Top Scenic Family Drives From New Plymouth

Get ready for a stunning west coast adventure around the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui city of New Plymouth/Ngāmotu. This hotspot for picturesque views is brimming with coastal outlooks and natural playgrounds, all perfect to be explored as you venture around the network of scenic roads. 

If you’re looking for a scenic drive for the whole family, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the very best drives to embark on in your Thrifty rental car as you explore this phenomenal region of wonder and awe around New Plymouth. 

It’s Surf’s Up on the Surf Highway 45 

If there should be any scenic drive at the top of your list as you’re traversing the region around New Plymouth, it should be the phenomenal Surf Highway 45. This famous highway delivers sweeping views of the ocean and thrilling scenery as the road leads you from the heart of New Plymouth all the way to Hāwera. No need to worry if you and the fam don’t have time to complete this mammoth 105 kilometre stretch of adventure—even attempting just a short stretch of this scenic drive is sure to serve you up a satisfying slice of beauty. Beginning in New Plymouth, the first notable stop you’ll encounter on your drive is Ōakura. Under half an hour away from New Plymouth, this stunning seaside town is sure to delight with the relaxed Komene Beach known for being a hotspot for surfers. Get a taste of what Surf Highway 45 is all about by spending some time around the shoreline of this family-friendly beach. The waves down the southern end are known for being gentle and smaller—perfect for any little ones wanting to try their hand at the waves!  

Get Lost in Nature on an Adventure to a Volcano 

If you’re looking for a unique slice of nature amongst all the ocean views around New Plymouth, there’s no going past the iconic Mount Taranaki Maunga. Heralded as New Zealand/Aotearoa’s most perfectly formed volcano, this is a pocket of paradise that boasts a whopping 120,000 years of geological history. You don’t need to fret about this mighty beast erupting anytime soon though. Having last erupted in 1775, volcanologists say that this force of nature is currently dormant. Lucky for you, that means you and the family can get right up close to awe at the magic of nature firsthand. A bit over an hour’s drive from the centre of New Plymouth, your drive to this scenic spot will be backdropped by lush vegetation and jaw-dropping views of the volcano up ahead. Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki encompasses the volcano at the bottom and is in itself a tremendous way to begin your adventures around this area. Exploring the lush landscapes on offer at Egmont National Park is an ideal way to make the most of this outing, with easy walking trails, like the 10 minute Ambury Monument Walk, making for the perfect opportunity to get out and stretch your legs before you jump back in the car for an incredibly scenic drive back to town. 

Journey Further to Discover Rocks that Tell a Story 

The adventures around the west coast don’t stop there—we’ve got one more incredible drive to mix things up. A little further along the coast heading north, follow the ocean toward Tongapōrutu and you’ll happen upon the famous collection of rocks that have stood the test of time. Almost, anyway! The Three Sisters and Elephant Rock are a group of enormous rocks that will have you marvelling at just how magnificently massive they are. Composed of two rocks that are known as the Sisters, there once used to be a third and fourth sister before the rocks got washed away into the ocean. Standing next to them is the majestic Elephant Rock, who has also lost its trunk to erosion. When we say these guys are big, we really mean it! Standing at 25 meters tall, there’s no missing these majestic beasts as you gaze around the North Taranaki coast. Elevate your scenic road trip with even better views of the Sisters from afar. Jump back into your rental car and turn down Pilot Road just north of Tongaporutu Bridge. Make sure to bring your camera for this picture-perfect scene, because a family selfie with the Sisters is definitely in order! 

From coastal highways with epic beaches, dormant volcanoes that boast awe-inspiring views, to beasts of nature in gigantic rock formations backdropped by the ocean, New Plymouth isn’t far away from some incredible scenic drives. With the whole family in tow, you can embrace the adventure of the road and embark on these stunning road trips in your Thrifty rental car.