About an hour north of New Plymouth you’ll find the small coastal town of Tongapōrutu, home to one of Taranaki’s most striking natural attractions. Here, a scenic inlet winds its way out to the Tasman Sea, leading you to the famous sea stacks known as the Three Sisters and the once-iconic Elephant Rock. There’s also a freedom camping site nearby for self-contained vehicles, making it a convenient stop for travellers.

The names came from three towering 25-metre rock formations alongside a separate stack shaped like an elephant. Over time, erosion has reshaped the coastline—one of the sisters disappeared years ago, and in 2016 Elephant Rock lost its trunk. Even so, the remaining formations are an awe-inspiring sight.

You can only reach the stacks at mid to low tide, so be sure to check the tide charts before heading out. The walk from Tongaporutu Domain takes about 10 minutes across the inlet, and although you might get your feet wet or muddy, the payoff is huge. On clear days, Mount Taranaki rises in the distance behind the formations, and at sunset the entire beach glows in golden light.

📸: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the rock formations and the sweeping coastline. The reflections in wet sand at low tide, the mountain backdrop on a clear day, and the warm tones at sunset all combine to make this one of Taranaki’s most photogenic spots.