Three Sisters And The Elephant

Really this whole magical place needs a name change. There used to be Four Sisters, which were large 25-metre spectacular rock formations, along with their majestic companion, Elephant Rock, but sadly the pounding ocean’s got to them all. Two of the sisters have crumbled and in 2016 the elephant lost its trunk to the fury of the sea.

But, just like the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia (which are now only eight), the view of these sisters takes your breath away.

Along the North Taranaki coast, turn down Pilot Road, which is on the seaward side of State Highway 3 north of the Tongaporutu Bridge. If you want to get down with the sisters on the sand, turn off South Highway 3 down Clifton Road, which is south of the Tongaporutu Bridge. At low tide, you can walk along the river and around the point to find the formations. In nearby caves, you can also view a rock drawing of a curious six-toed foot.