The Three Sisters and Elephant Rock are located on the west coast of the North Island, in a remote area of the Taranaki region. The sisters are three towering sea stacks that were formed by the erosion of the surrounding cliffs by the Tasman Sea. The Three Sisters are named after the three daughters of a local Māori chief, and are said to represent the beauty and strength of the sisters.
Elephant Rock is a large rock formation that used to resemble the shape of an elephant. The rock was formed by natural erosion over time and is now a popular destination for photographers. Unfortunately the same forces that formed the rock have washed away the trunk feature of Elephant Rock. The rock is still impressive even if it doesn’t look quite like an elephant anymore. It’s important to note that these formations are fragile and should be treated with respect to ensure their preservation for future generations.
It’s important to be aware of the tide times and plan your visit accordingly to avoid getting stuck on the beach or having to rush to leave before the tide comes in. Always keep an eye on the tide and be sure to leave the area before the tide begins to rise. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit, as strong winds and high waves can make the area dangerous and unpleasant to visit.
The drive to this area is very scenic, but far away from any good size city. Fortunately since we had our campervans we were able to camp in the freedom camping spot available next to the main parking area for The Three Sisters & Elephant Rock. If you are going to do this, be sure you are in the correct spot and have the appropriate equipment to legally camp. Look for the appropriate signage as shown below.
While we were there we decided to eat out that night and drove north to The Awakino Hotel and Pub is a historic hotel and pub located in the small town of Awakino. This pub has a rich history and has been serving the community and travelers since the early 1900s. It serves traditional pub fare and a range of beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere and were happy with our choice to dine at this restaurant even though it was a bit of a drive for us.
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