Located in the northwestern part of New Zealand, the Three Sisters New Plymouth is an amazing place to experience!
Whether you’re planning a visit to take photos, enjoy a day trip from New Plymouth, or just go on an adventure, the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock won’t disappoint.
Want to know more? Here’s a complete guide with all the details you need to know before coming!
THREE SISTERS NEW PLYMOUTH – OVERVIEW
Let’s start this guide with the essentials about the Three Sisters New Plymouth you should know, from the location to getting there and more.
WHERE ARE THE THREE SISTERS?
The Three Sisters are natural rock formations located near the Tongaporutu River on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand.
Click here or on the image below for the exact location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO THREE SISTERS NEW PLYMOUTH?
If you’re starting from New Plymouth, it’s roughly a 2-hour drive north along the picturesque Surf Highway 45.
Follow the signs towards Tongaporutu once there, head to the end of Clifton Road where you’ll find the parking area.
You’ll be able to see the formations going down to the beach along the river, which is accessible via a marked walking path.
The path can become muddy, and I recommend going barefoot to reach Three Sisters New Zealand.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THREE SISTERS NEW ZEALAND?
The best time to see the Three Sisters New Zealand is during low tide, as you won’t be able to access the place otherwise.
The weather in the area always changes, so visiting in the summer months (December to February) provides the best chance for a clear day.
I recommend checking the tide before coming so you have a better idea of how to plan your day.
THREE SISTERS AND ELEPHANT ROCK
This part of New Zealand’s northwestern coast isn’t only about the Three Sisters New Plymouth – it’s also home to the famous Elephant Rock.
It used to look a lot like an elephant, but the wind and waves have worn it down over time, specifically in 2016, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
Even though it doesn’t look much like an elephant anymore, it’s still impressive and definitely worth visiting.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THREE SISTERS NEW ZEALAND
Visiting the Three Sisters is a must-do when coming to New Plymouth and North Island New Zealand as a whole.
When we visited, we parked near Tātahi Cafe, so you can use this location as a starting point. Aiming for the beginning of low tide will make all the difference in getting close to the natural formations.
Once we got to the beach, it did involve a bit of walking through shallow water, but it was a part of the adventure!
On the way back, we saw some people rushing to the spot as the waves and tide were rising. That’s how important visiting on low tide is!
All in all, it is a great spot for capturing photos and taking a break between New Plymouth and Hamilton!
THREE SISTERS LOOKOUT
If you cannot visit on low tide, you can still get stunning views of the landscape from the Three Sisters Lookout.
The great thing about this spot is that it’s easily accessible by car. Here is the exact location on Google Maps.
From the parking area at Tātahi Cafe, drive north over the bridge, then take the first left-hand turn onto Pilot Road and drive to the end till you reach the Three Sisters Lookout.
The view from this spot is incredible, and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Taranaki.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THREE SISTERS NEW PLYMOUTH
When visiting the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock New Zealand, you have 2 options: Camping or booking accommodation for the night.
If you prefer the former option, you can stay at Three Sisters Freedom Camping which is free, convenient, and a great place to kill time while waiting for the low tide.
On the other hand, if you are not camping, you can book the only property around, Hutiwai Hideaway, which is reasonably priced and allows you to stay in New Zealand’s gorgeous countryside.
WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND
When visiting New Zealand, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More New Zealand Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to New Zealand!
FINAL THOUGHTS – THREE SISTERS AND ELEPHANT ROCK NEW ZEALAND
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about the Three Sisters New Zealand, please drop me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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THANKS FOR READING
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