not applicable here - and indeed Davey may have been more appropriate than Daisy. But in this gender neutral society world we now live ,Daisy or Davey could apply. You'll thank me later for being so woke - hahaha

[@WhenAdventureKnox]

Pepperoni pizza with a BBQ base is just the best - awesome choice!! 🙌 100% with you that food trucks often serve the best food (so long as you do the research!) The irony of the Tolaga wharf where its success is what made it obsolete! 🤦‍♀That thing was MASSIVE and watching on as everyone jumped in was fun - you guys should have joined in!!! As always, loving the banter DANE: And the horse was like... STACEY: Neigh!!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

I love Stace's classic one liners, she might keep it quiet at times but she's hilarious at times! Got us dreaming of pep pizza with some BBQ sauce again now just form reading your comment 😂

[@expatfamilylive9041]

We started to LOVE New Zealand because of your videos 🥰😍❤ Much support from the Netherlands ❤ 🙏 🌏 🇳🇱 🤗 💙

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Awww that's so nice to hear! Glad you're enjoying

[@mehdiz1052]

The prices on the bottom. Great touch guys. Great video as usual with great camera work. Cheers !

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Appreciate it 👍

[@stephenwalker3748]

Yay some North Island action! I see you went to Napier, my hometown is Havelock North so maybe I'll get to see a peek of it. I live in Malaysia now so these videos are giving me good but homesick vibes!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Oh cool, we did stay a few nights around Napier - the Hawkes Bay was amazing!

[@stephenwalker3748]

@@DanegerAndStacey Nice! I realized as I was writing the filming is done so if you didn't this time you could do a Hawkes bay wine tour and there is a beach there called Ocean beach which I think would look amazing with your filming skills.

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Wauw looks Amazing road trip , so Happy for you to be back on the Road. 🥰your beautiful weather ( so jealous as we had a massive storm gale force 9/10 hitting us just now 😱😱😱 its scary ) 😂😂😂 “ staceys answer To the horse standing in the way “Nay “. Brilliant . That tree was beautiful never seen anything that size . Awww Doggie friends sure love you stacey 😍😜. Looking forward to to your adventures take care. Have a Great weekend 🥰

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Oh nooo, sorry to hear about the big storm! Hope you're keeping safe & well! Haha I couldn't resist the 'neeeigggh!' Just uploaded some new adventures for you 😊

[@michaelatkinson5681]

Real New Zealand. Relaxed chilled no worries

[@DanegerAndStacey]

For sure! SO chill

[@dahnahewlett6349]

I was supposed to be going to Gisborne for a wedding this month but I’m in Australia so I couldn’t. I had the rail bikes planned too. And I think the same accommodation booked (Tatapouri bay?). Hoping to get over there soon! Looks so good! Have fun guys!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Aw that's such a shame! Sorry to hear you couldn't make it. Fingers crossed you can make it happen in the future!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Hey Dane and Stacey. What a video, great drone shots in one of the prettiest parts of the world in your own backyard😍😍 Hope all is well with you guys. Still recovering from a nasty cold with post nasal drip. Getting bettter. Just getting started with your video editing course. Will give you a progress report on my e-mail. Sounds like New Zealand is ready to open soon. Love you guys 💖💖 Looking forward to the next video. Never miss one. Jim and Harriet . Richmond, Va.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Our pleasure! Hope the recovery speeds up for you soon and it's not much longer until you're back to normal! Yup, lots of good news coming out at the moment about our borders - might be moving a bit more freely soon hopefully. Keep well you guys.

[@Love_rainy_days]

Love your road trip's around NZ,🖤 Cool glamping tent on the beach, ⛺Waiting to see pictures of Stacey's new doggy. 🐶 Cheers 🍕🍕🧔

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Us too, haha! No doggy coming just yet, but we're seriously thinking about it.

[@cinnamontararo5167]

Enjoy watching your videos it has given me and my hubby some ideas on where to travel. Please wear your seat belt propley so you keep making these.

[@tourwanderlust]

10:26 neigh🐴 ...good one Stacey, good one

[@DanegerAndStacey]

She saw the opportunity and really ran with it 😂

[@quintonarends7513]

Loved it really drive in absolutely in style from south africa 🌍

[@DanegerAndStacey]

For sure - nothing like a classic roady in style!

[@mierypesado6740]

Killer. East Coast NZ massively underrated. Hawkes Bay gonna explode in the next few years

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Totally agree! Such a stunning part of NZ!

[@LiveLifeLasting]

Great video! Makes me want to go back to NZ immediately :) Also, driving a Cupra Leon, we’ve got them in Europe for much longer already 🥳

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yes you guys do! Lucky. Borders opening very soon by the sounds of it - might be able to visit sooner than expected

[@vickie3272]

New zeeland is at the top of my list , i pray and hope to do ut with my loved ones❤

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You should!

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Thanks Guys, I will do this road trip, don;t know when, don't know how. Stunnng clip -

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You should! It's a special part of the country and nice and quiet for the most part

[@Lulu-jl5zd]

As the song goes: "You can't keep a horse in a lighthouse. Neigh! Neigh! Neigh!" (No that really is a song... might be worth a Google.) And clearly You can't keep you two away from beautiful places. Great road trip!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Can't say we've heard of that one so definitely in need of a Google 😂 Just uploaded part 2, hope you enjoy!

[@teamatheavenscent1863]

Awesome can't beat pizza and hot chips on the beach!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You got that right!

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

Nice! Just.....NICE!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks!

[@nakulsridhar]

10:25 I choked on my food on hearing that loool

[@DanegerAndStacey]

HAHAHA

[@neilwatene700]

yes the lighthouse was originally on the island in your video along with three houses my house in the paddocks at the end of the road is one of the houses from the island

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks for the info! Makes sense - what a beautiful part of the world you live in

[@Hamzakhan-dt3gv]

Nice video

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@honee2short200]

Beautiful road-trip… Now Stacey you know you could’ve gave the doggies just a bite of the pie 🥧 😂, I’m a sucker for animals I’d give my last bite guy’s. That tree 🌳 is breathtaking, so beautiful. I was sipping on some water when Stacey turned on the jacuzzi 🤣🤣🤣🤣 water went everywhere. Thanks you guy’s for making me smile and laugh today, I really needed it. 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Oh Hey 👋🏾 Dane 🤣🤣🤣

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Sorry for the water explosion caused! Haha, hope it didn't go on your technology 🤣🤣🤣

[@honee2short200]

@@DanegerAndStacey lol no it didn’t get on any technology 😂😂😂 but it did get all over my clothes 🤣🤣🤷🏾‍♀️💁🏾‍♀️

[@alexbass6468]

I’m in nz

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Whoop!

[@rebeccakrupke8334]

Can you guys explain what the “Covid QR” thing Dane mentioned in the tent is or what you do? Do you tag yourselves in for tracking?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yeah it's a nationwide thing to scan in before entering venues, everywhere has them

[@lailaagrado]

Without the rabbit? :O

[@DanegerAndStacey]

There was more than enough seats, but Frank didn't want to come with us. Something about too much grass to eat at home 😂

[@lailaagrado]

@@DanegerAndStacey :D :D Typical Frank! :P

[@davidtesha1397]

How long did it take you two take to get from Opotiki to Tolaga Bay? 💛

[@andrewwakldnz]

Did this trip for the first time in early Jan last year. Loved it!! Mile after mile of awesome scenery, feeling far removed from the rest of the world. Meantime, on the car radio, the Capitol was under siege. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! Thanks for posting 🙏. Shame you didn't get to see the inside of the church.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Eeek that must have been a strange time for sure! Did you find the same, lowish numbers of travelers and like you had the road to yourself a lot of the time?

[@andrewwakldnz]

@@DanegerAndStacey Yep, roads were super quiet. But when you got to places (Hicks Bay, Tolaga Bay, Wairoa, Gisborne) they all seemed pretty busy and the cafes and restaurants seemed to be doing a roaring trade, which was good to see :)

[@nachotuason738]

Are you the same Dan Eger that used to skate or longboard w us?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Haha it actually is Danger, but my name is Dane - so DANEger. Anyway, if your ol mate Dan was good at boarding, then yeah, for sure that was me

[@nachotuason738]

@@DanegerAndStacey lol.

[@shenlun]

You should do a top 10 or 50 pizzas (etc) places in the world, from your travels.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You know we probably could by now!

[@alexbass6468]

Are you in nz

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Of course! Though maybe not for much longer, international travel is calling us

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

Before Christmas the East Cape Maori were asking that no tourists come to the East Cape to help protect the locals against Covid as a lot of them are not vaccinated. Did you have any issues with the locals, or did you feel welcome? I am currently in Whakatane awaiting a part for my caravan, after which I was thinking of going around the Cape.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

You're onto it! So we didn't notice anything personally, but we were told by some locals that was the reasoning for the East Cape Lighthouse closure. Sadly we had also planned to do the Mt Hikurangi sunrise tour (which covers loads of the Maori history) and also the waka experience, both unfortunately closed as well - though that could be to do with staffing. Still well worth the trip!

[@unpluggedkiwi1063]

@@DanegerAndStacey Thanks for that. I am now retired, so can do that trip anytime. Will probably wait until things open up as I have a real thing about light houses (for a number of years it was my dream to become a light house keeper) and would really like to be able to see it if I was in the area.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

That’s understandable - it does look pretty special and very cool being the most easterly point of the country as well. Probably worth the wait!

[@christinawong7093]

Great video production (as always)!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Much appreciated! Thanks, Christina!

[@doctorpc4x4]

Daisy was a Dennis not a daisy

[@DanegerAndStacey]

HAHA for sure! That was a Dave for sure. Whoops

[@jamiehamilton6887]

so amazed they didnt have to pay 50 bucks each to get closer to the big tree fu nz

[@DanegerAndStacey]

😂

[@Prince-im5uo]

Needed to hear this 🙌!! Do not waste another day = Promo'SM!