Ōakura on the Taranaki Surf Highway
Ōakura is a charming town and surf beach located south of New Plymouth along the Taranaki Surf Highway, State Highway 45. This coastal destination is known for its 2 km-long surf beach that faces the Tasman Sea. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. From the northern end, you have a distant view of Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands in New Plymouth.
The Beach and Natural Environment
Ōakura Beach has a surf patrol that operates from December to March for weekends and public holidays. This moves to weekdays during the school summer holiday period.
internationally recognised for its exceptional quality and environmental standards. In 2007, it became one of the first Blue Flag accredited beaches in Oceania. Only two others, Fitzroy and East End beach in nearby New Plymouth, received the same award that year. The beach has retained its Blue Flag status ever since.
Beachside Amenities and Dining
At the southern end of Ōakura Beach, there is a campground. Midway along the beach on Tasman Promenade, there's a popular pizza place that is highly recommended. The township is also known for Butlers Reef, established in 1865. This is a popular bar and music venue that has showcased many well-known New Zealand and international acts.
Māori Heritage and Cultural Significance
The name Ōakura is derived from Akura-matapū, a woman who arrived on the Kurahaupō waka, one of the ocean-going migration vessels that brought Māori to Aotearoa between 1250 and 1300 CE. The Ōakuramatapū River enters the Tasman Sea at the north end of the beach, and Ōakura is a shortened version of the name.
Located 3km south-east of Ōakura township, Koru Pā is thought to be one of the first Māori settlements in Taranaki. Māori tradition recognises it may have been built as early as 1300 CE by Nga Mahanga a Tairi, making it of particular historical importance in the region. Māori are known to have lived in the area from around the time of first arrival, with Ngāti Tairi retaining their historic connection through the marae Ōakura Pā beside the southern side of the Ōakura River.
How to Get to Ōakura
The scenic 15-kilometre drive from New Plymouth on the Taanaki Surf Highway provides stunning coastal views and takes approximately 15 minutes. Ōkato is located 12 km further south-west along the same highway.
Other nearby attractions around New Plymouth include the New Plymouth City Walk and Pukerua Park.
