Affordable Beach Days: Best Spots Near New Plymouth

The west coast is calling your name! The coastal city of New Plymouth/Ngāmotu on the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui is your one-stop shop for beach days and sandy adventures over summer, with a bunch of stunning seaside escapes located just a short distance from the centre of the city. 

Pack up your Thrifty rental car with all the supplies you need for a day out under the sun—including a hat, a towel and an appetite for adventure—and let’s get going to explore these slices of paradise all around New Plymouth. The best part is, spending a day at the beach is an adventure that doesn’t have to break the bank! 

Embrace the Expansiveness of Fitzroy Beach 

Situated on the stunning west coast of New Zealand/Aotearoa’s North Island, finding a sensational beach not too far from New Plymouth isn’t a hard mission to accomplish. One beach that’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike is only a ten minute drive out of the centre of the city: the expansive Fitzroy Beach! Located in the coastal suburb of Fitzroy, Fitzroy Beach is the perfect place to roll out your towel and sprawl out under the sun with plenty of room around you to move. This large beach means everyone can find their own little pocket to settle down in, and the calm waters make this a hotspot for families wanting to spend a day in the sun. Bring a game of beach cricket with you for a thrilling seaside activity, or frolic in the waves with the comfort of knowing that surf life savers patrol these waters in the summer months. If you’re wanting to elevate the beauty of this experience, stay at Fitzroy Beach for a sandy dinner picnic, making sure to pick up some classic fish’n’chips from the local seafood shop Snappers down the road, and enjoy the sunset as you indulge in an affordable but delicious feed. 

Discover a Hidden Gem at Tapuae Beach 

Less than a twenty-minute drive out of the centre of New Plymouth, you’ll stumble across a hidden gem in the west coast’s crown of jewels when it comes to beachside paradises. Tapuae Beach is a secluded haven of tranquility and peace, being one of the lesser populated beaches in the area, but one of the most beautiful. Located within the Tapuae Marine Reserve, this hub of oceanic activity is brimming with sea life all throughout. A diverse collection of marine life lives in this area, so keep an eye out for any cheeky kekeno (fur seals)! These adorable guys are best enjoyed from afar, so remember to bring your camera for some incredible snaps. While Tapuae Beach doesn’t have many amenities, you’ll quickly realise that that’s all part of its charm. Spend an afternoon following the golden sands along the shore or bring a picnic for the ultimate beachside meal.  

Embark on an Adventure at Bell Block Beach 

If you’re looking for a dose of thrilling adventure to mix up your days spent out on the sand, we’ve got just the beach for you. Bell Block Beach, only a fifteen-minute drive from the heart of New Plymouth, is surrounded by opportunities to stretch your legs and get your heart rate going. Beware, this isn’t any ordinary beach! While the strip of golden sand and soothing waves make for a great spot to swim or lay out in the sun, the reefs on either side of the beach also make for the perfect place to fish. If you’re after a good walk, run or bike ride to get the adrenaline pumping, there’s no going past an adventure on the Coastal Walkway. Beginning in Bell Block, this 13-kilometre stretch will take you on a journey past cafes, playgrounds and other walkways, so make sure to take a detour or two to really make the most of this activity. Bell Block is also near the Mangati Walkway—a rugged, vibrant, off-road trail for more serious adventurers. 

Enjoy the Serenity of the Family-Friendly Ngāmotu Beach 

For adventurers that have the whole family in tow on this beach-filled holiday, the beach you’ll want to check out near New Plymouth is the family-friendly Ngāmotu Beach. Less than a ten-minute drive from the centre of the city, this safe beach boasts calm waves that are protected by Port Taranaki’s breakwaters, so you and the fam can swim safely and stress-free. Fitted out with a children’s playground and picnic tables, this is the perfect place to settle down for the day and soak up that sensational west coast serenity. 

Whether you’re craving an adrenaline-filled adventure or just want to lay out on the sand, there are plenty of beautiful beaches all around New Plymouth for you to discover in your Thrifty rental car.