Five days around the most remote surf coast in the North Island: out of Gisborne and up SH35 past Tolaga and Loisels to Te Araroa under the East Cape lighthouse, where the sun rises on empty points before anywhere else on earth. Petrol stations are scarce, surf shops do not exist, and that is exactly the point. Fill up, stock up, slow down.
Day 1 is today. Forecast refreshes every 3 hours.
Gisborne / East Cape · 3hr session
Warm up at Wainui and top up everything in Gisborne before you leave: fuel, food, water, wax. The next supermarket is five days away.
Gisborne / East Cape · 3hr session
First SH35 stop. Surf the point on a south swell, walk the wharf, and get used to having lineups to yourself.
Gisborne / East Cape · 4hr session
Loisels picks up almost any swell going and the rivermouth bank can be the wave of the trip. Camp behind the beach and listen to it through the tent.
Gisborne / East Cape · 4hr session
The end of the line, under the oldest pohutukawa in the country. Beach and point options either side of town depending on the swell angle.
Gisborne / East Cape · 3hr session
Dawn under the East Cape lighthouse, first surfer in the world to see the sun. Then the long beautiful drive back down the 35.
Aotearoa Surf can help with lessons, board hire and accommodation across most North Island routes. Get in touch for a guided run of any of these trips.
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