Title: Paritutu Rock Tours - Book Now | Expedia.com [Paritutu Rock Hotels](https://expedia.com/Paritutu-Rock-Hotels.0-l6111862-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Car Rentals in Paritutu Rock](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Paritutu-Rock.d6111862.Car-Rental-Guide)[Spotswood Vacations](https://expedia.com/Spotswood.d693057636605173760.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Paritutu Rock Tours ![Paritutu Rock featuring a beach, a bay or harbor and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111862/041f5a1c-364d-47da-b2ad-5c4191566967.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Paritutu Rock featuring a beach, a bay or harbor and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111862/041f5a1c-364d-47da-b2ad-5c4191566967.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Paritutu Rock which includes a bay or harbor, rocky coastline and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111862/43f0dbed-0bb9-45cf-9e1d-a11662eb0f6a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Paritutu Rock featuring a bay or harbor, mountains and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111862/d9eb3368-fbd7-40d1-8e68-076863f62e34.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Paritutu Rock which includes a bay or harbor, general coastal views and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111862/aceebc35-657e-486c-827c-2d9c8c31c7e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Paritutu Rock Activities --- --- #### Climb up the short, steep path to this vantage point for stunning views of the rugged Taranaki coastline, Sugar Loaf Islands and Tasman Sea. Guarding the eastern end of New Plymouth’s harbor, Paritutu Rock is a tall and resolute monolith on the Taranaki coast. Marvel at astonishing views of the surrounding environment and stand atop the remnants of a volcano that was active nearly 2 million years ago. Make your way up the track that begins on the northern side of the rock. Watch out for uneven rocks in some places and remember that it is a steep climb. You will ascend 320 feet (100 meters) in about 15 minutes. Scramble to the top, where a chain is available to help you climb the last few feet. The views provide ample reward. Gaze out on spectacular 360-degree vistas of the New Plymouth coastline, the city and port, the Sugar Loaf Islands and the Tasman Sea stretching to the horizon. Take advantage of the wonderful photo opportunities available, which are best around sunset. Once at the summit, give some thought to the ground beneath your feet. At the time of its 1770 discovery by Pakeha, those of European descent, Paritutu Rock was a significant site for local Maori people. The summit had been painstakingly flattened to make a level site for shelters and kumara storage pits. A village called Mahoe was once sprawled at the base of the rock, which was famed for its Tohunga school of learning. Over the years, various groups have called for the demolition of the rock to make way for a harbor. Notice the rock’s shape, which is missing its southern shoulder. Failed or partial demolitions in 1879, 1921 and 1923 caused this appearance. In the 1940s, the monolith was handed over to the New Plymouth City Council and preserved for its historic, aesthetic and sentimental value. Paritutu Rock is about a 10-minute drive west from New Plymouth’s city center. Make sure you’re comfortable with heights and bring a warm jacket if the Taranaki wind is blowing. ### Popular places to visit ![Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve which includes a sunset, a bay or harbor and island views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111864/ba7bcdbc-57e5-4916-b130-94ff8f21e7d4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve Visit the remnants of an extinct volcano and discover a rich diversity of marine life in the reefs and islands off the rugged coast of New Plymouth. [](https://expedia.com/Sugar-Loaf-Marine-Reserve-Taranaki.d6111864.Vacation-Attraction) ![Govett-Brewster Art Gallery showing heritage architecture, modern architecture and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111850/3c8e75bc-42bb-4878-bc22-45f7277673c9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Discover why New Plymouth is one of New Zealand’s cultural capitals. Inspire your own creativity at this award-winning contemporary art gallery. [](https://expedia.com/Govett-Brewster-Art-Gallery-New-Plymouth-CBD.d6111850.Vacation-Attraction) ![Puke Ariki showing modern architecture and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111852/23836705-1936-4a76-9d45-a475d03d640a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Puke Ariki Learn about local history in interactive exhibits, eat award-winning food and find useful visitor information at New Plymouth’s ground-breaking cultural center. [](https://expedia.com/Puke-Ariki-New-Plymouth-CBD.d6111852.Vacation-Attraction) ![Wind Wand showing general coastal views, a bay or harbor and railway items](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111848/c0d92c27-4e77-4c9c-9719-5bd6975008ef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wind Wand Be impressed by this kinetic sculpture as it drifts back and forth in the Taranaki wind on New Plymouth’s lovely coastal walkway. [](https://expedia.com/Wind-Wand-New-Plymouth-CBD.d6111848.Vacation-Attraction) ![Saint Mary\'s Church showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a cemetery](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111854/077a29fd-412f-49d0-9dac-1a8d3a7d34b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Saint Mary's Church Admire a building steeped in reverence and tradition as you visit New Zealand’s oldest standing stone church and walk through its surrounding grounds. [](https://expedia.com/Saint-Marys-Church-New-Plymouth-CBD.d6111854.Vacation-Attraction) ![New Plymouth which includes rocky coastline and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532610677/6378b9bf-ea89-4765-962c-280080ca69f0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coastal Walkway Follow this extremely scenic promenade from city to sea and make the most of the diverse scenery, playgrounds and swimming beaches along the way. [](https://expedia.com/Coastal-Walkway-Taranaki.d553248621532610677.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Paritutu Rock ## Check availability on hotels close to Paritutu Rock [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06)[Mar 5 - Mar 6](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07)[Mar 6 - Mar 7](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07) [This weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026)[Mar 6 - Mar 8](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F15%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6111862&startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F15%2F2026) ![Plymouth International](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/520000/519300/519215/628bf956_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Plymouth International 220 Courtenay Street New Plymouth Taranaki [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Plymouth-International.h519215.Hotel-Information) ![Distinction New Plymouth Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/910000/904600/904533/330781d2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Distinction New Plymouth Hotel 42 Powderham Street New Plymouth [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Distinction-New-Plymouth-Hotel-Conference-Centre.h904533.Hotel-Information) ![The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/520000/519300/519214/f6e1925b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel 390 Devon Street East New Plymouth [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-The-Devon-Hotel-A-Heritage-Hotel.h519214.Hotel-Information) ![Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1050000/1040700/1040653/fa4c4de7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront 1 Egmont Street New Plymouth Taranaki [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Millennium-Hotel-New-Plymouth.h1040653.Hotel-Information) ![Flamingo Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114260000/114258400/114258344/377302f4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Flamingo Motel 355 Devon St West New Plymouth Taranaki [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Flamingo-Motel.h114258344.Hotel-Information) ![Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3440000/3430400/3430362/e284a45a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park 2 Belt Road New Plymouth [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Belt-Road-Seaside-Holiday-Park.h3430362.Hotel-Information) ![Egmont Eco Leisure Park - Hostel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16040000/16038600/16038516/0888ce3b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Egmont Eco Leisure Park - Hostel 12 Clawton Street New Plymouth Taranaki [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Egmont-Eco-Leisure-Park-Hostel.h16038516.Hotel-Information) ![Quest New Plymouth](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7330000/7322000/7321911/b463b941_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest New Plymouth 21 Currie Street New Plymouth [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Quest-New-Plymouth.h7321911.Hotel-Information) ![Central Self Contained 1 Bedroom Apartment](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/52000000/51290000/51280800/51280746/d4023211_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Central Self Contained 1 Bedroom Apartment New Plymouth Taranaki [](https://expedia.com/New-Plymouth-Hotels-Central-Self-Contained-1-Bedroom-Apartment.h51280746.Hotel-Information) [See all 313 properties in Paritutu Rock](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6111862) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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