# Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads

> 3-day road trip of about 223 km (139 mi) with 11 stops, from New Plymouth to Stratford. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/nzm-taranaki-circuit/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 223 km (139 mi) with 11 stops, from New Plymouth to Stratford. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total. A circuit of the Taranaki cone from New Plymouth along the coast and back through Hāwera and Stratford.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 223 km (139 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 26 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | New Plymouth → Stratford |
| States | New Zealand |
| Updated | May 9, 2026 |

## Route description

Spend the first morning in New Plymouth at Puke Ariki and on the Coastal Walkway, where the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge frames the mountain. Then drive about 25 km up Egmont Road to North Egmont. The road is sealed but steep and narrow, with limited parking at the top. Clouds often cover the summit, so walk the short track by the visitor centre only if the weather is clear.

On day two, take SH45, the Surf Highway, south-west past Ōākura Beach. This road is generally sealed and runs near the coast, with views of the cone on clear days. Turn off at Pungarehu for the Cape Egmont Lighthouse on Cape Road, a few kilometres from the highway. Wind is strong and the road is unsealed at places. Ōpunake is the main stop for fuel and food, about 70 km from New Plymouth.

From Ōpunake continue south on SH45 and turn inland on Manaia Road to Dawson Falls on the south side of the mountain. The road is narrow and winding, and can be icy in winter. A short walk leads to the falls. Return to SH45 and drive on to Hāwera, about 40 minutes from the turn-off, where fuel and shops are plentiful.

On day three, visit the Tawhiti Museum just north of Hāwera, then take SH3 north for about 30 km to Stratford for the glockenspiel and lunch. From Stratford it is another 40 km to New Plymouth, completing the circuit. Holiday parks are found in New Plymouth, Ōpunake and Hāwera. Watch for livestock on rural roads and give logging trucks room.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **New Plymouth** (New Zealand)
2. **Puke Ariki Museum** (New Plymouth, New Zealand): A museum, library and visitor centre on the New Plymouth waterfront with exhibits on Taranaki geology, Māori heritage and the colonial period. A viewing tower offers views across the town and out to sea. Entry is free for the main galleries, and it is a good stop on a wet day.
3. **Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and Coastal Walkway** (New Plymouth, New Zealand): A white arched footbridge on the Coastal Walkway that frames Mt Taranaki when seen from the north side, and a walking and cycling path runs along the waterfront for 13 km. Walk early in the day, when the mountain is most often clear. Parking is free nearby.
4. **North Egmont and Mt Taranaki** (New Plymouth, New Zealand): The road ends at a visitor centre at about 940 m on Mt Taranaki, with short walks and longer climbs towards the summit. The cone is often hidden in cloud. Check the forecast before you set out, and expect a narrow, winding road with limited parking.
5. **Ōākura Beach** (New Plymouth, New Zealand): A black-sand surf beach on the Surf Highway, with views to the Sugar Loaf Islands and Mt Taranaki on clear days. It is patrolled by lifeguards in summer. The beach has a camping area and a small town nearby. Swim between the flags, since currents are strong.
6. **Cape Egmont Lighthouse** (Ōpunake, New Zealand): A short white lighthouse on a windswept stretch of the western Taranaki coast, with black-sand beaches and a view back to the cone of Mt Taranaki. It lies at the end of Cape Road off SH45. The site is open to look at from outside, and wind is strong year round.
7. **Ōpunake** (New Zealand)
8. **Dawson Falls** (Hāwera, New Zealand): An 18 metre waterfall on the southern side of Mt Taranaki reached by a short walk from the Dawson Falls visitor centre, reached via Manaia Road. The surrounding forest has additional short tracks. The road is narrow and can ice up in winter.
9. **Hāwera** (New Zealand)
10. **Tawhiti Museum** (Hāwera, New Zealand): A private museum north of Hāwera with life-sized figures and dioramas showing Taranaki history, plus a boat ride through a miniature bush scene. Many displays were made by hand on site. Allow two to three hours and check opening days, which can be limited in winter.
11. **Stratford** (New Zealand)

## Suggested stages and overnight stops

1. **Day 1: New Plymouth → Ōākura Beach** (63 km, 0 h 41 min) On the way: Puke Ariki Museum, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and Coastal Walkway, North Egmont and Mt Taranaki.
2. **Day 2: Ōākura Beach → Dawson Falls** (86 km, 0 h 56 min) On the way: Cape Egmont Lighthouse, Ōpunake.
3. **Day 3: Dawson Falls → Stratford** (75 km, 0 h 49 min) On the way: Hāwera, Tawhiti Museum.

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June, September and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads?**
3-day road trip of about 223 km (139 mi) with 11 stops, from New Plymouth to Stratford. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 26 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads start and end?**
It starts in New Plymouth and ends in Stratford.

**Which states does Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads pass through?**
New Zealand.

**When is the best time for Around Mt Taranaki on the Surf Highway and mountain roads?**
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)