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Surf Highway 45: Taranaki things to do on west coast road trip

@Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
@Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
Do you want to stay a few days in New Pl...
Sunset over Oakura Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand
Sunset over Oakura Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand
Oakura – Surf Highway 45 destination
Hempton Hall @The Ōkato
Hempton Hall @The Ōkato
Okato – Surf Highway 45 destination
Opunake Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand
Opunake Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand
Opunake – Surf Highway 45 destination
Mt. Manaia in New Zealand
Mt. Manaia in New Zealand
Manaia – Surf Highway 45 destination

Are you ready for fun? Gravel roads lead to quiet beaches where the pounding surf is a place of joy. Surf Highway 45 runs parallel to the sea with small towns offering entertainment away from the beach. Together with the myriad attractions of Taranaki and its regional centre New Plymouth the road trip is a year round treat for the dedicated surfer to wander.

Trip Overview


Duration: 2 days
Start New Plymouth or Hawera
Finish New Plymouth or Hawera

Camera Stops
21 stops and counting

Nearest Airport
New Plymouth (domestic)

Surf Highway 45 top sights

  • Consistent year round surfing conditions
  • Plenty to do and see regardless of weather conditions
  • Small hospitable towns guardians of beach culture
  • You are never far from the next break
  • The pounding ocean is always in the rear window
  • Lots of activities for non-surfers
Do you want to stay a few days in New Plymouth?
@Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
@Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
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Oakura – Surf Highway 45 destination
Sunset over Oakura Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand
Sunset over Oakura Beach, Taranaki, New Zealand

One of the world’s biggest surfboards graces the entrance to Vertigo surf shop and sets the laid back beach vibe for a summer favourite destination in Taranaki. Oakura has an interesting art trail, a shipwreck and is satisfying close to the urban heart of New Plymouth for a night on the town.

What to do, highlights

  • Low tide walk to the Timaru Reef (rocks near Weld Road surf break) and wonder about the fate of SS Gairloch crew as you view the rusting, twisted frame of the wrecked ship.
  • Learn, practice or show off your surfing crediants on the iron sand beach of Oakura
  • Estuary paddling for kids in the Oakura River
  • Wander along the Oakura Arts Trail and explore artists’ studios, jewellers and craft workshops.
  • Find a mosaic sofa and take a SELFIE.
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