Back Beach is a beautiful black sand beach located in Taranaki, New Zealand. Known for its towering cliffs and spectacular views of Mount Taranaki, Back Beach is the perfect destination for a vacation full of adventure and relaxation. In this guide, you will find essential information on what to do, where to stay and eat, and how to get to Back Beach.
Exciting activities in Back Beach
Back Beach is an ideal place to enjoy a variety of activities. You can take surfing lessons on the beach, with prices ranging from $60 to $100, and experience the thrill of the waves in this unique setting. If you prefer land-based activities, hiking at Paritutu Rock is free and offers panoramic views of the coastline.
| Activity | Recommended number of people | Approximate price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf lessons | 1+ | $60-$100 | Back Beach |
| Hiking at Paritutu Rock | 1+ | Free | Near Back Beach |
| Horseback riding | 1+ | $50-$100 | Near Back Beach |
| Cave exploration | 1+ | $40-$80 | Near Back Beach |
Best hotels and apartments near Back Beach
Fitzroy Beach Motel, located 5 km from Back Beach, is a four-star lodging option with prices ranging from $130 to $200 per night. This motel offers WiFi, parking and a swimming pool for guests. Two miles from Back Beach, you’ll find Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, a three-star option with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night.
| Hotel/Apartment | Stars | Approximate price | Location | Main services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitzroy Beach Motel | 4 | $130-$200 | 5 km from Back Beach | WiFi, parking, swimming pool |
| Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park | 3 | $50-$150 | 3 km from Back Beach | Camping, cabins, WiFi |
| The Devon Hotel | 4 | $120-$180 | 6 km from Back Beach | Restaurant, swimming pool, spa |
Sights and attractions near Back Beach
In addition to enjoying the beach, there are other places and sites of interest worth exploring in the Back Beach area. Here are a few options:
Paritutu Rock: An imposing monolith near Back Beach, perfect for hiking and enjoying scenic views.
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Reserve: A unique marine reserve, ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and marine animal sightings.
Pukekura Park: A beautiful park in New Plymouth, about 5 miles from Back Beach, ideal for walks, picnics and enjoying nature.
The best restaurants in Back Beach
Enjoy delicious meals at the best restaurants near Back Beach. Here is a list of the most outstanding ones.
| Restaurant | Type of cuisine | Approximate price | Location | Featured dishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bach on Breakwater | International | $20-$40 | 4 km from Back Beach | Fish and chips, burgers, seafood |
| Monica’s Eatery | Italian | $15-$30 | 8 km from Back Beach | Pasta, pizza, salads |
| The Orangery | Fusion | $25-$50 | 6 km from Back Beach | Tapas, seafood dishes, desserts |
The weather in Back Beach
Back Beach has a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 12°C in winter to 22°C in summer. Humidity is moderate throughout the year. The best time to visit Back Beach is during the summer months, between December and February, when temperatures are warmer and weather conditions are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and the beach.
Where is Back Beach and how to get there?
Back Beach is located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. To get to Back Beach, you can take different means of transport:
Plane: The nearest airport is New Plymouth Airport, about 12 km from Back Beach. Domestic flights connect New Plymouth with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Back Beach.
Car: From New Plymouth, drive on State Highway 45 for approximately 10 km to Back Beach. The drive takes about 15 minutes.
Bus: Bus services connect New Plymouth with Back Beach and other nearby towns. The approximate fare is $10-$20.
Keep in mind that renting a car will give you more flexibility to explore the area and visit other nearby attractions.
