Taranaki & Whanganui

Voted the world’s number two region to visit in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ yearbook for 2017, Taranaki offers countless opportunities for adventure against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Taranaki himself.

The Taranaki Region is dominated by the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki and the surrounding Mount Egmont National Park. A network of nature walking trails (or driving routes if you prefer) afford spectacular views. This is rural New Zealand offering great hospitality and an easy pace of life.

Where is the Taranaki Region?

Taranaki is situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island, between Wellington and Auckland. The region stretches from the edge of the Whanganui National Park up to Mokau, across to New Plymouth and down to Waitotara and Whanganui.

Don’t Miss

Walks in Mt Egmont National Park – the short trek to the attractive Dawson Falls is well worth it.
Taking a walk through Pukekura Park, the biggest of the eight gardens of National Significance in the area
The fine contemporary New Zealand Art at the Garett-Brewster Gallery

Visit Taranaki

Visitors to the Taranaki region are in for a treat. Boasting upwards of twelve world-class surf breaks, the beautiful volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki, over 200km of walking and hiking trails, a ski field and a rainforest, there really is something for everyone.

How to Get to Taranaki

Getting to Taranaki couldn’t be easier. Those with a campervan, car, or perhaps even a motorcycle will find the main roads well-maintained and easy to drive. Regular coach services also run from most cities and towns to various locations in the Taranaki region. If you have any questions about visiting Taranaki and Whanganui and getting to and from the area, be sure to get in touch with our team.

Of course, we couldn’t cover how to get to Taranaki without suggesting our own small group guided tours. Sit back, relax, and take in the views as our professional drivers take you to some of the most spectacular regions of New Zealand.

Some of our self-drive travellers with plenty of time to spare choose to take a scenic trip along the Forgotten World Highway. Not only do we love the name of the route, but the roads that zig zag along river gorges and through mountain saddles weaving through some of New Zealand’s most remote landscape, afford some magical scenery and a real taste of New Zealand wilderness.

Where to Visit in the Taranaki Region

There are so many places to visit in the Taranaki region, you might have difficulty choosing where to visit first.

New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the arts and culture. It’s home to a number of unique art galleries and beautiful parks just waiting to be explored. The New Plymouth Walkway is an unmissable experience; a 13km stretch of coastal promenade that takes you along beaches, city attractions, and reserves. It’s perfect for walking, running, or cycling along and offers plenty to see and do along the way. From here it’s also easy to visit Mount Taranaki himself.

Visitors in the springtime are treated to a marvellous display of azaleas and rhododendron blossoms, but throughout the year the gardens at Pukakura Parkalong with it’s tea house, lakes and children’s play area provide a lovely tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

Eltham

Eltham is the home of New Zealand’s cheese trade. The streets are lined with pretty Victorian and Edwardian buildings, and a walk around Lake Rotokare is one of the most wonderful ways to spend a day.

Hawera

Alongside Eltham, Hawera has its roots in the dairy trade, making it ideal for those who enjoy their food. You’ll know that you’ve arrived in Hawera when you spot the giant cow the welcomes visitors arriving from the South. Most people don’t come to Hawera for the milk, though. The Tawhiti Museum is the main tourist attraction in this town; the life size casts of real people are used to bring the past to life in the most engaging way.

Oakura

Oakura is a small township in Taranaki with a big personality. Made famous by the film The Last Samurai, it’s an eclectic mixture of quaint beach-side properties and million-dollar beach houses. It’s also a shopper’s paradise; be sure to browse the wares of the local artists, jewellers and craftspeople as you explore this beautiful town.

Ready to visit Taranaki & Whanganui? Get in touch!

Insider Tips

Horticulturalist Donna Christiansen has worked in the Fearnery at Pukekura Park in the heart of New Plymouth and she recommends spending a few hours exploring the park during a visit to the area.

“A highlight of the park is the Fernery and Display Houses. Opened in 1928, its Hobbit-hole entrance leads to houses that are connected by tunnels cut through compacted volcanic ash. We have thousands of plants from throughout the world, from cool temperate climates to tropical areas.”

Hand picked accommodation

Nice Hotel

Puritawa Estate

The Devon Hotel