East Cape
East Cape is the easternmost point of the main islands of New Zealand. It is at the northern end of the Gisborne District of the North Island. East Cape was originally named "Cape East" by British explorer James Cook during his 1769–1779 voyage. It is one of four New Zealand cardinal capes he named, along with North Cape, West Cape and South Cape.
East Cape | |
|---|---|
East Cape on the right hand end of the Raukūmara Range | |
East Cape | |
| Coordinates: 37.6892°S 178.5483°E | |
| Location | Gisborne District, New Zealand |
| Offshore water bodies | Pacific Ocean |
The name "East Cape" is also used for the part of the Gisborne District north of the Poverty Bay area, and even sometimes the whole Gisborne District.
Maritime New Zealand operates the East Cape Lighthouse, located at the cape's easternmost point. The small East Island / Whangaokeno, also known as Motu o Kaiawa, is directly offshore. The NZ Transport Agency upgraded the Horoera Bridge in 2017, giving campervans and other heavy vehicles full access to the lighthouse. It replaced a temporary Bailey bridge installed in 2015.
- Te Araroa and ranges towards East Cape
- Looking from East Cape towards East Island / Whangaokeno