sugar loaf islands and paritutu rock

My couchsurfing hosts brought me here otherwise I probably wouldn't have visited it.It takes 15-20 minutes but I wouldn't do recommend it for someone with young children and or bad knees the last part is steep and you have to boulder scramble and use a metal chain to pull yourself up. The descent is slightly tricky as well.It gives nice views of the beach and the 2 small islands. 1 part is of massive factory complex with a tower full of asbestos so I am told so it gives 3/4 of a good view.

Down by the beach and along the coast a little stands the spectacular Paritutu Rock. It looks like an old volcanic plug, standing 100 metres high. Of course I have to climb it! The first half comprises steep flights of wooden steps with handrails. But then, there is a very steep rock face with steel pitons and and a chain! There is a very good view from the top, including Mount Taranaki when she shows herself, but I have the dreaded jelly knees on the way down, and sore legs for the next couple of days. I think I'm getting too old for this kind of thing! But yes, a must for the adventurous.

Paritutu is just by the port and you cannot really miss it if your in and around town. It's a fair old walk and climb to the top so wear old trousers and some good trainers. Excellent views across New Plymouth and along the coastline. Best to go up on a clear morning and you can see right over to Tongariro national park.

A lovely scenic part of New Plymouth. Couldn't get to the top of the Rock due to age and state of fitness, however did get about 3/4 up on a hot day. Views amazing and the wonderful NZ Christmas trees were in full flower

My 16 some climbed Paritutu rock. It was very tough going, only to be tried by those with great balance - but he loved every moment and was very proud of his feat and the views from the top were spectacular. The top section required you to physically pull yourself up with a chain railing but it only took about 30 minutes in all - well worth the hike!

the climb to the top of paritutu rock was a bit steep at times, but the view from the top made it really worth while, the kids enjoyed it too, so happy times for all, and like most things in NZ, it's free..

Climbed up here. Great views even though had to pull yourself up on the chains near the top BUT, well worth it .some good photos to be had on a fine day. Get up there guys.

For me, at 76, a bit too stiff. I only got 3/4 of the way up. It involves climbing bare rock while holding on to a chain, and the last quarter of the climb is close to vertical. A lot of people managed it though. Enough to make the small top area a bit crowded, so I was told by someone who made it.

The view was well worth the anxiety of scrambling up the rocks with chains to help! This was the for the second half of the rock climb. If you don't like heights you may not enjoy this.

Went to the Paritutu Centennial park to see a New Zealand sunset over the water and I was not disappointed!!! The park overlooks the Sugar Loaf Islands with Paritutu Rock on the right, and it was easy to find a car park about 15 minutes before sunset. Well worth the drive!!

We were advised to head up here for sunset. Unfortunately sunset was not great on this occasion, however it was a great walk. Harder than we expected, we knew it was steep, but did not realise that there would be some scrambling involved. The wife was a little nervous but pressed on and we were rewarded with great views of the city and even Taranaki. If you want to reach the summit were sensible shoes - no jandals or heels! The steps / path stop about halfway up, from then on it's scrambling over rocks, assisted by a chain to pull on. It took us approx 10 minutes up.

When I was a child, I once read a story where the Sugar Loaf Islands were mentioned and I always wondered where these Islands were and if they really existed. When I came to stay in New Zealand I was quite happy to come to know of its whereabouts. When it is low tide at Back Beach, one can walk to one (or two) of them. People like to go to these Islands for some fishing. These Islands stand out like freshly baked sugar loaves and they are beautiful. For those who love swimming, this is one of the places to go. It is also adjacent to Paritutu Rock, which I mentioned in another review.

I have climbed to the very top of Paritutu Rock. I am 67 years old and quite fit. It was quite tough going for me but well worth it just to say I have climbed that !! If going to the very top you need sneakers not jandals. There is a chain to hold on to as you climb the rocks. If just going to the top of the steps wear what you like. They are quite steep makes you puff. You get a really good view from the top.

If you have the ability and inclination to go up the mountain - then you will be rewarded with the spectacular view of the city from way up top. Those afraid of heights may find it daunting - but this is yet another touristy must see.

I did the hike to Paritutu rock from Belt road, although longert than expected a great view once I got up there. Wouldn't advise walking there along as you go through a dodgy industrial area.