Wanderyn
Oakura
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · NZ

Oakura

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Oakura is about a 15-minute drive southwest of New Plymouth along the Surf Highway (SH45), and a car is the practical way to get there and to continue on to the other beaches further around the coast; there's limited local bus service between Oakura and New Plymouth but a car gives far more flexibility given the surf-focused, spread-out nature of the coastline here. The village itself is small and walkable.
Hours: There are no fixed visitor hours here; surf conditions rather than clock time govern most visits, and the village's cafes and surf shops keep standard small-town daytime hours.

Oakura is a small beachside village on Taranaki's Surf Highway, generally considered one of the better and more consistent surf breaks in the region and popular with both locals from New Plymouth and visiting surfers working their way around the wider Taranaki coast. It has a laid-back, surf-town character, with a scattering of cafes, a well-regarded local pub, and a small strip of shops rather than any major sightseeing attractions.

Most visitors treat Oakura as either a beach and surf stop on a drive around the Surf Highway loop, or a slightly quieter alternative base to New Plymouth itself, close enough to the city (about 15 minutes) to use its facilities while getting a more relaxed, beach-village pace at night.

Oakura FAQs

Is Oakura good for beginner surfers?

It's generally considered a solid, consistent break that suits a range of abilities, though as with any surf spot conditions vary by swell and tide, so check locally or with a surf school before heading out if you're inexperienced.

How far is Oakura from New Plymouth?

About 15 minutes' drive along the Surf Highway (SH45), making it an easy day trip or a quieter alternative base to staying in the city itself.

Is there much to do in Oakura besides surfing?

It's a small village with a few cafes and a pub; most of the appeal is the beach and surf itself rather than sightseeing attractions, though it makes a relaxed stop on a drive around the Taranaki coast.

Can you rent surfboards in Oakura?

Yes, there are local surf shops offering board and wetsuit hire and lessons, given the village's focus on surf culture.

Is Oakura a good base for exploring Mount Taranaki?

It's workable given the short drive to New Plymouth and onward roads toward Egmont National Park, though New Plymouth itself is more central if the mountain is your main focus.

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