Holiday Snaps
Where: North Taranaki
How: Drive to the rugged Taranaki coast near Tongaporutu to see these unique rock formations. For the best views, turn down Pilot Rd on the seaward side of State Highway 3, north of the Tongaporutu Bridge. If you want to get down on the sand and see the formations up close, turn off South Highway 3 down Clifton Rd, which is south of the Tongaporutu Bridge. At low tide, you can walk alongside the river and around the point to find the formations.
When: All year round, but the area is stunning in summer.
Why: The spectacular 25-metre rock formations were once known as the Three Sisters, until the sea claimed one of them, leaving only two. Another rock formation known as Elephant Rock stands alongside the sisters, but unfortunately lost its “trunk” to erosion in 2016. In nearby caves you can also find a rock painting of a strange six-toed foot.