Last updated October 2026
Surf Highway 45 is the name given to State Highway 45, the 105 km coastal route that links New Plymouth with Hāwera around the western side of Taranaki. Venture Taranaki says almost every road that heads off the highway towards the coast leads to a wave, from gentle sandy beach breaks to waves peeling along rocky points.
Three of New Zealand’s nationally significant surf breaks, Stent Road, Backdoor Stent and Farmhouse Stent, lie off the highway near Warea. Along the way are the patrolled beaches at Ōakura and Ōpunake, the river mouth at Kaupokonui, small settlements, pā sites, a lighthouse and museums. It makes a full day trip from New Plymouth, whether or not you surf.
Practical Information
- Route
- State Highway 45, New Plymouth to Hāwera around the coast, 105 km
- Councils
- New Plymouth District as far south as the Hangatahua (Stony) River, then South Taranaki District
- Towns on the way
- Ōakura, Ōkato, Warea, Pungarehu, Rahotu, Ōpunake and Manaia
- Nationally significant surf breaks
- Stent Road, Backdoor Stent and Farmhouse Stent near Warea (plus Waiwhakaiho in New Plymouth)
- Patrolled beaches
- Ōakura and Ōpunake in summer, plus Fitzroy and East End in New Plymouth
- Visitor information
- New Plymouth i-SITE at Puke Ariki, 1 Ariki Street; South Taranaki i-SITE, 121 High Street, Hāwera
- Road conditions
- NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Journey Planner
- Cost
- Free; some museums and attractions charge entry
About Surf Highway 45
Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, sums it up: “Dubbed Surf Highway 45, the coastal road between Hāwera and New Plymouth is famed for its surf breaks”, which include Stent Road, Spot X and the Kūmara Patch.
Te Ara adds that Taranaki locals have ridden these waves since the 1950s, some going on to become international stars, and that the region has produced a number of surfboard designers.
Venture Taranaki, the regional tourism organisation, describes the 105 km route as a journey through the region’s stories: the surf, the landscape, the history and the creativity, all under the gaze of Taranaki Maunga.
Between New Plymouth and Hāwera it counts dozens of surf breaks, beaches, historic and cultural sites, scenic spots and cafés in small villages, and surf shops around the coast that sell custom boards and hire out boards and wetsuits. South Taranaki District Council places Ōpunake about halfway along the route.
The coast the highway follows is protected for surfing. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 lists Stent Road, Backdoor Stent and Farmhouse Stent, together with Waiwhakaiho in New Plymouth, among the surf breaks of national significance.
Taranaki Regional Council’s Coastal Plan for Taranaki (Schedule 8) names those four breaks and dozens of regionally and locally significant ones, many of them off this highway. The plan also sets aside a Significant Surfing Area along the coast from Kaihihi Road in the north to Cape Road in the south.
The highway also crosses two districts. New Plymouth District Council’s coast ends at the Hangatahua (Stony) River just south of Ōkato; from there to Hāwera the coast and towns are in South Taranaki District.
Surf Breaks and Beaches Along the Highway
These are the main stops from north to south. The breaks below are listed in the Coastal Plan for Taranaki; many sit at the end of rural roads, with no lifeguards and rocky shores.
Ōakura and the Kaitake Coast
Ōakura, 13 km from New Plymouth, is the first beach town on the highway south of the city. The regional council lists three breaks there (Ōakura Beach, Ōakura Camp Ground and Ōakura River Mouth), and Venture Taranaki says the beach is perfect for families and beginner surfers. It is patrolled in summer by New Plymouth Old Boys Surf Life Saving Club.
Further west, breaks are listed off Ahu Ahu Road and Weld Road. A drive down Timaru or Weld Roads leads to the wreck of the SS Gairloch, which ran aground on Timaru Reef on 5 January 1903; Venture Taranaki says the last pieces of the hull can still be seen off the rock pools.
Ōkato to Cape Egmont
Near Ōkato, Venture Taranaki describes the Kūmara Patch as a dependable left-hand point break with a sandy beach, popular with experienced surfers. It also names Rocky Rights on Paora Road among the breaks that have become legendary in New Zealand surfing.
Off the highway near Warea, Stent Road is, in Venture Taranaki’s words, a big right-hand point break along a rocky shore, popular all year round, and Te Ara calls it one of New Zealand’s classic surf breaks.
The regional council’s plan gives Stent Road and Farmhouse Stent the Māori name Tuiraho, and Back of Stent (Backdoor Stent) the name Waiweranui. Te Ara notes that the 43rd Regiment built a redoubt on the coast near the end of Stent Road in 1865.
Rahotu to Ōpunake
Venture Taranaki says Kina Road is synonymous with wave sailing, and describes Arawhata Road, near Ōpunake, as a right-hand point break on a rocky point.
Ōpunake Beach itself, which South Taranaki District Council calls one of Taranaki’s best surf beaches, is a sheltered sandy bay with a playground and barbecues, and is patrolled in summer by the Ōpunake Surf Life Saving Club.
Ōpunake to Hāwera
South of Ōpunake, Venture Taranaki lists Mangahume among the legendary breaks. Near Manaia, Kaupokonui Beach sits at a sheltered river mouth that Venture Taranaki calls a favourite for family swims and picnics, with a beach camp beside it.
Ohawe Beach, close to Hāwera, is also listed as a regionally significant surf break, and Venture Taranaki says the coastal walk from Waihi Beach to Ohawe Beach at low tide shows rock pools and old tram rails.
More Than Surf: Stops on the Way
The Cape Egmont Lighthouse at the end of Cape Road, Pungarehu, marks the westernmost point of Taranaki. Venture Taranaki tells its story: built in London and shipped to New Zealand in 1865, it first stood on Mana Island near Wellington, was carried to Cape Egmont in sections in 1881, and was automated in 1986. Its rebuilding was delayed by the people of nearby Parihaka, who used non-violent protest against the confiscation of their land.
Te Ara records that Pungarehu was set up as a base for the 1881 invasion of Parihaka, when more than 1,500 government and volunteer troops entered the village. The Historic Cape Light and Museum is at the end of Bayly Road, 4 km north of the lighthouse.
Venture Taranaki also points out the small rounded hills along Cape Road and beside the highway, formed by ancient lahars from Taranaki Maunga, several of which still carry the earthworks of old Māori fortifications.
On Puketapu Road, 9 km south of Ōpunake, a memorial with the anchor of the Lizzie Bell remembers the 12 of her 18 crew who died when she ran aground on the South Taranaki coast in July 1901.
Other stops worth the time include Tawhiti Museum, at 401 Ohangai Road just north of Hāwera, which Venture Taranaki says has repeatedly been judged one of New Zealand’s best museums, and the Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway at Ōkato, a 3 km return walk from Hickford Place. At the southern end, the Hāwera Water Tower is a landmark of the town where the highway ends.
Safety and Road Conditions
Only a few beaches on the route have lifeguards. Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Taranaki clubs are at Ōakura and Ōpunake on the highway, and at Fitzroy and East End in New Plymouth. Swim at those beaches, between the flags, during patrol hours.
Most of the breaks are on exposed reefs and rocky points far from help, so surf with someone else and leave word of where you have gone. Taranaki Regional Council advises staying out of the water for three days after heavy or prolonged rain.
Heavy rain can close the highway, so check the NZTA Journey Planner before you set off in wet weather. New Plymouth District Council also bans dogs from some beaches, such as part of Kaihihi Beach near Ōkato, during the bird nesting season, so check the council’s dog rules if you are travelling with a dog.
Where to Learn More
Venture Taranaki: Surf Highway 45: the regional tourism guide to the route, its surf spots and swimming beaches, with a downloadable map.
Taranaki Regional Council: Coastal Plan Schedule 8: the full list of nationally, regionally and locally significant surf breaks on the Taranaki coast.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi: Journey Planner: live road closures, roadworks and traffic bulletins for State Highway 45.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Surf Highway 45?
Venture Taranaki and South Taranaki District Council both give the route as 105 km, running around the coast from New Plymouth to Hāwera.
Which surf breaks on Surf Highway 45 are nationally significant?
Stent Road, Backdoor Stent and Farmhouse Stent, near Warea, are listed in Schedule 1 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010. Waiwhakaiho, in New Plymouth, is the fourth Taranaki break on that list.
Where can I swim along Surf Highway 45?
The patrolled beaches on the route are Ōakura and Ōpunake, in summer. Venture Taranaki also describes Kaupokonui, near Manaia, as a sheltered river mouth that is a favourite for family swims. Swim between the flags where there are lifeguards.
Is Surf Highway 45 good for beginner surfers?
Venture Taranaki says Ōakura Beach is perfect for families and beginner surfers. Many other breaks are rocky points, and it describes the Kūmara Patch as popular with experienced surfers.
Can I hire a surfboard on the way?
Venture Taranaki says there are surf shops around the coast that sell custom boards and hire out boards and wetsuits.
Does Surf Highway 45 ever close?
Sometimes, in severe weather; flooding near the Hangatahua River has closed it south of Ōkato. Check the NZTA Journey Planner before you go.
What is there to see apart from surf?
The Cape Egmont Lighthouse and the Historic Cape Light and Museum, Parihaka, the Lizzie Bell anchor memorial, Tawhiti Museum near Hāwera, the Ōpunake murals and the Stony River Walkway at Ōkato.
Where can I get visitor information?
At the New Plymouth i-SITE in Puke Ariki, 1 Ariki Street, or the South Taranaki i-SITE at 121 High Street, Hāwera.
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