At the time I'm writing this, the East Cape Lighthouse and trail are closed due to cyclone damage, but hopefully, it'll be open by the time you visit. If it is, definitely make sure to add it to your list. In the meantime, the East Cape Campground is as far east as you can get in New Zealand, making it a prime spot to be one of the first people in the world to see the sunrise each day. Yep, New Zealand is the first country to see the sun rise every morning, and this place is as far east as it gets.

The East Cape Campground is a laid-back, family-owned spot right on the coast, offering a perfect place to soak in stunning sunrise views year-round. It's $15 per site per night, which you can pay online or in cash at the honesty box (just make sure to book online if you can, since there's zero reception out there). Also, the road to get there can be a bit tricky, switching from gravel to sealed, so take it slow. As a bonus, you'll find cows and horses casually roaming around, sometimes even chilling on the beach which adds a nice touch to the whole experience!