Fitzroy Beach
Taranaki’s Famous Black Sand
Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Fitzroy Beach is one of Taranaki’s most well-known coastal spots. With its wide stretch of dark volcanic sand, powerful Tasman Sea waves and long open views along the coast, it’s a beach that captures the raw beauty of New Zealand’s west coast.
Popular with surfers, walkers and families alike, Fitzroy beach offers space to explore,
collect shells, watch the surf or simply enjoy the rhythm of the ocean.
Black Sand & Ocean Views
A Classic Taranaki Beach
Like many beaches along the Taranaki coastline, Fitzroy is defined by its striking black sand. Formed from volcanic minerals carried down from Mt Taranaki over thousands of years, the dark sand contrasts beautifully with the deep blue-grey tones of the Tasman.
The beach stretches widely along the coast, creating a dramatic setting where the land meets the ocean. Even on busy days it still feels open and expansive, with plenty of room to walk along the shoreline and enjoy uninterrupted views.
The west coast weather and shifting tides constantly reshape the beach, giving it a rugged, ever-changing character that makes every visit slightly different from the last.
Shells & Driftwood
Treasures Washed Ashore
Walking along Fitzroy Beach quickly becomes a treasure hunt. Scattered across the sand are shells, smooth stones and interesting pieces of driftwood left behind by the tide.
During our visit we noticed a surprising amount of washed-up timber — from small branches to large tree trunks. Much of this driftwood originates from forestry areas further up the coast before eventually making its way down the shoreline.
For people who enjoy beachcombing, photography or collecting natural driftwood, Fitzroy offers plenty to discover along the water’s edge.
Wild & Uncrowded
A True West Coast Beach
Compared with some of the more popular beaches further north, Ohawe feels open and uncrowded. On the day we visited there were a handful of surfers enjoying the waves and several people swimming, but the beach still felt expansive and peaceful, with plenty of space to wander and explore.
As the afternoon light shifts, the colours in the clay and papa rock seem to deepen, making the entire coastline feel even more dramatic.
Spend a little time here and you begin to understand why photographers and nature lovers are drawn to this stretch of coast. With its wide skies, powerful ocean and rugged cliffs, Ohawe captures the wild beauty that defines the Taranaki coastline.
Wild, dramatic and unmistakably west coast, Ohawe Beach remains one of Taranaki’s most memorable coastal landscapes.
Experience
More Than a Place to Stay
At Mountain Lake Lodge, the experience goes beyond your room. Wander through the gardens, watch ducks glide across the lake or unwind by the firepit as the stars appear overhead. Here, life moves a little slower, shaped by open skies, mountain views and the simple rhythms of rural Taranaki.
