back beach

One of the nicest beaches I have been to in NZ but be very careful if you are swimming as the riptide is extremely strong.

Trust me, there won't be a thrilling experience as this.. Just to be walking on this beach and not knowing how strong the undercurrents are. You may look at a wave approaching you and say to yourself.. This won't get beyond my ankles... And Lo !! Don't be surprised to see it rise upto your chest, catching you unawares!! Goosebumps... Black sand.. Wild waves. Highlight- Sunset is awesome, especially on clear skies. Don't miss it !!

THis beach is a very dangerous swimming beach but is great for a walk at sunset as it goes behind a caldera fragment rock called Paritutu. As you walk along the beach-best at low tide there are islands nearby with lots of wildlife such as seals and sea birds.This area is a favourite with locals when showing visitors around. Don't leave valuables in your car as it is isolated and break ins are frequent.

One of Taranaki Beaches that is quite often forgotten . Close to Paratutu Rock. Quiet yet commanding. A good swimming option if it's too rough at other beaches. Very popular with surfers, it's on the surfing highway.Tip - check weather conditions, swimming check for rips it's on the west coast. On a good day plenty of sunscreen and enjoy yourself.

I sat here for hrs taking pix of the surfers and take a walk to the base of Paratutu rock. gets good and wild over the winter too Xlent

A 5 min drive from the centre of New Plymouth. Plenty of parking and an amazing view across the sea and the Sugar Loaf Islands. You can either take the fun run down the steep dune, or you can take the safe steps down to the beach (about 50 meters lower). Arrived at the beach the scenery is beautiful. High cliffs, interesting islands, at low tide easy to walk too, and a chance to see a seal sunbathing on the rocks (but stay at a safe distance). Full fun for the whole family.

This is a beautiful spot. The sugar loaf islands are just off shore.Kids will love the run down the sand dune by the islands (there are steps to make it easier to get back to the top).Easiest access is from the car park at the western end of the beach (Herekawe Stream).You might be lucky and see a seal sunning itself on the beach.Be careful though if swimming as rips and undertows can develop and it is not a patrolled beach.

i finally got to show some of my kids around and back beach bought back alot of very good and happy memories for me the kids loved it! a very spectacular beach

unspoilt, litter free, crashing waves, sea views for miles and miles and not forgetting the sand hill entry slope!

It was at Back Beach that I saw the black sand for the first time - quite different from what I was used to. It is quite a steep down slope to the beach and great fun to go down. The up journey is quite another story and a challenge for the not too fit:)! There are wooden stairs though if one likes to rather use them.Next to Back Beach is Paritutu Rock, which can be seen from afar. The brave at heart can climb the rock - there is a small path winding up to the top and the last stretch one needs to make use of an iron chain to ease the climb. Once up the rock, one has a 360 degrees view on the ocean, New Plymouth, Mount Taranaki and surrounds - awesome! Do yourself a favour and brave the steeps and chains and go visit Paritutu Rock.Go pay visit to Back Beach

Run down the sand dune. Great place to walk the dogs. If you're lucky you might see a few penguins too

The lookout is prime - birds gather in their skeins waltzing with the wind before settling in their places in the pohutukawa trees. Many an excellent day was completed with a stop here to watch God's handiwork front row.

sometimes the carpark can be busy if the surf is up, access to the beach is easy. The walk north provides excellent views of Paratutu Rock, Mataora & Poraraki Islands. Views out to sea and to the west are endless.At lower tides there are rock pools for kids to explore.

The back beach is another spot to visit on a sunny day...there are a few restaurants/eateries along the strip.Otherwise besides the gorgeous views there is little to do.Can be developed further to its full potential.

At low tide the beach is huge. Lots of pools for the kids to play in, wide open space to exercise the dog or play cricket and expansive coastal views.The highlight of the visit was definitely the sunset though. Absolutely beautiful. Lots of people drove into the carpark just in time for it, sat and watched, then drove out again. Not the ideal way to soak up the atmosphere, but shows how much of a spectacle it is.Definitely consult the tide timetable before visiting though, because if you want to walk on the beach it simply isn't there at high tide !!!