World famous in New Zealand

Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45

This is 100kilometres of stunning views. Linking New Plymouth with Ha¯wera, the road follows the curve of the coast, running through cute little towns focused on their beaches and the relentless surf pounding in on them. The coastline comprises cliffs broken by sparkling black sand bays and coves, and the road runs along it inland, through neat farmland.

Dominating the landscape is Mt Taranaki, serene and symmetrical.

To explore the route properly, you have to be prepared to turn off periodically, to get down to the water to see what’s lured surfers, and others, there for decades.

Why go?

Because it’s such a perfect combination of action and laid-back appreciation of some of nature’s best bits. Surfers will know all about Kumera Patch, Stent Rd and Rocky Point, but there’s more than famous breaks along this route.

Take as long as you can to mosey along, stopping off for coffee and to see what each town has to offer. O¯ ha¯we’s beach is much appreciated by surfers, swimmers, fishers, horse riders, and dog-walkers.

Admire the surfboard fence in O¯ punake and note how their design has changed over the years.

You’ll have to make your own way down to the beach though: the historic picnic train doesn’t run any more. But the excellent fish and chips there are a perfect reward for following the walkway to the Te Namu pa¯ site.

And look out for lighthouses. Manaia has a country music museum and a splendid war memorial band rotunda, as well as other memorials to the province’s tumultuous past. You can find out more about that in various little museums along the route, most notably at Parihaka, which every New Zealander should take the time to visit and learn about.

O¯ a¯kura has a long, wide beach with a cafe overlooking it: ideal for watching surfers, swimmers and the indispensable surf lifesavers perched on their high chairs.

Try an O¯ a¯kura Blonde ale from the Three Sisters Brewery here. The town has an art trail, too: about 15 galleries to pop in to.

Insider tip

Try hard not to be distracted from your driving by the mountain. Every bend brings a new angle, picturesque frame or foreground.

On the way/nearby

In Ha¯wera, you can’t miss the Water Tower (get the key from the i-Site to climb its 215 steps) and you mustn’t miss Tawhiti Museum. Nearer New Plymouth, head inland to explore Pukeiti Gardens, which blend seamlessly into the scenic reserve. It’s famous for its rhododendrons but there’s always something to enjoy, from the birdlife to the elevated walkways.

How much?

Depends on how many cups of excellent coffee you indulge in along the route.

Best time to go

Any time is great. See taranaki.info.