About | Back Beach
Back Beach is one of the best surf beaches in the region and also the most picturesque. Great for exploring, swimming and walking along the beach. The surf can reach 1 – 3.5 meters high which makes it a popular beach for surfers.
Go for a walk and explore the beach and the Sugar Loaf Islands below (best at low tide), sea lions have been spotted here! Or grab your boogie board and slide down the big northend sand dune (by the islands) or park up at one of the car parks above for a great view of the beach and the islands. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise, have a picnic or get out the camera for some great family shots.
On a hot day the sand can be hot!
No lifeguards – be careful out there – this place can get dangerous. Be aware of rips.
When the day has cooled down, go climb Paritutu Rock for even better views of Back Beach, Sugar Loaf Islands and the surrounding area. It’s a bit of a climb, but there are chains to help you up and the views are worth it.
Nearby
Paritutu Rock
The Wind Wand
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Brooklands Zoo
Puke Ariki Library and Museum
Tupare Garden
Location
There are several access points to the beach or its viewpoints along Centennial Drive. Some of the parking spots up top either have steps going down or a sand dune that the kids will love running down.
Photos
Back Beach is a really stunning place. You can either grab a picnic and enjoy it from one of the viewing spots above or park down below and go for an explore along the beach and by the Sugar Loaf Islands.
Ashton had taken an interest in photography and so after asking to take a photo himself, we handed the camera over to our little budding photographer. Photos aren’t too bad, haha!
On a gloomy day
We visited Back Beach three times while we were in Taranaki – that’s how much we loved it! One time we came early in the morning on a pretty dreary day and it gave off a totally different vibe. Down below the kids can have fun playing with the incoming waves and go for a good explore around the Sugar Loaf Islands. There were several locals and dog walkers already out enjoying the morning with us.
