From a dramatic surf coastline to an iconic mountain, Taranaki is a region steeped in history and featuring remarkable landscapes, gardens and galleries.
Just far enough away to escape the outside world is Taranaki, a lushly beautiful region of vivid greenery, spectacular black-sand beaches, world renowned gardens, and a 2,518-metre mountain that boasts the title of most recognised peak in the world. Relatively undiscovered and offering a unique blend of character, charm and superb isolation, yet just 45 minutes by plane from Auckland or Wellington, Taranaki has it all – winding river gorges, quiet highways splashed by surf, fern-fringed mountain trails and tempestuous seascapes, serviced by the cosmopolitan city of New Plymouth.
Spectacularly beautiful, Taranaki is a region of lush rural landscapes, amazing surf beaches and a perfect cone-shaped mountain – Mount Taranaki. This region is perfect for an inspiring road trip. Meander along winding river gorges or a quiet coastal highway under the gaze of the mountain. The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui is one of New Zealand’s most secluded trails and an exciting opportunity for adventure, while Surf Highway 45 is the country’s only dedicated surf route.
The major city of the region, New Plymouth, offers excellent accommodation and dining, as well as galleries and boutiques, a seven km coastal walkway, aquatic activities and beautiful parks. The region boasts a fair proportion of New Zealand’s nationally significant gardens, and historic sites that reflect the country’s turbulent past. Escape to another world in Taranaki.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Mount Taranaki Stop and savour the sight of this extraordinary mountain rising out of the surrounding farmland – it’s easy to see why the locals revere it. Wind Wand (New Plymouth) Marvel at the 45-metre kinetic artwork on New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway designed by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Len Lye. West coast sunset Stand on a dramatic black-sand beach and watch a spectacular sunset as the sun drops into the Tasman Sea.
Adrenaline Rush
Mount Taranaki Adventures (Mount Taranaki) Guided walks on iconic Mount Taranaki conclude with a thrilling mountain-bike descent. www.mttaranakiadventures.com New Plymouth Surf School (New Plymouth) Take part in individual or small group lessons on Taranaki’s famous surf breaks, phone +64 6 758 8267.
Relax & Indulge
Taranaki Thermal Spa (New Plymouth) Natural hot mineral water pools, massage and relaxation packages. www.windwand.co.nz/mineralpools
Luxury
Caniwi Lodge & Chalets (Mangamingi) Luxury lodge and lakeside chalets surrounded by forest. www.caniwilodge.co.nz Taranaki Country Lodge (New Plymouth) Enjoy spectacular mountain views from this country retreat. www.taranakicountrylodge.co.nz Tairoa Lodge (Hawera) Historic luxury in South Taranaki. www.tairoa-lodge.co.nz
Culture
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery (New Plymouth) Excellent modern art gallery, home to the Len Lye Foundation and an impressive contemporary art collection, as well as presenting a diverse programme of exhibitions. www.govettbrewster.com Puke Ariki (New Plymouth) View the treasures at this stunning waterfront building combining museum, library and information centre. www.pukeariki.com Tawhiti Museum (Hawera) Incredible private museum of local history featuring life-size exhibits and scale models to depict local history. www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Reserve Hitch a ride aboard Dave ‘Chaddy’ Chadfield’s old English lifeboat for a tour of this marine reserve. Whakaahurangi Maori Trail Trace a major route for ancient Maori between North and South Taranaki.
On a Budget
Coastal Walkway (New Plymouth) The award-winning Coastal Walkway is a seven-kilometre path stretching almost the length of New Plymouth City. South Taranaki Museum (Patea) Offers a glimpse into South Taranaki’s turbulent past, phone +64 6 273 8354. Pukekura Park (New Plymouth) This world-renowned park in the heart of New Plymouth has played host to numerous major concerts. www.newplymouthnz.com
The Iconic Experience
Join a Maori guide and journey into cultural history on the slopes of Mount Taranaki, learning about legends and myths, and the significance the mountain played in the region’s past.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Table Restaurant (New Plymouth) A vibrant elegant restaurant where good food is to be enjoyed. www.nicehotel.co.nz
Casual Dining
Café Govett-Brewster (New Plymouth) Enjoy a great coffee or lunch in a stylish café at the city’s famous contemporary art gallery. www.govettbrewster.com
Café
Empire Tearooms ( New Plymouth) A huge range of teas and a great selection of fresh food, phone +64 6 758 1148.
Stylish Bar
Powderoom (New Plymouth) Sophisticated cocktail lounge, phone +64 6 759 2089.
Cosy Pub
Butlers Reef Hotel (Oakura) Great coastal pub with vibrant live music scene, phone +64 6 752 7765.
Culinary Experience
White Cliffs Brewing Company (Urenui) Sample an award-winning organic beer on the beautiful coast north of New Plymouth. www.organicbeer.co.nz
Shop or Gallery
Kina (New Plymouth) Long time advocates for New Zealand artists and crafts-people, with monthly exhibitions. www.kina.co.nz
Suggested Itineraries
Surf Highway 45
A 105-kilometre stretch of highway that hugs the coastline between New Plymouth and Hawera, Surf Highway links the region’s urban centres with legendary surf spots. Taranaki’s coastline collects 180 degrees of ocean swells, ensuring that the surf is always pumping somewhere in the region. But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the drive – with superb views, stunning sunsets and access to Egmont National Park, there are plenty of reasons to explore. Go horse riding along the black sand beaches and play a round of golf at one of the five courses scattered along the highway. Take a slight detour off the highway to visit Cape Egmont Lighthouse and check out the many artisan galleries along the way.
Forgotten World Highway 43
The Forgotten World Highway snakes its way over mountain saddles, through an eerie one-way tunnel and along a river gorge, passing through only one significant settlement: Whangamomona, home to an award-winning historic hotel. Fill the car before you go because there are no petrol stations for 150 kilometres! Along the way are constant reminders of pioneer settlers who tried to establish themselves in the rugged hill country. From Strathmore Saddle it’s possible to see the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park to the east and Mount Taranaki to the west. To see one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island, follow Moki Forest Road to the 85-metre tall Mount Damper Falls.
Road Trip
For a great round trip, combine the dramatic scenery of Surf Highway 45 with a jaunt around the back of the mountain, stopping off to explore the country towns of Hawera, Stratford and Inglewood along the way. Offering a slice of rural Taranaki life, these towns are home to great little shops and cafés in a laid-back country atmosphere.
Transport
Airports
New Plymouth Airport, 15 minutes’ drive from town, offers regular domestic services via Air New Zealand to major centres. There are no international flights available into the Taranaki region.
Roads
Taranaki is within easy reach of Auckland and Wellington via well-maintained state highways. The region is five hours from Auckland, four hours, 30 minutes from Wellington and four hours from Rotorua. Coach companies offer regular daily services.
Further Information
Venture Taranaki
Trade Contact Paul Stancliffe
Tourism Leader
Phone +64 6 759 5150 Fax +64 6 759 5154
Email paul@venture.org.nz
www.taranaki.info
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