RoadAtlas
Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Taranaki's Surf Highway

New Zealand

In short: Taranaki's Surf Highway is a 105 km scenic road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Year-round. Highlights: New Plymouth, Len Lye Centre, Oakura.

Distance
105 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Year-round
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

SH45 around the western flank of Mount Taranaki, a short coastal drive past dairy farms, surf breaks made famous by boardriders seeking the perfect wave, shipwrecks, and lighthouses. New Plymouth's Len Lye Centre kinetic sculpture and the Tawhiti Museum of settler history frame the journey's beginning and end.

Practical notes
SH45 is an easy sealed drive, but it can feel exposed in strong westerlies and heavy rain, especially around the open coast south of Oakura. Fuel and services thin out between towns, so top up in New Plymouth or Hawera before you head off.
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Stops along the route

New Plymouth — Departure — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Departure
New Plymouth
Mount Taranaki (2,518m) rises above New Plymouth in a near-perfect volcanic cone. The Len Lye Centre and Pukekura Park anchor a city with an outstanding arts and outdoor scene.
Hotels
Oakura — City — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
City
Oakura
The Surf Highway's first beach town, with reliable reef breaks year-round. Black sand, Mount Taranaki looming to the right, and open ocean to the left define the drive south.
Hotels
Okato — City — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
City
Okato
A quiet farming village midway along SH45 where the Cape Egmont Lighthouse stands sentinel on a black-sand spit, the closest point on the highway to Mount Taranaki's flanks.
Hotels
Opunake — City — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
City
Opunake
The Surf Highway's largest town faces the Southern Ocean swell directly. Good cafes, a sheltered swimming beach, and an authentic small-town Kiwi welcome.
Hotels
Hawera — Arrival — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Arrival
Hawera
The Tawhiti Museum presents Taranaki settler and Maori history through life-size dioramas of astonishing detail, crafted by farmer Nigel Ogle over three decades.
Hotels

Things to Do

Len Lye Centre — Landmark — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Landmark
Len Lye Centre
A shimmering ribbon-steel gallery displaying the kinetic and wind sculptures of New Zealand-born artist Len Lye, attached to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
Cape Egmont Lighthouse — Landmark — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Landmark
Cape Egmont Lighthouse
New Zealand's oldest lighthouse structure, relocated here in 1877, guiding ships past the cape's treacherous shoals. The black-sand foreshore and mountain views are superb.
Pukeiti Gardens — Botanical Garden — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Botanical Garden
Pukeiti Gardens
Explore lush gardens with a vast collection of rhododendrons and native plants nestled in the rainforest.
Opunake Beach — Beach — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Beach
Opunake Beach
A popular surf beach with golden sands, ideal for swimming, surfing, and picnicking.
King Edward Park — Park — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Park
King Edward Park
A historic park in Hawera featuring beautiful gardens, a children's playground, and a scenic lake.

Where to Eat

Butlers Reef — Pub — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Pub
Butlers Reef
A lively pub in Oakura offering hearty meals and live music, popular among locals and visitors alike.
High Tide Café — Café — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Café
High Tide Café
A cozy café in Opunake serving fresh coffee and homemade pastries with a view of the beach.
Toretto's Bar & Pizzeria — Italian — Taranaki's Surf Highway — New Zealand
Italian
Toretto's Bar & Pizzeria
Authentic Italian pizzeria in Hawera known for its wood-fired pizzas and friendly atmosphere.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Taranaki's Surf Highway drive?

The Taranaki's Surf Highway covers 105 km from start to finish.

How long does the Taranaki's Surf Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Taranaki's Surf Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Taranaki's Surf Highway?

The recommended season for the Taranaki's Surf Highway is Year-round.

Where does the Taranaki's Surf Highway start and end?

The Taranaki's Surf Highway runs from New Plymouth to Hawera.

What are the main stops on the Taranaki's Surf Highway?

The Taranaki's Surf Highway passes through New Plymouth, Len Lye Centre, Oakura.

Can I drive the Taranaki's Surf Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Taranaki's Surf Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Taranaki's Surf Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Taranaki's Surf Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Taranaki's Surf Highway safe to drive?

SH45 is an easy sealed drive, but it can feel exposed in strong westerlies and heavy rain, especially around the open coast south of Oakura. Fuel and services thin out between towns, so top up in New Plymouth or Hawera before you head off.

What scenic tier is the Taranaki's Surf Highway?

The Taranaki's Surf Highway is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.