GISBORNE: EAST CAPE

The small beachfront reserve near the Tokomaru Bay town centre offers free overnight parking for self-contained motor caravanners, including clean public toilets and a skateboard park nearby.

For us, this is one of the East Capes hidden gems. A sleepy small town, with nicely maintained homes and facilities, and a great location right on the beach. 

It's a town that has obviously seen better times, as most of the commercial buildings are boarded up - which appear incongruous compared with how nicely maintained the rest of the town appears.

There is a small Four Square store not far away to top up on groceries, and also a small store at the local campsite.

This is a great location for motor caravanners who enjoy a laid back lifestyle, in a beautiful location, and access to the basic necessities.