Tongaporutu

Travel Guide
Tongaporutu showing a sunset, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline
Embrace the change of pace offered by this settlement at the mouth of the Tongaporutu River, famous for rock formations, secluded beaches and peaceful atmosphere.

Visit Tongaporutu to fish, kayak, bushwalk and enjoy the serenity of this remote region of Taranaki. The small settlement is near dense forested areas, attractive pastures and seemingly endless beaches. Stop and admire its two celebrated rock formations or drive to nearby Taranaki cities and towns for shopping, dining and nightlife.

Three Sisters and Elephant Rock are famous rock formations in Tongaporutu. See the two remaining formations of the Three Sisters. Walk along the beach at low tide to get close to the formations or capture photos from higher ground as the waves crash into the rocks. One of the three sisters has succumb to millennia of erosion.

Three Sisters and Elephant Rock are also near fascinating Māori petroglyphs (rock carvings), located inside a cave just south of the Tongaporutu River mouth. Pick up information from the visitor centre in New Plymouth to learn more about the significance of the carvings, including one of a foot with six toes.

Spend time boating on Tongaporutu River or venture to many wonderful natural areas in Taranaki. Mount Messenger is a spectacular mountain just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the centre of Tongaporutu. The forested mountain features a steep tramping track to the summit, recommended for experienced hikers.

The Mount Messenger to Kiwi Road Track is another great long-distance walking trail with exceptional views of the surrounding forested areas. The advanced hiking track runs through dense shrub forests with patches of beech trees. Check the New Zealand Department of Conversation official website for detailed maps, seasonal restrictions and hiking advice.

Tongaporutuis perfect for visitors looking for a more secluded and peaceful coastal atmosphere. Drive from Auckland to the settlement in less than 4 hours or from New Plymouth in approximately 1 hour. Stay in small guesthouses and holiday homes in Tongaporutu or the surrounding settlements of Awakino and Mokau.

MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
Awakino
The price is CA $137 per night from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9
CA $137
CA $184 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Stay at this vacation home in Awakino. Enjoy patios and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Quick night away
"Stayed here with a group of friends and had an awesome time. The house was well set up, great location, clean and Jenny was a great host that even provided us with some home baking. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Awakino
The price is CA $125 per night from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12
CA $125
CA $252 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Awakino. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
Stunning views
"Stunning views from the top floor. Both bedrooms have amazing views of the ocean. Loved sitting at the dining room table and looking out to the ocean. Beds were comfortable. Would recommend"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Masonic Hotel
Masonic Hotel
3 out of 5
9 McLean Street, Waitara
The price is CA $87 per night from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10
CA $87
CA $100 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Waitara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Popular attractions Waitara Library and Waitara West Quay ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (79 reviews)
"Comfortable beds and great room & view. Not too noisy at night from the bar"

Reviewed on Sep. 28, 2024

Masonic Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
Awakino
Stay at this vacation home in Awakino. Enjoy patios and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Quick night away
"Stayed here with a group of friends and had an awesome time. The house was well set up, great location, clean and Jenny was a great host that even provided us with some home baking. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

MOKAU 'Number One'<br>Bach situated 5 minutes drive from Mokau<br>1 Briscoe st Awakino
Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Awakino
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Awakino. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
Stunning views
"Stunning views from the top floor. Both bedrooms have amazing views of the ocean. Loved sitting at the dining room table and looking out to the ocean. Beds were comfortable. Would recommend"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Mokino: Sensational views - in all directions !!!
Villa Retreat - secluded relaxation
Villa Retreat - secluded relaxation
Waitara
Stay at this apartment in Waitara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Manukorihi Park and Waitara Golf Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Great stay, the hosts are wonderful people and went the extra mile to ensure our stay was memorable. Had everything we needed and was clean, warm and well appointed. Thanks Brett and Wendy!"

Reviewed on Sep. 13, 2024

Villa Retreat - secluded relaxation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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