Paritutu Rock New Plymouth
Iconic volcanic plug offering a challenging climb and breathtaking 360° views of New Plymouth, Mt. Taranaki, and the Tasman Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Paritutu Rock New Plymouth
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic volcanic plug offering a challenging climb and breathtaking 360° views of New Plymouth, Mt. Taranaki, and the Tasman Sea.
"Spectacular views from the top, well worth the effort of the steep climb!"
Assess Your Fitness
The climb is steep! Steps lead 2/3 up, then it's a rocky climb with a chain. Know your limits.
Hydrate Well
It can get hot, especially during the climb. Bring plenty of water to avoid issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit View
Paritutu Rock Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of New Plymouth, Mt. Taranaki, and the Tasman Sea. Truly worth the effort!
The Challenging Ascent
Paritutu Rock Face
A thrilling climb featuring steep steps and a final rocky section with a guiding chain for support. An adventure for the fit!
Coastal Walkway Connection
Base of Paritutu Rock
Easily accessible from the popular Coastal Walkway, offering a perfect combination of scenic strolls and a rewarding climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb: Know Before You Go
Timing Your Ascent for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Assess Your Fitness
The climb is steep! Steps lead 2/3 up, then it's a rocky climb with a chain. Know your limits.
Hydrate Well
It can get hot, especially during the climb. Bring plenty of water to avoid issues.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Good grip is essential for the rocky sections. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Go at Your Own Pace
Don't rush the climb. Take breaks and enjoy the journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
Assess Your Fitness
The climb is steep! Steps lead 2/3 up, then it's a rocky climb with a chain. Know your limits.
Hydrate Well
It can get hot, especially during the climb. Bring plenty of water to avoid issues.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Good grip is essential for the rocky sections. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Go at Your Own Pace
Don't rush the climb. Take breaks and enjoy the journey.
Check the Weather
Clear skies offer the best views. Avoid climbing in wet conditions as it can be slippery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views from the summit of Paritutu Rock, calling it a must-see in New Plymouth. The challenging climb, complete with steps and a final rocky section with a chain, is seen as a rewarding adventure. However, some find the climb strenuous, particularly on hot days, and advise caution for those with less climbing experience or young children.
"333 steps took me as far as I was happy to climb.
I avoided the challenge of the remaining strenuous steep cliff face climb to the summit. Clinging to a chain "rope"
Spectacular views"
Meg Gracie
"Went on a climb with my family. One of my family members fainted close to the top. It was quite a hot day. Luckily a couple of people assisted us. I ran down all the way to the top and back up again with some water and sugar. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. My legs hurt for days after.
Anyways it’s very steep and even I who feel confident on my abilities to climb and balance still felt the adrenaline during the climb. At times i felt the climb was more than 45 degrees! Luckily there is a rope.
But if you do get to the top the view is beautiful."
Tobias
"A decent climb, nice to see spots like this where you actually need to climb.
Steps with railing 2/3 of the way up, rocky climb with guide chain to top. A little sketchy coming back down if you're not that confident"
Ioan Chidgey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paritutu Rock is a short 10-minute drive from New Plymouth's CBD. You can also access it via the Coastal Walkway, which is a popular option for a scenic route.
Yes, there is parking available near the base of Paritutu Rock, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! It's a great addition to a walk along the Coastal Walkway. The walk itself offers lovely ocean views.
While direct bus routes might be limited, combining a bus to the general area with a walk along the Coastal Walkway is feasible. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Many visitors enjoy approaching from the Coastal Walkway for iconic shots with the rock in the background, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry and climbing Paritutu Rock are free of charge. It's a natural attraction open to everyone.
Paritutu Rock is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural landmark. However, climbing is best done during daylight hours for safety.
There is no admission fee to visit or climb Paritutu Rock. Enjoy the natural beauty and challenge for free!
While technically accessible, climbing at night is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns and lack of visibility. Stick to daylight hours.
The main restriction is to climb only as far as you are comfortable and safe. Be mindful of the steepness and the rocky sections.
🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience
The climb is considered moderately difficult. It features steep steps for about two-thirds of the way, followed by a rocky scramble with a chain for assistance.
From the summit, you'll get spectacular panoramic views of New Plymouth city, the iconic Mt. Taranaki, and the vast Tasman Sea.
It depends on the child's age and confidence. Younger children might find the steepness challenging, and the final rocky section requires careful supervision.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Comfortable clothing that allows for movement is also recommended.
The time taken varies greatly depending on fitness and how often you stop. A quick ascent and descent might take 30-45 minutes, while a more leisurely pace with photo stops could be an hour or more.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light and dramatic skies, perfect for capturing the rock and its surroundings. Clear days provide excellent visibility for panoramic shots.
The summit provides stunning panoramic views. The base, with the rock towering above, and the connecting Coastal Walkway also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, on a clear day, Mt. Taranaki is a prominent feature in the views from the summit, offering fantastic photographic opportunities.
Try capturing the scale of the rock from its base, or frame the ocean and city views from the summit. The chain on the final ascent can also make for an interesting foreground element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of Mt. Taranaki. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and sea colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making Paritutu Rock part of a larger family outing along the Coastal Walkway. This offers a more relaxed experience with plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy the ocean views. The walkway is stroller-friendly in many sections and provides a safe environment for younger children to explore. Combining a gentle walk with a partial climb of Paritutu Rock can offer a balanced and memorable family experience in New Plymouth.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
To maximize your fitness experience, consider timing your visit for a less crowded period to focus on your ascent and descent. You can treat it as a timed challenge or simply enjoy the exertion at your own pace. Remember to warm up properly before you start and cool down afterwards, especially if you plan on tackling other activities in the New Plymouth area. The stunning views from the top serve as an excellent motivator and a well-deserved reward for your efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Paritutu Rock Climb: A Thrill Seeker's Guide
Many visitors find the final ascent exhilarating, describing it as steep and requiring concentration. It's crucial to assess your personal comfort and physical ability before proceeding past the steps. Redditors often share stories of the adrenaline rush and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to climb only as far as you feel safe and comfortable. The views are spectacular even from the top of the steps.
Safety is paramount when tackling the rocky section. Wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and take your time. Coming back down can sometimes be trickier than going up, especially if you're not confident. Always be aware of other climbers and give way when necessary. The effort is undeniably rewarded with some of the most stunning vistas in the New Plymouth region.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Paritutu Rock
Beyond the summit, the Coastal Walkway provides a fantastic foreground for shots of the rock itself. Framing Paritutu Rock against the ocean or with the city skyline in the background can yield striking images. Consider the scale by including people in your shots, or focus on the textures of the rock and the dynamic patterns of the waves. The chain on the final ascent can also be an interesting photographic element, symbolizing the challenge and adventure.
For the best results, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens to zoom in on Mount Taranaki or distant coastal features. A polarizing filter can enhance the blues of the sky and sea, while a tripod is beneficial for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as coastal environments can be windy and salty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit