Three Sisters + Elephant Rock // E A S T E R R O A D Y

True to form, New Zealand rained on an already saturated nation. Originally we looked east, wanting to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. Cyclone Cook came just in time for the Easter Weekend, ruining all current plans of exploration. So instead we headed South-West for Taranaki.

With my sister over from Canada, I am trying to take more opportunities in exploring this corner of the world while working and studying full time. Its definitely not easy but it can be done. To be completely honest, I still need practice. As we all know travel isn't cheap and travel in New Zealand is expensive. Reality check people, I have paid over $2/L for gas in New Zealand. Currently sitting steady at $1.85/L, I rejoice. So please, when you do come here don't say I didn't warn you and offer to pitch in once and a while.

Now I may have to clarify that Taranaki is a region and we were ultimately heading to New Plymouth. Between Hamilton and New Plymouth it is a three hour drive. New Zealand is a place full of beauty but its windy roads often means that places are a bit of a mission to get to. The trip down was no different. Winding down through the lower Waikato you are greeted with many small towns. After Te Kuiti though it is a long stretch of road full of rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

Then you hit the coastline in Awakino. I was just in awe of the farmlands atop cliffs that were pounded by the ocean. Of course I was just so into looking around that I didnt get any photos. Will have to get some the next time we go.

Along this coastline there is a beach well known for its rock formations. Three Sisters and Elephant rock beach is a place I have had on my list for a while of places to visit. If I am completely honest, I thought they were further away from Hamilton then they actually are. I say google is telling lies when it says this place is three hours away as it definitely was not. But if your going any where quick, as we were, you definitely get distracted. Friends in New Plymouth had invited us out but we couldn't pass the opportunity of seeing the rocks in good weather.

Now there are some key things that need to be known when trying to see the Three Sisters.

The turn off is pretty dodgy (like most in New Zealand). Remember you are on a highway and there isn't much space on our roads so indicate early and don't be a dick.
It does feel like you are driving down a private access road but you arn't, just be courteous of those that do live there.
People do not know how to park in unlined carparks. So again don't be a dick.
This is possibly the most important: The three sisters and elephant rock are only accessible by foot at low tide. Make sure you know the tides, or if your ill prepared like us, ask.

We were lucky enough to arrive right as the tide was heading out. For half of the walk we were shin deep in cool ocean water. It was definitely interesting watching my sister struggle through the water. I laughed so hard as she was slipping along the rocks, only to almost fall aswell. Im gonna be completely honest, I thought two different rocks were THE elephant rock. I was wrong. For those of you that were also unaware, like myself, you don't see elephant rock from the highway. The rock that can be seen from the highway, though kind of looking like an elephant, is not it. Elephant rock is infact past the Three Sisters (which is why you need to check the tides). Sadly due to our last massive earthquake that hit the upper South Island, the nose of the elephant broke away from the rest of the elephant.

Naturally, the west coast beach is wild with waves roaring into the beach, you can see how it effects the coastline. I love the contrast of the black sand, rocks and clay with New Zealand's native bush. Its definitely something I have only experienced in New Zealand. White sand beaches get alot of attention world wide and New Zealand has many of those to boast about. However, I think that black sand beaches deserve more attention then they get.

I fully recommend checking this place out. In fact, I suggest picking spots along the North Islands west coast. Taranaki is a forgotten part of New Zealand that I fully suggest people remember to see. It also has so much to offer and alot of "stop-and-stretch" places. I'll see you in two weeks to tell you more about it. For now I hope you enjoyed this snippet of Taranaki.

Here's the three sisters infront of the three sisters.