Urenui

Travel Guide
Urenui which includes rugged coastline, a pebble beach and general coastal views
Urenui showing rugged coastline and general coastal views
Urenui which includes a lake or waterhole
New Plymouth which includes general coastal views, a bay or harbour and a pebble beach
New Plymouth showing a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Located in a quiet corner of Taranaki, this small settlement has a strong Māori connection, great fishing beaches, a scenic marine reserve and fertile farmlands.

Tucked in between the hills and the coast, Urenui in northern Taranaki has its own microclimate as well as a unique social climate, with friendly locals who love a bit of fun.

The Urenui River flows past this sleepy settlement to spill into the North Taranaki Bight, home to the Tapuae Marine Reserve. Stroll along the black sands of Urenui Beach to admire the towering cliffs, at the mercy of the tides and coastal winds.

Just to the east is the Urenui Marae, the last of the community grounds of the Ngāti Mutunga. This Māori “iwi” (tribe) has its origins in Taranaki, but was chased off during the Musket Wars. Today, special iwi events andrituals again take place in the ancestral houses of Mahi Tamariki, Te Aroha and Te Titohea.

While in town, admire the statue of Sir Peter Buck, also known as Te Rangi Hīroa. Buck was a descendant from the Ngāti Mutunga iwi, although his paternal ancestry was British and Irish. Buck not only was the national long-jump champion in 1900 and 1903, he was also a military doctor, a politician, an ethnologist, and eventually the director of Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. Visit the Ōkoki pā historic reserve to pay your respects to this local legend at his final resting place.

Because Urenui is only small, the coastal settlement depends on the creativity of its multicultural locals to get noticed. Some examples of how they keep Urenui on the tourist radar include the Urenui Rodeo, a speed-shearing competition in the local pub and the Naki Run Amuck, a fun run with muddy contestants.

For an epic bike trip, ride uphill to the summit of Kaka Road at Okoki, then through the hand-dug Uruti Road Tunnel and loop back to the highway to return to Urenui. Along the way, enjoy some great views of Taranaki hinterland with its forested valleys.

Urenui is located just north of New Plymouth along State Highway 3, making it a perfect daytrip. Ure means “courage” and nui is “great,” but you don’t to need to be a brave adventurer to discover the hidden treasures of this quiet rural town.

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
4 out of 5
390 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
The price is €59 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
€59
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
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Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
Plymouth International
Plymouth International
4 out of 5
220 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
The price is €78 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
€78
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
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Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Plymouth International
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront
4 out of 5
1 Egmont Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €101 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
€101
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (886 reviews)
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Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront
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Quest New Plymouth
Quest New Plymouth
4.5 out of 5
21 Currie Street, New Plymouth
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Centre City Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (617 reviews)
"Clean and good sized rooms"

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Quest New Plymouth
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
2.5 out of 5
1d Beach St, Fitzroy, New Plymouth
Book a stay at this beach cabin in New Plymouth. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fitzroy Golf Club and East End Reserve ...
9/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
"Location is primo. On the boardwalk and Fitzroy beach. You can’t beat sitting on the deck in the evening hearing the surf 👍very comfy bed. Not so comfy inside couch area however didn’t sit around inside much. 😎"

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
Farmstay on Bedford
Farmstay on Bedford
Kaimiro
Stay at this cabin in Kaimiro. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Fun Ho! National Toy Museum and Cue Theatre are located nearby.
Farmstay on Bedford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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