Discover the 5 Best Beaches in New Plymouth
With the majestic Mount Taranaki as a backdrop and the Tasman Sea crashing ashore, these shores offer everything from adrenaline-pumping surf to serene family picnics.
When choosing accommodation in New Plymouth, Bella Vista Motel New Plymouth is conveniently located at 32 Queen Street in the heart of the city, just steps from cafes, galleries, and the Coastal Walkway, making beach day trips a breeze.
Whether you're seeking solitude or surf lessons, here are five of the best New Plymouth beaches within easy reach. Each offers unique vibes, from wild waves to sheltered sands, perfect for soaking up the region's raw beauty.
1. Back Beach: Dramatic Cliffs and Surf Thrills
Back Beach lives up to its name as a hidden gem just beyond New Plymouth's urban edge, where black volcanic sand meets towering orange cliffs and panoramic views of the Sugar Loaf Islands. This west coast stunner is a surfer's paradise year-round, thanks to consistent swells and shifting sandbanks that create dynamic breaks. In summer, calmer pockets near Paritutu Rock invite swimmers and sandboarders to tackle the massive dune—think tobogganing on sand for all ages. But beware: powerful rips make it unsuitable for novice swimmers, with no lifeguards on duty. It's ideal for scenic walks or picnics at sunset, where the wild ocean symphony takes centre stage.
Amenities here keep things simple and natural-focused. You'll find free parking and picnic tables at key access points, perfect for a laid-back lunch. However, don't expect on-site bathrooms or outdoor showers—head back to New Plymouth's city facilities or grab a coffee at a nearby cafe like Chaos Cafe (about 5 minutes away by car). For post-beach rinses, use Bella Vista's own amenities to provide a welcome reset.
From Bella Vista New Plymouth Motel, Back Beach is a quick 4 km jaunt south along State Highway 45—a breezy 8-minute drive that hugs the coastline for teaser views en-route. It's the perfect half-day escape without straying far from town.
2. Fitzroy & East End Beaches: Family-Friendly Waves and Walks
Just a stone's throw from the CBD, Fitzroy & East End Beaches are New Plymouth's go-to for laid-back coastal vibes. This expansive black-sand stretch fronts the suburb of Fitzroy, blending urban convenience with natural charm. Summers buzz with safe swimming in the sheltered cove, while winters draw dog walkers along the endless shore. As part of the 13 km Coastal Walkway, they’re prime for bike rides or strolls, with Mount Taranaki looming invitingly. Beginner surfers flock here for gentler waves, and the adjacent golf course adds a scenic loop for active explorers. Both Fitzroy & East End beaches are monitored by lifeguards during the summer months.
Fitzroy shines with visitor-friendly perks. Expect clean toilets, outdoor showers, coffee carts and cafe. A playground keeps kids entertained, while BBQ areas and picnic spots encourage al fresco feasts. The Fitzroy beach cafe serves up ice creams and flat whites—ideal after a dip—plus there's ample free parking and even pet-friendly zones. For more eats, HUHU Cafe is a short walk away with fresh seafood and craft beers.
It's a mere 3 km northeast from our New Plymouth motel, reachable in about 6 minutes via Vivian Street. This proximity makes it a top pick for spontaneous beach mornings, blending relaxation with city access.
3. Ngāmotu Beach: Serene Swims and Paritutu Views
Tucked near the Port of Taranaki, Ngāmotu Beach feels like a tranquil secret amid industrial edges, but its golden-hour glow over Paritutu Rock tells a different story. This wave-free sandy haven boasts calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or gentle surfing, with ample space for beachcombing treasures like paua shells. Families love the grassy fringes for picnics, while the nearby rock climb (Paritutu's 20-minute ascent) rewards with 360-degree vistas. It's less crowded than central spots, offering a peaceful vibe for yoga or reading under pohutukawa trees.
Amenities strike a balance of convenience and nature. Picnic tables and a children's playground dot the lawn, with clean public toilets and showers available seasonally. Water sports rentals pop up in summer, and the adjacent reserve has BBQs for group gatherings. For cafes, Salt & Pepper (5 minutes north) dishes out fish and chips with ocean views—pair it with a post-swim gelato from the nearby kiosk.
Clocking in at 2.5 km west from the motel, it's a 5-minute drive down Port Taranaki roads. This closeness turns it into an effortless add-on to a Puke Ariki Museum visit, just a block from your doorstep.
4. Ōakura Beach: Surf Haven with Village Charm
Venture a tad further to Ōakura Beach, where Taranaki's surf culture thrives on a wide, black-sand canvas backed by rolling dunes. This spot's consistent waves draw windsurfers and longboarders, but low-tide rock pools and calm shallows make it swim-friendly too. Stroll the clifftop paths for whale-spotting (seasonal) or fish from the shore—it's a multifaceted playground with a bohemian village feel, complete with street art and craft breweries.
It's 16 km southwest from Bella Vista, a scenic 20-minute drive along Surf Highway 45—winding past dairy farms and offering Mount Taranaki peeks. Worth the short hop for a full surf-and-sip day.
5. Ōpunake Beach: Sheltered Family Bliss and Loops
For a deeper dive into Taranaki's rural coast, Ōpunake Beach delivers sheltered sands and small-town warmth, 48 km south. This horseshoe bay is a family magnet, with gentle waves for paddling and a vast playground including a splash pool for tots. Hike the 8 km Loop Track through native bush to a hidden lake, or surf the point breaks—it's versatile, from lazy lounging to adventure.
Stroll to village cafes like the Opunake Takeaways for fish burgers, or the cinema for evening entertainment—plus an Olympic-sized pool nearby.
The drive from the motel covers 48 km in roughly 45 minutes via State Highway 45, passing farmlands and the odd dairy stop. It's the ideal day trip for those craving a village escape without overnighting.
Ready to explore New Plymouth's best beaches?
These beaches showcase Taranaki's wild heart, each a short spin from Bella Vista New Plymouth's central location. Pack sunscreen, a towel, and your sense of wonder—New Plymouth's shores await. Whether chasing waves or chasing sunsets, you'll leave with fantastic memories and an itch to return.