Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington on New Zealand’s west coast, the Taranaki region is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
The rugged and wild coastline is home to more than 12 world-class surf breaks, and the symmetrical volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki even featured in the Last Samurai movie starring Tom Cruise - a lookalike to Mt Fuji in Japan.
Explore the multitude of activities on offer including river rafting and multi-day hikes through native forests - or for the super adventurous, why not try surfing and snowboarding in the same day?
For a more relaxing experience, walk the New Plymouth coastal walkway and see the Wind Wand, conceived by the pioneering kinetic artist, Len Lye. There are art trails, festivals and award-winning museums and galleries as well as a thriving café culture. Or pay a visit to one of the last working lighthouses in New Zealand, the Cape Egmont lighthouse.
Some of The Many Attractions
Puke Ariki Museum
No trip to Taranaki is complete without a visit to the impressive Puke Ariki museum, library and information centre. Explore the region’s greatest treasures and stories, and learn about the geological, Māori and pioneering past of Taranaki. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, engage with heritage or connect with local people - Puke Ariki has it all.
Visit Historic Homesteads
For a relaxed, and serene day, pack a picnic, and enjoy the scenery at Tūpare homestead. Managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, Tūpare is developing as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive gardens with its very own glade, glasshouse, orchard and cliff cascade.If you’re lucky you might even be able to spot the peak of Mt Taranaki.
Taranaki Scenic Flights
You'll get a fantastic birds' eye view of Taranaki’s mountain-to-surf landscape with a scenic flight.
Explore majestic Mount Taranaki, the Sugarloaf Islands and the Taranaki region’s stunning coastline by air. Choose from a scenic flight, heli dine/heli stay package or even an exciting adventure tour – operators are only too happy to tailor the helicopter experience to your wishes. It’s best to book in advance.
Prizes generously donated by tourism operators from this area that you could win!
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Check out the Tourism New Zealand website for more information about the amazing things to see and do in New Zealand