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Destination Spotlight: Onaero Bay

Beautiful Onaero Bay. There’s no other way to describe it. Positioned on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island with stunning beaches backed by large cliff faces. The views are second to none. This quaint coastal town is just a 25-minute drive north of New Plymouth, or a 2.5-hour drive south of Hamilton and is well worth the trip, whether it be for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a school holiday trip. Not only is there stunning views and epic scenery, there’s plenty of activities to get involved in. From outdoor adventures, to picturesque locations and epic adventure tours – there’s something for everyone! Keep reading to find out some top picks of what to do in the area!  

Mount Taranaki, less than an hours drive from Onaero

Explore the picturesque outdoors! 

Immerse yourself in nature and head to the Egmont National Park located just 30 minutes south of Onaero Bay. Here you can meander along the trails through the lush rainforests past roaring waterfalls, mossy swamps, and up to the Taranaki volcano. Mount Taranaki is known to be New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano and provides unexperienced mountaineers with an achievable summit challenge. If you head north along state highway 3 from Onaero Bay, you will come across the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock. These are large 25m tall free-standing rock forms. When it is low tide, you can walk right up to these beauties. While you’re there we recommend taking a stroll along the White Cliffs Walkway. This is an 11km long trail along the Pipelines and has a few different walking options! Here you will be graced with stunning views and a great outdoor experience.  

Explore the town of New Plymouth 

The township of Onaero Bay is very much a sleepy coastal town, however, if you head south to New Plymouth, there is plenty to see and do. If you’re a golf fanatic, then you’re in luck! There are three high quality golf courses to choose from, all offering 18 holes and stunning greens! Be sure to stop by the Pukeiti Botanical Gardens. Pukeiti is a 360ha rainforest property filled with hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons along with complementary native and exotic plants. Meander your way through the trails and absorb the beauty of this grounds. If you want to go and visit some furry friends, then why not head to the Brooklands Zoo. This is family focused zoo offering Free entry. It is home to diverse species ranging from farmyard animals, to reptiles and amphibians, meerkats, Bolivian squirrel monkeys and so many more! This Zoo is also home to selection of colourful birds which are housed inside a walk-through free-flight aviary. 

Take a Tour 

If taking a ride on the wild side is more your thing, then why not partake in the buggy tours. Discover how the beautiful park of New Plymouth came to be. You will get to visit Waterwheel, Fernery, The Poet’s bridge, Bowl of Brooklands and many more. If fishing is your ideal way to spend the day, then why not book a charted fishing tour with Breaker Bay Fishing Charters. No need to BYO, everything is included from safety equipment to bait and rods. All you’ll need to do is bring your own food and beverages. Or explore the stunning landscapes on horseback! There are several different horse-riding vendors to choose from, all providing some great experience.  

Onaero Bay really does have something for everyone. Whether you like to sit back and relax on holidays and enjoy your surrounds or get out and explore experiencing everything the area has to offer.   

The picturesque campground of Onaero Bay Holiday Park

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