Story by Charlotte
Paradise in Taradise
Adventure in Ōakura, Taranaki, NZ
A minute down the road from home, we staycationed in a slice of tropical paradise that felt like an entirely different world. At the bottom of a winding staircase, set amongst 100-year-old trees, you'll find The Black Yurt surrounded by native bush and some of Aotearoa's favourite birds. The yurt itself came with a sense of calm and we spent hours relaxing in the outdoor bath and shower and lounging in the hammock.
We really tried to enjoy a few of the endless opportunities that our amazing region of Taranaki has to offer. The Cape Egmont Lighthouse is a scenic, 20-minute drive along the famous Surf Highway, while the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in the CBD is well worth a visit. While you're there, meander along the walkway that embraces the coastline for the entire length of the city. We also managed to squeeze in a stroll through the picturesque Pukekura Park.
The yurt is an ideal base to explore Taranaki and I can't recommend the experience enough. Whether you're travelling to get here or live just down the road, you will not be disappointed!
We really tried to enjoy a few of the endless opportunities that our amazing region of Taranaki has to offer. The Cape Egmont Lighthouse is a scenic, 20-minute drive along the famous Surf Highway, while the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in the CBD is well worth a visit. While you're there, meander along the walkway that embraces the coastline for the entire length of the city. We also managed to squeeze in a stroll through the picturesque Pukekura Park.
The yurt is an ideal base to explore Taranaki and I can't recommend the experience enough. Whether you're travelling to get here or live just down the road, you will not be disappointed!
Things We Did
- Sunset
- Scenic Drive
- Walk
- Experience
Enjoy a beautiful sunset, picnic, or summer swim at the local river. The river flows beside the small coastal town of Ōakura, which is located near the river mouth.
If you're enjoying a scenic drive around Surf Highway 45, be sure to take a detour to the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. It was made in London, with the huge, cast-iron pieces then ferried across the shore by surf boats, arriving first on Mana Island. It has been illuminating our rugged coastline since 1881.
Pukekura Park is set on 128 acres in the heart of New Plymouth city. It contains beautiful Botanical Gardens, a fernery, Brooklands Zoo and much more.
A beautiful coastal walkway that stretches just over 13 kilometres from Port Taranaki to Bell Block. We hired scooters to enjoy the experience, which you can find parked down by The Wind Wand sculpture.
Drive up into the the luscious, green Kaitake Ranges and you will find yourself a relaxing massage retreat. It's super popular, so I highly recommend booking in well before your trip begins.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is internationally known for contemporary art. The building itself is very popular, with a beautiful cafe and eatery next door, called Monica's, which is worth stopping in at after you've seen the exhibitions.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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