Day 1
New Plymouth to Ōakura
Distance 15km - Driving Time 30 minutes
You won’t be spending much time behind the wheel today, the drive from New Plymouth to Ōakura is short and easy, which means more time to explore and ease into the trip. The road hugs the coastline, with the sea on one side and Mt Taranaki often peeking through on the other. It’s a gentle start to the highway, and there’s no need to rush.
Key stops between New Plymouth and Ōakura
If the weather’s good, the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a great way to stretch your legs before hitting the road. It runs for 13 km along the coast, but you can just dip into a section. Maybe walk out to the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for that iconic shot of the mountain framed through the arches.
Just a short drive from the city, Back Beach is worth a stop too, especially if it’s low tide. There’s a steep path down to the sand, but the views out to the Sugar Loaf Islands make it worth the effort. If the weather’s not playing ball, pop into Puke Ariki, a museum and library combo with stories from across the region.
Key attractions in Ōakura
Ōakura is the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down. Ōakura Beach is the main drawcard. It’s safe for swimming, great for beginner surfers, and just a nice spot to park up for a while. There’s a general store in town, plus a few local cafés if you feel like grabbing a coffee or something sweet.
Where to stay in Ōakura
The Ōakura Beach Holiday Park is set right on the shoreline, with powered sites and a peaceful setting just outside the town centre. It’s a great first stop, especially if you like falling asleep to the sound of waves.
Day 2
Ōakura to Ōpunake (via Ōkato and Cape Egmont)
Distance 60km - Driving Time 1 hour
Today’s drive has a bit more distance, but it’s still an easy cruise along the coast with a few worthwhile detours. You’ll be heading through small surf towns, past rolling farmland, and around the western edge of Mt Taranaki. Keep your camera handy – there are some great photo stops along the way.
Key stops between Ōakura and Ōpunake
First stop: Ōkato. This small town has a real community feel and is a favourite with surfers passing through. Pick up a coffee or something fresh from the local bakery, then head out to Stent Road, one of the better-known surf breaks in the region. Even if you’re not paddling out, it’s a good spot to watch experienced surfers in action when the swell’s right.
Not far off the main route, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse makes a great detour. The lighthouse has been keeping watch over the coast since the 1800s, and on a clear day, you’ll get one of the classic shots of Mt Taranaki rising behind it. There’s no public access inside, but the view from the road is well worth the stop.
If you have time, consider a short detour inland to Pukeiti, a rainforest garden renowned for its incredible rhododendron displays. It’s peaceful and full of native bush, with short walking trails and a great little café if you’re ready for a break.
Key attractions in Ōpunake
Once you reach Ōpunake, you’ll find a classic Kiwi beach town with a relaxed pace and a big stretch of sand to match. The beach is patrolled in summer and is good for swimming, with a playground and picnic spots nearby. There’s a walking track that loops around the cliffs for wide ocean views.
The town itself has a mix of art galleries, a well-known theatre, and a couple of pubs and takeaways if you’re after something easy for dinner.
Where to stay in Ōpunake
The Ōpunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park is right on the beachfront, with powered sites and modern facilities. It’s an easy place to settle in for the night, especially with the sound of the waves just outside your camper.
Day 3
Explore Ōpunake and Surrounds
Staying local today means less time driving and more time soaking up what makes this little town so easy to like. Whether you’re into coastal walks, local art, or just taking it slow by the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy without going far.
Coastal walks and clifftop views
Start the day with a wander along the Ōpunake Walkway. It’s a loop track that takes you along the cliffs and around the edges of town, with a mix of ocean views, history boards, and quiet picnic spots. The full walk takes a couple of hours at a relaxed pace, but you can easily just do a section if you're keen to keep things cruisy.
Beach time and local favourites
Back in town, Ōpunake Beach is a solid spot to post up for a few hours, especially in summer when the surf club is on patrol. There’s a playground, barbecue area, and plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket or sit with a coffee. If the weather’s not on your side, Everybody’s Theatre is a local icon. This cool little theatre has been around since 1914 and still screens new releases and community events in a beautifully restored space.
Art and makers along the trail
If you’re here during the Taranaki Arts Trail, you’re in luck. It’s a great way to see the work of local artists and makers, many of whom open their studios just for the event. Even outside of the trail dates, Ōpunake has a growing arts scene, and you’ll often find small galleries or works tucked into cafés and community spaces around town.
Where to stay in Ōpunake
The Ōpunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park makes a great base for a second night. You’ve already got your bearings, and there’s something nice about not having to pack up and move on just yet.
Day 4
Ōpunake to Hāwera via Manaia and Kaupokonui Beach
Distance 45km - Driving Time 50 minutes
Today’s drive takes you along the southern stretch of Surf Highway 45, through small towns and open countryside, with a couple of quiet beach stops along the way. It’s another easy drive, with time to explore a few local spots before ending the day in Hāwera – the largest town in South Taranaki.
Key stops between Ōpunake and Hāwera
Not far from Ōpunake, you’ll reach Manaia, a small town with strong local roots. It’s home to Yarrows, the bakery supplying bread and baked goods across the country, and yes, the smell from the factory is as good as you’d expect. There’s also a dairy and a couple of cafés if you’re ready for a mid-morning snack.
A little further down the road, Kaupokonui Beach is worth a detour. It’s a quiet, rugged spot with a campground, a small river that runs into the sea, and a handful of locals who know how good it is. Great place to stop for lunch or just stretch the legs before the final leg into Hāwera.
Things to see in Hāwera
Once you arrive in town, take a walk over to the Hāwera Water Tower – a bit of a local landmark. If it’s open, you can climb the 215 steps to the top for a wide view over town and out to the coast.
A must-visit while you’re here is Tawhiti Museum, just a short drive from the town centre. It’s one of the most detailed and imaginative museums in the country, with incredibly crafted dioramas that tell the stories of Taranaki’s past including its farming, military, and Māori history. People often say they planned to pop in for an hour and ended up staying all afternoon.
Where to stay in Hāwera
Settle in for the night at the Hāwera Holiday Park, tucked away in a quiet spot with everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s close to town, so you can grab supplies or dinner without much hassle, and it’s a good base for your final day on the road.
Day 5
Hāwera to New Plymouth
Distance 80km - Driving Time 1 hour, 15 minutes
For your last day, you’ll loop inland back to New Plymouth, swapping the coastline for bush-covered slopes and quiet country roads. It’s a slightly longer drive than the trip down, but there’s plenty to see along the way, from wildlife reserves to mountain trails and even a cheese stop if you time it right.
Stops worth making between Hāwera and New Plymouth
Just outside Eltham, Rotokare Scenic Reserve is a hidden gem. It’s a fully fenced predator-free sanctuary with a peaceful lake, native forest, and walking tracks. Even a short visit gives you the chance to spot tūī, pīwakawaka, and other native birds doing their thing in a thriving environment.
Cheese lovers might want to make a detour into Eltham itself – home to one of Fonterra’s key cheese factories. While there’s no official tour, the town is proud of its place in New Zealand’s cheese story, and you can often find a decent local selection in nearby stores.
Explore the national park
As you head north, you’ll skirt the edge of Te Papakura o Taranaki, home to a range of walking tracks, waterfalls, and forest views. If the weather’s clear and you’re up for a walk, the Wilkies Pools Loop Track is a great short option. It’s an easy walk through goblin-like forest to a series of natural rock pools.
For something more challenging, the Pouākai Crossing offers a full-day hike across the northern side of the maunga, with sweeping views and alpine boardwalks.
Even if you’re just passing through, the visitor centre at North Egmont is worth a stop for a closer look at the landscape you’ve been circling all week.
Where to stay in New Plymouth
Finish the trip with a night at Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, perched above the coast with views across the Tasman. It’s a comfortable place to regroup, rinse off the road dust, and maybe revisit a favourite spot from earlier in the week before heading off tomorrow.
Ready to explore the State Highway 45 in a campervan?
From world-class surf breaks and coastal lookouts to local food, art, and walks in the shadow of the maunga, Surf Highway 45 has plenty to offer. Whether you’re travelling with family, chasing the next wave, or simply keen to explore somewhere new, there’s no better way to do it than in the comfort of a maui campervan.
From here, you can carry on exploring or loop back to Auckland to return your motorhome. Either way, you’ve just seen a side of Taranaki that’s well worth the detour.
If you’re ready to explore this stunning part of New Zealand, take the first step and book your maui campervan today.