TARADISE

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June 27, 2025

How Taradise Offers the Perfect Base for Exploring Taranaki’s Surf Highway

beach close to the accommodation opunake accommodation

Taranaki’s famous Surf Highway 45 is a stretch of road that weaves its way along the rugged west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, connecting surf breaks, small towns, art galleries, cafes, and epic coastal views. Nestled right along this scenic route is Taradise, offering travelers the perfect base to explore everything the Surf Highway has to offer.

🚗 Perfectly Positioned on the Surf Highway

Ōpunakē is one of the key stops along Surf Highway 45, making Taradise an ideal central location for day trips both north and south along the coast. From here, you’re just:

  • 50 minutes south of New Plymouth

  • 30 minutes north of Hāwera

  • Within easy reach of iconic surf spots, coastal walkways, and small-town gems

Whether you’re here to catch waves, photograph the landscapes, or simply cruise with no set plan, Taradise puts you right in the heart of the action.

🏄‍♂️ For Surfers: Wake Up Close to the Breaks

Some of Taranaki’s best surf breaks are just minutes away:

  • Ōpunakē Beach: A great beginner-friendly surf spot with consistent waves.

  • Middleton Bay: Perfect for intermediate surfers when the swell is right.

  • Stent Road: One of New Zealand’s most famous surf breaks, just a 15-minute drive north.

Staying at Taradise means you can check the surf in the morning, gear up, and be in the water in minutes.

🌿 For Non-Surfers: Plenty to Explore

If surfing’s not your thing, there’s still so much to enjoy along the Surf Highway:

  • Coastal Walks: Try the Ōpunakē Loop Trail for stunning cliffside views and coastal scenery.

  • Art and Culture: Stop at local galleries like Everybody’s Theatre (yes, it shows films and hosts events) and various community art spaces.

  • Small Town Cafes: Pop into nearby gems like Sugar Juice, Arty Tarts, or Buzzy Beans for coffee and treats.

  • Gardens & Parks: Take a drive north to explore Pukeiti Gardens or south for the King Edward Park in Hāwera.

🏡 Why Taradise Works for Road Trippers

When you’re exploring by car, you want a stay that feels easy and welcoming. Taradise offers:

  • Private, self-contained accommodation

  • Off-street parking for your vehicle

  • Fully equipped kitchenette for quick meals before heading back on the road

  • Outdoor bath and sunny deck to unwind after a long day of exploring

You get all the comforts of home, without losing that holiday vibe.