Surf Highway 45 is a 105km coastal drive between New Plymouth and Hāwera, winding along Taranaki’s wild west coast, beneath the silhouette of the mighty Taranaki Maunga.
Often overlooked in favour of longer New Zealand road trips, this is one of the country’s most underrated coastal drives. It’s not just for surfers, but for road trippers chasing a raw, unfiltered stretch of west coast scenery — where short detours lead to hidden coves, windswept lookouts, black sand beaches, and stretches of coastline that feel untouched.
Named for the dozens of surf breaks scattered along State Highway 45, almost every turnoff toward the ocean reveals another beach, reef break, or surf spot. Along the way, surf culture, creative communities, dramatic coastal landscapes, and local food stops blend into one endlessly rewarding road trip.
Surf Highway 45 at a Glance
- Distance: 105km
- Start: New Plymouth
- Finish: Hāwera
- Recommended trip length: 2–4 days
- Best for: Surf, coastal scenery, cafés, art, black sand beaches, scenic lookouts, and short walks
Jump to a Day
Use the links below to navigate quickly through each stage of the Surf Highway 45 road trip. Whether you’re chasing surf breaks, coastal walks, or small-town cafés, each day highlights a different stretch of Taranaki’s wild west coast — from New Plymouth’s city surf scene through to the quieter beaches and farmland of South Taranaki.
Day 1 — New Plymouth Surf & Coastal Culture
Day 2 — Ōakura Surf Village & Arts Coast
Day 3 — Ōpunake Reef Breaks & Coastal Trails
Day 4 — South Taranaki Beaches & Farm Country
Day 1 — New Plymouth Surf & Coastal Culture
City surf culture and volcanic landscapes
Start in New Plymouth, where surf beaches and city life sit side by side with constant views of Taranaki Maunga.
Begin the day with coffee at Ozone Coffee or Bleached Coffee & Company.
Walk or cycle the Coastal Walkway, and visit Fitzroy Beach, home to hollow waves and a great spot to build a driftwood sculpture to make you part of the thriving Taranaki arts scene!
Coastal Walkway
For calmer swimming, nearby Ngāmotu Beach offers a more sheltered option, and if you're looking for epic views and to strech the legs, head up Paritutu Rock.
Grab lunch at Wild Pear Kitchen or The Teahouse.
For craft beer, stop at Shining Peak Brewing or The Silo Crop & Brew Deli.
End the day at The Vineyard Bistro @ Okurukuru.
Also nearby:
Sugar Loaf Islands
Paritutu Rock
Day 2 — Ōakura Surf Village & Arts Coast
Surfing, art, and relaxed coastal living
A short drive south brings you to Ōakura, a laid-back surf village with strong arts culture.
Start with brunch at Dawn Oakura, and if you're or Black Sand Pizzeria & Bistro Oakura.
Sugar Juice Cafe is a great spot for a coffee of light bite, while the world famous Ōpunake Fish and Chips is our favourite dinner stop, while also being a hit with Lonely Planet!
Nearby surf highlights:
Day 3 — Ōpunake Reef Breaks & Coastal Trails
Reef breaks and scenic coastal walking
Start your day at Sugar Juice Cafe, and then spend some time in Ōpunake, a classic surf town with reef breaks and rugged coastline.
Continue south through a stretch of coastline packed with surf breaks and open ocean views.
Don’t miss:
- Stent Road surf break
- Desperation Point
- Ōpunake Loop Trail
- Cape Egmont Lighthouse replica
Day 4 — South Taranaki Beaches & Farm Country
Surf beaches, local food stops, and coastal heritage
If time allows, detour to Parihaka, one of Aotearoa’s most significant historic settlements and a key cultural site in Taranaki history.
Continue south through Manaia and coastal stops before finishing in Hāwera, where you can relax at the Good Score Food Store.
Don’t miss:
🍽️ Taranaki Food and Beverage Highlights
Taranaki’s food scene is one of New Zealand’s most underrated — shaped by surf towns, rich farmland, and a coastline that runs straight through it. Along Surf Highway 45, cafés, bakeries, breweries, and restaurants are never far from the next beach or lookout, making it easy to turn a road trip into a food-focused journey.
From sunrise coffee in New Plymouth to long lunches in Ōakura, craft beer after a day on the coast, or a dessert stop in a small surf town, the region rewards slow travel and spontaneous detours.
To make it easy, we’ve curated the best food and beverage stops across Taranaki — covering cafés, breweries, restaurants, and local favourites all along Surf Highway 45 and beyond.
👉 Check out the top Taranaki Food and Beverage Stops
Best time to drive Surf Highway 45
Summer brings the warmest swimming conditions and surf lifesaving patrols at beaches like Fitzroy, Ōakura, and Ōpunake, while autumn often delivers quieter roads, cleaner surf conditions, stronger offshore winds, and dramatic sunsets.
