Known for its sunny climate, beautiful parks and spectacular beaches, New Plymouth is one of the best places for a holiday. The white- and black-sand beaches of New Plymouth are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the towering Mount Taranaki, as well as the lush native forests of Egmont National Park. You’ll find no shortage of adventure in New Plymouth, whether you want to surf, kayak, sail or hike. Kids will love the beaches of New Plymouth thanks to their safe waters and excellent family amenities. Find out more about the best New Plymouth beaches to plan your holiday with friends or family.
Fitzroy Beach for families
Fitzroy Beach is one of the most popular swimming beaches in the region. Throughout the season, lifeguards patrol the beach, making it a popular spot for families. Kids can safely swim in designated areas to cool off in the hot sun. Fitzroy Beach is also known for incredible swells on occasion, making it a great choice for experienced surfers. Nearby, you’ll find a cafe for refreshments and snacks.
Oakura Beach for fun with the kids
Surrounded by a charming beach community, Oakura Beach is a quiet beach with soft sand and gentle waters. Oakura Beach is a popular beach for swimming and families, though you’ll also find spectacular surf breaks offshore. The beach is well-patrolled by the lifesaving clubs during the season. You’ll find many facilities at the beach, including snack shops, public bathrooms, showers and a playground for the kids. Other popular activities at Oakura Beach include horse treks, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and kayaking.
Back Beach for outdoor adventure
Back Beach is a stunning beach that’s known for its large sand dune. When you visit the beach, you can hike the dune to see incredible views of the Sugar Loaf Islands and marine life in the water. There’s plenty more fun to be had at the beach, such as sunbathing, swimming and playing beach volleyball. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some seals or penguins on the shore or whales or sharks off the coast. For better views, hike to the top of the cliffs that back the beach and take in the sweeping coastal vistas.
Ngamotu Beach for family memories
Ngamotu Beach is one of the calmest beaches in New Plymouth. Due to the massive breakwaters of Port Taranaki, Ngamotu Beach receives few strong currents or swells. Families with children flock to the beach for sunbathing and swimming. Ngamotu Beach is also well-equipped and offers public restrooms, changing rooms, cafes, ice cream and multiple playgrounds for the kids. Behind the beach, you’ll find seating areas in shady spots to enjoy your ice cream cone or lunch. Another highlight of visiting Ngamotu Beach is that it’s within Port Taranaki, so you can find tour operators for kayaking, paddleboarding and boat rides to the Sugar Loaf Islands.
East End Beach for swimming and nature
Located adjacent to Fitzroy Beach, East End Beach is a quiet beach with lifeguards on patrol during the summer season. A popular destination for swimming and family days out, East End Beach has calm waters and designated swimming areas. The beach also has a playground for the kids and a river mouth with wildlife that the kids can explore.
Accommodation in New Plymouth
From charming baches by the beach to sprawling family holiday homes with space for all the kids, take a look at the best accommodation in New Plymouth to plan your trip.
Beach baches
Beach baches put you right on the beachfront for a quiet and relaxing holiday. You’ll be within steps of the sand, so you can beat the crowds and head to the beach in the morning to watch the sunrise or hit the water early. Beach baches are also great for romantic trips because you’ll enjoy gorgeous sunsets over the water while you enjoy an intimate dinner at home. You can find a wide range of beach baches in New Plymouth, whether you need space for the family or just enough room for yourself.
Family holiday homes
If you’re planning to bring the kids on a beach holiday, a great option for your stay is a family holiday home. You’ll find a range of holiday homes all over the region that keep you close to the beaches and offer plenty of space for the kids. Holiday homes come in an array of sizes and types, including multiple-bedroom homes and luxury homes with high-end amenities and decor. Holiday houses are self-contained, so you’ll have a kitchen with appliances to prepare your own meals and save on the trip. A holiday house like Waterfront on Woolcombe is perfect for families and offers space for 10 with amenities like media, a patio and beach access.