The Ocean Effect: Why Holidays by the Sea Are Good for You

Taking a holiday where you can see the ocean offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. The expansive views, beautiful sunsets, calming sounds, birds and wildlife, and fresh air can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation. 

Additionally, the ocean environment often encourages physical activity and provides opportunities for unique experiences like water sports and exploring nature and marine life. The ocean also goes hand in hand with photography, art, reading, music, wining and dining, and a host of other enjoyably relaxing “activities”.

There’s something magical about the sea. The moment you arrive at the coast, you can feel your shoulders drop, your breathing slow, and your mind begin to settle. Whether you’re gazing at a wide blue horizon, listening to the rhythmic crash of waves, or waking up to the call of seabirds, being near the ocean has a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. It can be hard to stop smiling at times!

At Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park in New Plymouth, you’re perfectly positioned to soak up the benefits of a seaside escape. Perched above the Tasman Sea, with panoramic views and direct access to New Plymouth’s famed Coastal Walkway, this spot isn’t just scenic—it’s therapeutic.

• Stress Reduction with a Sea View

Studies have shown that spending time by the ocean helps reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. At Belt Road, every accommodation option is designed to maximise your view. From motorhome sites with oceanfront outlooks to stylish motel units and cabins, there’s no better place to start your day than with a cup of coffee and a sunrise.

The simple act of gazing out at the vast ocean, with its ever-changing tides and colours, helps create a sense of calm. It’s like a visual meditation, especially when paired with the fresh sea air and gentle sound of waves below, and the sunsets at Belt Road and over the Ocean’s Horizon and truly unforgettable.

• Improved Mood and Sleep

The sea doesn’t just soothe your soul—it helps you sleep better too. The natural white noise of the ocean can lull you into deeper, more restful sleep. And the abundance of fresh air—rich in negative ions and salt particles—has been linked to elevated serotonin levels, which boost mood and energy.

Whether you’re lounging on your deck or enjoying an evening stroll along the coast, the sensory experience of being by the sea helps your body and mind relax, perfect for resetting after busy routines.

• Nature at Your Doorstep

One of the quiet joys of staying at Belt Road is the natural world that surrounds you. Watch gannets and gulls soar overhead, spot oystercatchers picking along the rocks, and—if you're lucky—see dolphins cresting just offshore. There’s also the odd Orca (& family) spotted off the shoreline from time to time!

The area is also rich with plant life and sea breeze-kissed greenery that invites exploration. The nearby Te Henui Walkway and Pukekura Park offer even more chances to immerse yourself in the natural plant beauty of Taranaki.

• Encourages Movement and Adventure

The ocean naturally invites activity, from relaxed strolls to adrenaline-pumping water sports. At Belt Road, you’re just minutes from Fitzroy and East End beaches—local favourites for surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding.

Walk or cycle the award-winning 13.2km Coastal Walkway, hire a board, or simply go rock pooling with the kids. Even a gentle walk along the sand counts as excellent low-impact exercise.

If you do feel energised, then there’s Back Beach nearby, with its massive sand dune and stairs challenge. This is also the best place to take in a sunset, with flaming orange and purple glows.

• Inspiration and Unique Experiences

There’s something about being beside the sea that stirs creativity. Painters, poets, and photographers have long sought the coast for inspiration—and you’ll soon see why. The golden sunsets over the Tasman Sea from Belt Road are a daily masterpiece, and every day brings new light, new weather, and new moments worth capturing.

Add to that the unique experiences of marine encounters, local seafood, and coastal culture, and you have the recipe for a truly memorable getaway.

Ready to Feel the Ocean’s Benefits?

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended stay, Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park offers more than a place to sleep—it’s a place to reconnect with nature, restore your energy, and take in the pure, soul-refreshing beauty of the sea.

Book your seaside escape today at beltroad.co.nz, and let the ocean do what it does best—bring you peace.