Our walk to Cooks Cove took just on 30 mins with a few stops on the way to admire and take photos of the view. Cooks Cove is where Captain James Cook stopped in 1769 as part of his navigation of New Zealand. The Cove itself is very picturesque and peaceful. You also pass the hole in the wall which is quite simply a hole in the side of the mountain looking out to the ocean. There is a photo frame to frame the hole in the wall as above. Its a great walk and definitely worth a stop.
The road to the East Cape Lighthouse is partially unsealed and one way at points but they are upgrading the road and making massive improvements as I write this. The drive to see the Lighthouse is worth it though! The sign at the bottom says 800 steps to the top but I counted 839 and Fiona counted 775 so maybe the true number is in that range somewhere. The walk up is easy to moderate and a gradual incline. The lighthouse itself is pretty standard for the region and of course amazing views from up top. Glad we made the drive!