Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools
A scenic coastal park with a fun playground, thrilling rock pools, and stunning views of Mount Taranaki.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for ocean views & play
Kawaroa Park and Rock Pools
Best Time
Best for ocean views & play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal park with a fun playground, thrilling rock pools, and stunning views of Mount Taranaki.
"This park is beautiful. The sculpture n information is very good especially for kids."
🌊 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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 264 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Walkway Views
Along the coastline
Stunning ocean vistas and Mount Taranaki backdrop. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Family Playground Fun
Central park area
Engaging sculptures and a long slide offer entertainment for all ages.
The Thrilling Rock Pools
Ocean edge
Slide directly into the ocean for an exhilarating, albeit rocky, experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Rock Pool Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 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.
👨👩👧 Keep an Eye on Kids
The park has many obstacles and hills, requiring vigilance with children.
🏞️ Free Family Fun
This park offers a fantastic, free day out with plenty to see and do for everyone.
Suggestions for tourists with young kids
Hi everyone! The family and I will be coming over in May this year and hiring a camper an for a lap of the North Island. We'll be spending 3 nights in New Plymouth and are just looking for any local's recommendations for things to do that may not be advertised as much online. We…
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!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Coastal Walk
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and Mount Taranaki views along the extensive walkway.
👨👩👧 Keep an Eye on Kids
The park has many obstacles and hills, requiring vigilance with children.
🏞️ Free Family Fun
This park offers a fantastic, free day out with plenty to see and do for everyone.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is a huge car park at Kawaroa Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The park is situated along the beautiful coastal walkway, which is perfect for walking and offers stunning views.
Yes, the coastal walkway is well-suited for cycling, and Kawaroa Park is a great stop along the route.
Walking or cycling the coastal walkway is highly recommended for the best experience, with Kawaroa Park being a key highlight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kawaroa Park is completely free to enter and enjoy. It's a great option for budget-friendly family fun.
Kawaroa Park is an open public space and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime.
No booking is required for the rock pools. They are a natural feature accessible to all visitors.
The playground is designed for a range of ages, but adult supervision is recommended, especially for younger children due to the park's layout.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Bring swimwear if you plan to use the rock pools, water, snacks, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at the park, which is convenient for families.
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.
The park features various sculptures and informational displays, which are particularly engaging for children.
📸 📸 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.
Sunny afternoons provide beautiful lighting for coastal shots. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and Civil Aviation Authority rules before flying a drone in the area.
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit