Waihau Bay If you're cruising the East Cape and you're a fan of the film Boy, definitely stop by Waihau Bay. There’s not much to the town, but that’s what makes it so charming. It’s got that small-town vibe with the school, the pub, and the church that’ll probably look familiar if you’ve seen the movie. 

I made a quick stop here for lunch and to recreate a few scenes, and the golden sands were perfect for a stroll. Just keep in mind that there's no lifeguard on duty, and camping’s not allowed, so plan ahead if you’re hanging out for the day.