With a few days spare we make a move up to East Cape - one of the more remote areas in the North Island - for an epic adventure up Old Motu Road before heading out to East Cape. Mint beaches and awesome views await.
Following the old Motu rally stage in the Gisborne back country, this scenic gravel road winds through hills between Motu village and the wider region, serving up amazing views from the high points. It's normally an easy, well-graded drive that's accessible to most vehicles, including 2WD, though a little right foot helps in places. The route feels isolated and exciting, with plenty of stopping points to boil the jug or take in the scenery. A worthwhile detour leads up to Motu Falls, and there's a good picnic spot by the school in Motu village. There's a ford to cross along the way, which can run fast and deep in wet conditions, so take care after rain. The southern half is popular with cyclists, and you may share corners with stock trucks, so drive accordingly. There's no cell reception out here, so carry maps and come prepared.
Built in 1952 after the Motu River was proposed as a hydro dam site, Otipi Road runs into the Raukumara Ranges in the Gisborne region. From the campsite, ford the Motu River and follow the old road as it climbs to around 960 m, traces the ridgeline, then descends steeply back to the river.
This is a scenic, rocky climb rewarded with sweeping views over the valley and plenty of birdsong. The route is heavily overgrown throughout, with gorse, vines and low-hanging trees, so expect bush rash and take care if you're running a rooftop tent or awning. Much of it has the feel of a narrow quad-bike track, with a few genuine challenges along the way. Come well prepared with a chainsaw and recovery gear.
NOTE: We covered around half of this road and it's graded based on what we did.
A remote campsite at Whitikau entrance to Raukumara Conservation Park.
Fifteen kilometres east of the junction at Te Araroa, reached by a partly sealed and gravel road, this campsite sits on an open rolling paddock on a rise beside the ocean. It's a large, open farm area on the East Cape coast with plenty of space to park up right on the beach, and you'll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. The setting is exposed, so expect wind, and there's a bit of a slope that tenters should keep in mind. A long drop toilet is onsite, along with a small alcove housing an honesty box (around $15 per person). There's no power here, so it suits self-contained campers, and no fires are allowed. Don't be surprised if horses wander up close from the beach. It makes a great stopover for those wanting to be near the East Cape lighthouse, just 5 km away. This is back-country coastal camping at its best.
East Cape is the easternmost point of the main islands of New Zealand - cruise along the gravel road out to the lighthouse. The walk up is decent but the views are amazing from the top.