Story by Charlotte
Retreat to the Beach
Adventure in New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ
Just a half an hour's drive from New Plymouth, Oakura is a small coastal town wedged between the mighty Maunga Taranaki and the notoriously wild coast, which is renowned by surfers. Two minutes' south you’ll find Ahu Ahu beach villas. Nestled up on the hill, under the Kaitake Ranges, the 360-degree vistas are breathtaking, overlooking Oakura beach and the entire coastline back to Paritutu Rock in the north, and Ahu Ahu beach across to Weld Road River in the south.
The villas gave off early European vibes with the white plastered walls, salvaged wooden pillars and a beautiful bay window looking over the ocean. We had more than we could hope for...beach, surf, fishing, warmth, nature walks, bbq, fire pit, great food and coffee, all at our fingertips!
A highlight for me was sitting on the porch watching the sunrise and then in the evenings walking to the sunset seat. At the end of Ahu Ahu road, you will find a long drive up to Lucy’s Gully leading you to many nature walks. Surrounded by a national park with towering trees and native foliage, this is a beautiful spot to reconnect with nature.
This, for us, is your quintessential Aotearoa holiday spot, our first family Riparide adventure and we can’t wait to return.
The villas gave off early European vibes with the white plastered walls, salvaged wooden pillars and a beautiful bay window looking over the ocean. We had more than we could hope for...beach, surf, fishing, warmth, nature walks, bbq, fire pit, great food and coffee, all at our fingertips!
A highlight for me was sitting on the porch watching the sunrise and then in the evenings walking to the sunset seat. At the end of Ahu Ahu road, you will find a long drive up to Lucy’s Gully leading you to many nature walks. Surrounded by a national park with towering trees and native foliage, this is a beautiful spot to reconnect with nature.
This, for us, is your quintessential Aotearoa holiday spot, our first family Riparide adventure and we can’t wait to return.
Things We Did
- Walk
- Sunset
- Takeaway
- Restaurant
- Surf
- River
- Scenic Drive
On a short drive to the end of the road, you will find Lucy's Gully – a beautifully peaceful area amongst the Kaitake Ranges, surrounded by the tall redwoods, green native ferns and the sound of birds singing through the picturesque landscapes.
Just a short stroll across the grass you will find the sunset seat tucked away behind the bushes. The sunset here is absolutely incredible and not to be missed!
Mexican Open 5:30-8 Friday-Saturday night in the Winter located at Oakura Bp.
Summer hours are Thursday-Saturday night 5:30-8pm located just on the lawn before Oakura Beach camp or a small beach walk from your villa.
Summer hours are Thursday-Saturday night 5:30-8pm located just on the lawn before Oakura Beach camp or a small beach walk from your villa.
Beautiful fresh Italian food and wood-fire pizza in the heart of Oakura.
Surfing at Oakura beach is fun for the whole family! They even offer surfing lessons and board hire at Vertigo which you will find right below The Oakura Boardriders.
At the Bottom of the Ahu Ahu Beach Villas drive way you will find Ahus Beach which is the ideal location for a walk, swim or picnic at the beach.
The Oakura River is so refreshing for a swim, scenic walk along the beach, white baiting (Mid August - November), fishing or even a surf.
A replica of the Cape Egmont Lighthouse, the Historic Cape Light & Museum is at the end of Bayly Rd. You can climb up through to the top and look out - this is open most weekends.
Perfect for a nature walk to admire the botanical gardens and waterfall.
Be sure to keep an out for the TSB Festival of Lights which is held here at the end of December. Between the live bands and performances, as well as the beautiful lights sculptures, you'll be spoilt for entertainment. The lake even run row boats to hire at night during the festival. time.
Be sure to keep an out for the TSB Festival of Lights which is held here at the end of December. Between the live bands and performances, as well as the beautiful lights sculptures, you'll be spoilt for entertainment. The lake even run row boats to hire at night during the festival. time.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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