Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools
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Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools

4.5
·264 reviews·New Plymouth, New Zealand

A scenic coastal park with a fun playground, thrilling rock pools, and stunning views of Mount Taranaki.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best for ocean views & play

CrowdMedium
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Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools

Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best for ocean views & play

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic coastal park with a fun playground, thrilling rock pools, and stunning views of Mount Taranaki.

4.5
(264 reviews)

"This park is beautiful. The sculpture n information is very good especially for kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Slide into the Ocean!

Bring dish soap for extra slippery slides into the sea. Do at your own risk!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Coastal Walk

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and Mount Taranaki views along the extensive walkway.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coastal Walkway Views

Coastal Walkway Views

Along the coastline

Stunning ocean vistas and Mount Taranaki backdrop. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Family Playground Fun

Family Playground Fun

Central park area

Engaging sculptures and a long slide offer entertainment for all ages.

The Thrilling Rock Pools

The Thrilling Rock Pools

Ocean edge

Slide directly into the ocean for an exhilarating, albeit rocky, experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Coastal Charm

Kawaroa Park offers stunning ocean views and family-friendly fun. The coastal walkway is a must-do, perfect for a leisurely stroll with Mount Taranaki as a backdrop. Plan for a relaxed day exploring the park's unique features.

Rock Pool Adventures

For the adventurous, the rock pools offer a unique thrill. Bring dishwashing liquid for extra slippery slides into the ocean, but be mindful of the rocks. It's a fun, albeit potentially bumpy, experience for those seeking a bit of excitement.

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Best for ocean views & play
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively family atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mount Taranaki 🏔️ New bridge discovered‼️ Did you know this newest suspension bridge in New Plymouth opened in May? It’s only a 20mins easy walk to reach the 100m bridge with Mount Taranaki just right in front of you 🏔️ 👟 20mins easy walk 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 family friendly track 🅿️ huge car park with toilet 🌄 scenery viewing platform at car park Tag or share to your outdoorsy friends to enjoy this new destinat...
@jomi.travelkaki
2.1K likes • 72.5K views

🌊 Slide into the Ocean!

Bring dish soap for extra slippery slides into the sea. Do at your own risk! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Coastal Walk

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and Mount Taranaki views along the extensive walkway. Reddit

This is a MUST DO! 🌿 🧚 📍 Pukekura Park, New Plymouth 🇳🇿 Taranaki, New Zealand 💰 FREE #newzealand #newplymouth #taranaki #pukekurapark #newzealandtravel #newzealand🇳🇿 #nztiktok #nz #mustdonz #purenewzealand #taranaki_nz
@cjexplores
1.8K likes • 56.8K views
A teen Taranaki club rugby player has been slapped with a 36-match ban after shoulder-charging a referee in a premier match. The incident was during a premier clash between Southern and New Plymouth Old Boys in Hāwera on June 20, where the unnamed player lined up the referee and ran straight into him, knocking the official to the ground. The referee managed to get up and spoke to the unnamed 17-ye...
@nzherald
1.6K likes • 35.3K views

👨‍👩‍👧 Keep an Eye on Kids

The park has many obstacles and hills, requiring vigilance with children. Reddit

🏞️ Free Family Fun

This park offers a fantastic, free day out with plenty to see and do for everyone. TikTok

reddit.com

Suggestions for tourists with young kids

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Slide into the Ocean!

Bring dish soap for extra slippery slides into the sea. Do at your own risk! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Coastal Walk

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and Mount Taranaki views along the extensive walkway. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Keep an Eye on Kids

The park has many obstacles and hills, requiring vigilance with children. Reddit

🏞️ Free Family Fun

This park offers a fantastic, free day out with plenty to see and do for everyone. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(264 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kawaroa Park is widely praised as a beautiful, family-friendly spot with stunning coastal views and engaging activities. Visitors love the free entry, the scenic walkway, and the fun playground. Some caution is advised regarding the rock pools and the need for vigilance with children in certain areas.

"This park is beautiful. The sculpture n information is very good especially for kids. Long slide is cool."

Nilesh Manchekar

"What a lovely place to visit lots to do good day out for the hold family and walking around so lovely lots to see everyone just having a lovely family day"

Diane parkes

"It's a pretty cool park, right on the boardwalk. But it is hard to keep track of the kids with the hillside and all the playground obstacles. Have to be vigilant. And the slides are not as scary as they look."

Kylie Fletcher

What People Like

Beautiful coastal views
Free family fun
Engaging playground

What People Dislike

Rock pool risks
Vigilance needed for kids

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kawaroa Park is conveniently located along the coastal walkway in New Plymouth. It's easily accessible by car, with a large car park available. Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling to the park as part of the scenic coastal route. TikTok

Yes, there is a huge car park at Kawaroa Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

Absolutely! The park is situated along the beautiful coastal walkway, which is perfect for walking and offers stunning views. Reddit

Yes, the coastal walkway is well-suited for cycling, and Kawaroa Park is a great stop along the route. Reddit

Walking or cycling the coastal walkway is highly recommended for the best experience, with Kawaroa Park being a key highlight. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Kawaroa Park is completely free to enter and enjoy. It's a great option for budget-friendly family fun. TikTok

Kawaroa Park is an open public space and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime. TikTok

No booking is required for the rock pools. They are a natural feature accessible to all visitors. Reddit

The playground is designed for a range of ages, but adult supervision is recommended, especially for younger children due to the park's layout. Reddit

While the coastal walkway is generally accessible, some areas within the park, particularly around the rock pools, may be challenging. It's best to assess on arrival. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park features a beautiful coastal walkway, a fun family playground with sculptures and a long slide, and the unique rock pools for an adventurous experience. TikTokReddit

Bring swimwear if you plan to use the rock pools, water, snacks, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended. Reddit

Yes, there are toilet facilities available at the park, which is convenient for families. TikTok

Swimming in the rock pools can be exhilarating but comes with risks due to slippery surfaces and rocks. It's recommended to use caution and consider bringing dish soap for extra slide. Reddit

The park features various sculptures and informational displays, which are particularly engaging for children. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots along the coastal walkway with Mount Taranaki in the background. The playground and the dramatic rock pools also offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Sunny afternoons provide beautiful lighting for coastal shots. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and Civil Aviation Authority rules before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

The suspension bridge (if referring to a nearby one mentioned in T1) and the panoramic views of Mount Taranaki are iconic. The rock pools also provide dramatic, adventurous shots. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A waterproof camera or phone case is recommended if you plan on getting close to the rock pools. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kawaroa Park is a fantastic, free destination for families. The playground with its long slide and sculptures is a guaranteed hit with children.Reddit The coastal walkway offers a safe and scenic environment for family strolls, with plenty of space to run around. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be prepared to supervise children closely, especially around the playground's varied terrain and the adventurous rock pools.Reddit The park's accessibility and ample parking also make it a convenient choice for a family day out. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Kawaroa Park is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as entry is completely free.TikTok You can spend hours exploring the coastal walkway, enjoying the stunning views of Mount Taranaki and the ocean without spending a dime.Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, and take advantage of the free playground facilities. The rock pools offer a unique, albeit potentially risky, free thrill for the adventurous. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Kawaroa Park offers a wealth of opportunities. The coastal walkway provides dramatic backdrops with Mount Taranaki and the ocean.TikTok Capture the dynamic energy of the rock pools or the playful moments at the playground.Reddit Aim for sunny afternoons for optimal lighting, or consider early mornings for softer hues and fewer crowds. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive landscapes. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Coastal Walkway

The coastal walkway at Kawaroa Park is a major draw, offering breathtaking ocean views and a picturesque backdrop of Mount Taranaki.TikTok This well-maintained path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a brisk walk, or even a cycle.Reddit It connects various points of interest along the New Plymouth coastline, making it an ideal way to explore the area. The walkway is designed to be accessible, allowing most visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery without significant difficulty.

The walkway provides numerous vantage points for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. You'll find information boards along the way, offering insights into the local flora, fauna, and history of the region. It's a fantastic place to simply relax, breathe in the sea air, and appreciate the natural beauty of Taranaki. Many visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the ever-present, majestic view of Mount Taranaki. Reddit

Adventures in the Rock Pools

For those seeking a bit more thrill, the rock pools at Kawaroa Park offer a unique and exhilarating experience. The local advice suggests bringing dishwashing liquid to make the slides into the ocean extra slippery, leading to a fun, albeit potentially bumpy, ride.Reddit This activity is best suited for the adventurous and those who don't mind a bit of a challenge, as the rocks can be slippery and uneven.

It's crucial to exercise caution when exploring the rock pools. While the idea of sliding directly into the ocean is exciting, visitors should be aware of the potential for a sore back from the rocks and proceed at their own risk.Reddit This is not an activity for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace a bit of daring, it's a memorable part of the Kawaroa Park experience. Always assess the conditions and your own comfort level before attempting any slides. Reddit

Family Fun at the Playground

Kawaroa Park boasts a family-friendly playground that is a hit with younger visitors.Reddit It features engaging sculptures and an impressively long slide that provides plenty of entertainment.Reddit The playground is designed to be interactive, offering a fun environment for children to play and explore. Parents often appreciate the variety of play structures available, making it a great spot for kids to burn off energy.

However, some reviews mention that due to the park's hilly terrain and numerous playground obstacles, parents need to be vigilant to keep track of their children.Reddit While the slides might not be as 'scary' as they look, the overall layout requires attentive supervision. Despite this, the playground remains a popular attraction, offering a delightful and free experience for families visiting New Plymouth. Reddit

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