The top of Paritutu Rock offers one of the best views in New Plymouth and a dream spot to watch the sun set. It’s the remains of an ancient volcanic crater and looks out to the ocean, Sugar Loaf Islands and - if you’re very lucky - Mount Taranaki, but you’ll need a clear day for that (which we sadly didn’t have).
When you see the rock in the distance it appears to tower above the ocean and it looks like you’d need some pretty serious rock climbing skills to reach the top. Luckily a series of chains have been installed to help you up the steepest part of the rock without too much difficulty.
Here’s everything you need to know about Paritutu Rock, one of the best things to do in New Plymouth.
Climbing Paritutu Rock
The stats
Distance: 800m return
Elevation gain: 94m
Difficulty: Moderate
Time taken: 15 minutes each way
When you first see Paritutu Rock from town it looks like a much longer climb than it actually is, as you don’t start from sea level you knock a significant portion off the walk.
The trail begins part way up the rock and you start on a series of well maintained staircases, which are semi-sheltered from the elements by the surrounding forest.
After 200m you reach the last of the staircases and emerge from the bush line and get your first views. To be honest in one direction it’s a little grim with a big rubbish tip, but to the right the two small islands are incredibly picturesque, they might be small but they’re steep and dramatic.
The next part of the walk is the same distance, another 200m, and then you’ll be standing on the top of Paritutu Rock.
This is the exposed section and is more of a scramble than a walk, if heading up on a windy day you’ll definitely start to feel it from here - although it’s nothing on what’s to come at the top.
There is a sturdy metal chain taking you all the way up to the peak and there are plenty of hand and foot holds. The rock is grippy enough when dry but I could see it becoming quite slippery when wet.
Generally, the hand and foot holds are all large and there are also several different spots with very wide ledges that you can take a break on if you need.
There is one very short section which is a little steeper and has smaller footholds, but it really is just a few steps and the chain gives you added security.
I found getting up quite easy and the chain was a nice to have rather than need to have for the most part.
However, I used it for the majority of the descent and it really made it so much better to have that added confidence going down. At the steeper points I found it easier to go down backwards like a ladder.
All in all I’d say it’s not too difficult in dry conditions but you’d need to be comfortable with heights – although there is little exposure where you feel like they would be a steep drop, I think it could still set some people’s vertigo off. It’s also a longer scramble than any other walks with chains we’ve done in New Zealand so far.
Joe thought it was on par with the Dukes Nose in Northland but I thought it was much easier as it was less steep and less exposed, if you’ve done both let us know what you think!
The top of Paritutu Rock
The top of the rock is quite large and there is plenty of room to sit or stand and enjoy the views. There are railings right the way round, but they aren’t too obtrusive.
From the top you can see the Sugar Loaf Islands, Back Beach, New Plymouth city and port and if you’re very lucky Mount Taranaki. We were really hoping Taranaki might pop out from under the clouds but alas it wasn’t to be.
The view also looks directly out to the sun setting into the ocean which is just beautiful.
The summit is almost in two sections with a lower area a few steps down offering uninterrupted views over the water (the earlier section has some flax in the foreground).
The lower section was my favourite but it suffers from the full brunt of the wind. If you feel like the first part is windy just wait until you step down there, it really is fully exposed to the elements!
If you can, pick a calm day, but it’s still worth going up if it’s windy, just bring an extra layer with you! If you do head up for sunset, it’s better to head down in the twilight rather than total darkness to make sure you can properly see the footholds.
Getting to Paritutu Rock
The car park for Paritutu Rock is 5km and less than a 10 minute drive from New Plymouth town centre. The car park is free of charge. You could also walk there from the Coastal Walkway.
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