Great Destinations - Taranaki

​Taranaki region, best known for Mount Taranaki, New Zealand's most perfectly formed volcano.  "From world-class surf breaks to a picture-perfect ancestral mountain, Taranaki has so much on offer all year round."
Taranaki, particularly the city of New Plymouth is a region in New Zealand that I personally spend quite a bit of time in due to my sport. So I am quite familiar with the area and its surroundings. It has a beautiful coastline and much to explore. 

"Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington on New Zealand’s west coast, the Taranaki region is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, families, foodies, and those wanting to indulge in arts and culture.
With a beautifully pristine coastline that is home to more than 12 world-class surf breaks (four of them are nationally significant), the symmetrical volcanic cone of ancestral Taranaki Maunga, bloomingly beautiful gardens, endless tracks and trails, rich culture and arts, vibrant events, and decadent dining, Taranaki has something for everyone.
Visit historic sites, discover contemporary art, explore world-recognised parks and gardens, and take a hike through native forest, sample a sumptuous local restaurant dish, or surf and snowboard in the same day.
Walk the 12.7 km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway and stop off at pioneering artistic Len Lye's Wind Wand, treat yourself to an art trail, or one of the many festivals throughout the year (including the annual TSB Festival of Lights extravaganza), immerse yourself at an award-winning museum or gallery, or pay a visit to one of the last working lighthouses in New Zealand - the Cape Egmont lighthouse."
Click on the link below and check out the full page...
https://www.newzealand.com/int/taranaki/
"Visit the Taranaki region for the full mountain-to-sea experience. Catch surf-breaks and visit art studios while catching a glimpse of Taranaki maunga."

The Mountain & National Park
Mt Taranaki with its symmetrical cone shape is the centrepiece of Egmont National Park, New Zealand's second-oldest national park. There are three main entrances to the park with sealed roads that lead to altitudes, making it one of the country's most accessible parks. Visitor centres are located at Dawson Falls, North Egmont (plus a cafe) and there's a small family-friendly ski area, Manganui, at Stratford Plateau.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer, or nature enthusiast, Mount Taranaki offers an array of activities. The rugged and scenic weathered trails, such as the popular Pouakai Crossing, provide stunning panoramic views of the mountain, volcanic landscapes, and surrounding valleys. For the more ambitious, the summit climb offers an exhilarating challenge and breathtaking vistas.
The park around Mount Taranaki is home to a variety of native forest, bird species, and unique plant life. Visitors can explore peaceful walking tracks, waterfalls, and volcanic craters that tell the story of the mountain’s fiery past.
 

The Coastline
Taranaki boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline. Surfing culture is extremely popular in New Plymouth. Alternatively these pristine shores are perfect for swimming, picnicking, or simply soaking in the scenery. 
The coastal walkway in New Plymouth is a must-do, offering a scenic 13 km trail along the waterfront. Explore the Saturday farmers' market, check out the modern Puke Ariki Museum, or relax at the Foreshore Park with panoramic views of the Tasman Sea.
 

Experience Local Art & Culture
Taranaki is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Visit the fantasticly architectural  Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, home to the famous Len Lye Collection, or attend local festivals celebrating local culture, music, and contemporary arts.

New Plymouth also hosts the annual Americarna car show. This show brings the best of American cars to New Plymouth for a weekend that is free for the public to attend and explore the cars. I have been lucky enough to be in New Plymouth twice while this is on and it is certainly a very cool spectacle. The next one is 24th-28th February 2026.
 

Visit the Taranaki Gardens
Taranaki is fierce in colour and vibrancy, so it’s no wonder the region dazzles with spectacular world-recognised gardens. 
The annual Taranaki Garden Festival showcases more than 50 of the region's best every spring. Discover highlights such as Te Kainga Marire, Tūpare homestead, Hollard Garden, family-fun King Edward Park in Hāwera, and Pukeiti - the rainforest garden nestled in the foothills of Taranaki Maunga. 
The TSB Festival of Lights is a free event held every summer, showcasing magnificently colourful light installations in the natural backdrop of the sprawling inner-city sanctuary of Pukekura Park. 


​Play a Round of Golf
"Breathtaking scenery, tree-lined fairways, a long coastline and the gaze of Taranaki Maunga make this region a stunningly scenic and thriving golf destination. See panoramic views of the North Taranaki coastline, New Plymouth city, and Taranaki Maunga at Fitzroy, or tackle Strathmore in rural Eastern Taranaki. Whatever the skills, or ambition - Taranaki has the course for you."

​Where to stay in Taranaki
The Taranaki region has an impressive amount of freedom camping spots, paid campgrounds and PoP's available. Simply too many for us to list in this newsletter article. Most of the small towns have some form of campground, PoP or Freedom camp option. We suggest a quick browse on the NZMCA app to figure out what might suit you best.  
 
NZMCA Parks
There are two NZMCA parks in the New Plymouth city area and one located in Hawera. So if you are an NZMCA member you can utilise these parks.