Fitzroy Beach
Fitzroy Beach offers stunning black sand, great surf, and a vibrant promenade, perfect for active days and scenic strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Fitzroy Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Fitzroy Beach offers stunning black sand, great surf, and a vibrant promenade, perfect for active days and scenic strolls.
"One of the best beaches in New Plymouth, perfect for riding a bike, jumping in the sand or ocean."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes accessing the beach and its amenities a breeze. :car:
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Catch the stunning sunset for incredible photos. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Black Sand Shores
Fitzroy Beach
Experience the unique beauty of Taranaki's iconic black sand, perfect for strolls and soaking up the sun.
Surfing Hotspot
Fitzroy Beach
Catch a wave or watch skilled surfers ride the consistent breaks at this beloved local surf spot.
Scenic Promenade
Fitzroy Beach Waterfront
Enjoy a leisurely walk, bike ride, or scooter trip along the picturesque promenade with ocean views.
Family Fun Zone
Fitzroy Beach Playground
A fantastic playground makes this beach a hit with families, offering fun for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Taranaki Vibe
Beach Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes accessing the beach and its amenities a breeze. :car:
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Catch the stunning sunset for incredible photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Waterfront Strolls
Enjoy walking or cycling along the promenade for great views. :athletic_shoe:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Great spot for experienced surfers, but always check conditions. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes accessing the beach and its amenities a breeze. :car:
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Catch the stunning sunset for incredible photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Waterfront Strolls
Enjoy walking or cycling along the promenade for great views. :athletic_shoe:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
Great spot for experienced surfers, but always check conditions. :ocean:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The playground is a big hit with families. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fitzroy Beach is highly praised for its beautiful black sand, excellent surfing conditions, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and cafe. Visitors appreciate the scenic promenade for walking and cycling, and the convenient facilities. Some may find it busy during peak times.
"What a great beach amazing waves, clean changing room and lots of room. The kids also loved the playground"
Hamada Eleleimy
"Nice black beach in Mew Plymouth"
Sasanka Lahiru
"I've of the best beaches in New Plymouth. Nice place to ride a bike, jump in the sand or ocean. I picked up an electric scooter from here and drove along the waterfront. It was very enjoyable"
Richard Bolscher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fitzroy Beach is conveniently located just a short drive from the center of New Plymouth, approximately 10 minutes away. You can easily reach it by car, and there's plenty of parking available. Many visitors also enjoy cycling or using electric scooters along the waterfront to get there.
While specific bus routes can vary, the beach is easily accessible by car or other personal transport. For the most up-to-date public transport information, it's best to check local New Plymouth transport schedules.
Many visitors enjoy cycling or using electric scooters along the waterfront promenade. This offers a scenic way to experience the beach and its surroundings.
Yes, Fitzroy Beach is a popular destination for day trips within the Taranaki region. Its proximity to New Plymouth makes it easily accessible for a few hours of beach enjoyment.
Fitzroy Beach is part of the scenic New Plymouth coastline, with a promenade that connects to other coastal areas. The town center of New Plymouth is also a short drive away, offering additional attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fitzroy Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. You can enjoy the sand, surf, and amenities freely.
Fitzroy Beach is accessible at all times, as it is a public outdoor space. However, amenities like restrooms and changing rooms may have specific operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Fitzroy Beach. It's a public space open to everyone.
General public beach rules apply. Always be mindful of surf conditions and any posted safety information.
Fitzroy Beach offers good facilities including a playground, cafe, outdoor showers, toilets, and changing rooms, making it a comfortable spot for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, walking along the black sand, cycling or scootering on the promenade, and relaxing. The playground is also a great feature for families.
Fitzroy Beach is suitable for swimming, but it's always advisable to check local conditions and be aware of surf.
Yes, Fitzroy Beach is a popular spot for surfers, known for its consistent breaks. It's particularly favored by experienced surfers.
Fitzroy Beach is known for its distinctive black sand, a common feature of Taranaki beaches.
Yes, there is a playground at Fitzroy Beach, making it a great spot for families with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe located on-site at Fitzroy Beach, offering convenient food and drink options for visitors.
Absolutely! Many visitors choose to bring their own picnics and snacks to enjoy on the beach.
The cafe typically offers a range of casual beachside fare. It's best to check their current menu for specific offerings.
While the on-site cafe is the closest option, the main part of New Plymouth with more dining choices is a short drive away.
Information on barbecue facilities is not widely available, but it's always best to check local regulations or inquire at the cafe if you plan to barbecue.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon, especially during golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Sunrises can also be stunning over the water.
The unique black sand, the rolling waves, and the scenic promenade provide diverse photographic opportunities. The sunset views are particularly striking.
The promenade offers excellent vantage points for capturing the beach and coastline. The dunes also provide elevated perspectives.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens if you want to capture surfers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the New Plymouth District Council regarding any restrictions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With amenities like clean changing rooms and toilets readily available, it makes a day at the beach much more convenient for families. The on-site cafe also provides easy access to snacks and meals, reducing the need to pack extensive provisions.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the beach is great for swimming and enjoying the ocean. The promenade is also perfect for activities like cycling or using electric scooters, offering a different way to engage with the coastal environment.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Cyclists
It's a great way to explore the area at a relaxed pace, and many visitors enjoy renting electric scooters to cruise along the waterfront. The promenade connects to other parts of the New Plymouth coastline, allowing for extended exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Taranaki's Black Sand Beaches
Walking along Fitzroy Beach offers a sensory experience. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, and the expansive ocean views contribute to its appeal. It's a place where you can simply relax, take a leisurely stroll, or engage in more active pursuits. The beach's natural beauty is a significant draw for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the black sand beaches of Taranaki hold cultural significance. They are integral to the identity of the region and offer a glimpse into its volcanic past. Experiencing Fitzroy Beach means connecting with this unique natural heritage.
Fitzroy Beach: A Hub for Recreation and Family Fun
For those who prefer land-based activities, the promenade running alongside the beach is ideal. It's perfect for a brisk walk, a relaxing bike ride, or even zipping around on an electric scooter. This paved pathway offers stunning ocean vistas and connects you to other coastal points of interest.
Families will find Fitzroy Beach particularly appealing due to its excellent playground facilities. This ensures that younger visitors have plenty of opportunities for fun and play, making it a well-rounded destination for all ages. The combination of surf, cycling paths, and a playground makes Fitzroy Beach a dynamic and engaging place to spend your day.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Fitzroy Beach
The unique black sand itself provides a dramatic backdrop for any shot. Whether you're focusing on the textures of the sand, the patterns of the waves, or the silhouettes of surfers against the horizon, the contrast is always striking. The expansive coastline and the promenade also offer great opportunities for landscape photography.
For those interested in capturing the essence of Fitzroy Beach, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The playground and the surfers also offer dynamic subjects for action shots or candid family moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit