Must Dos

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Taranaki, but how do you know which experiences, adventures and attractions are at the top of the 'Must Do' list?

Ask the locals.

We did just that, and got thousands of votes for the things visitors to the region simply must do.

This list highlights those judged the Top 50, but there are many more fantastic experiences to be discovered in Taranaki - a region 'like no other.'

1. HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER MT TARANAKI

Mt Taranaki stands proudly at the heart of Taranaki, both geographically and spiritually. The best view of this picture-perfect mountain can be seen on board one of the region’s helicopter tours.

Who: Heliview Flights
Where: Ocean View Parade, Port Taranaki
Website: www.heliview.co.nz
Contact: 06 753 0123

Who: Precision Helicopters
Where: 450 Kaipikari Road Upper, Urenui
Website: www.precisionhelicopters.com
Contact: 06 752 3291

Who: Beck Helicopters
Where: 4512 Mountain Road, Eltham
Website: www.heli.co.nz
Contact: 06 764 7073

2. DAWSON FALLS

Take a 10 minute walk from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre through lush native forest to this stunning 18 meter high waterfall.

Where: Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Road, Egmont National Park

3. TSB BANK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park is transformed after dark into a wonderland of lights. Explore the many electric events and spectacular lighting displays at this nationally renowned festival.

Where: Pukekura Park, Fillis Street, New Plymouth
When: 26 December-30 January
Website: www.festivaloflights.co.nz
Contact: 06 759 6060

4. NEW PLYMOUTH COASTAL WALKWAY

Walk, skate or cycle the award-wining 10km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, from Port Taranaki in the west, past the Wind Wand to the new Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and beyond to Bell Block.

Where: Along New Plymouth’s coastline

5. PUKEKURA PARK

Wander through the inner-city botanical wonderland to discover lakes, a zoo, historic tea house, playground and countless short walks, as well as a Fernery and Display Houses and a special Japanese inspired hillside.

Where: Pukekura Park, Fillis Street, New Plymouth
When: 7.30am-7.00pm and to 8.00pm during daylight savings
Contact: 06 759 6060

6. SUMMER CONCERTS AT TSB BOWL OF BROOKLANDS

See why New Plymouth is called the ‘Events Capital’ by heading along to one of the many world-class concerts, fantastic festivals or local spectacles at this delightful natural outdoor amphitheatre.

Where: Brooklands Park Drive, New Plymouth
Contact: 06 759 6060

7. OUR FAVOURITE BEACHES

Round up the family for some beach cricket, swimming, surfing or fish and chips at one of Taranaki’s favourite beaches.

Where:
Fitzroy Beach, Beach Street, New Plymouth
Back Beach, Centennial Drive, New Plymouth
Ngamotu Beach, Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth
Oakura Beach, Jans Terrace, Oakura
Opunake Beach, Beach Road, Opunake
Ohawe Beach, Hawera

8. PUKE ARIKI

Uncover Taranaki’s rich heritage at this innovative information and ideas hub located in the heart of New Plymouth - the world’s first integrated museum, visitor centre and library.

Where: 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
When: Weekdays 9.00am-6.00pm, Wednesday to 9.00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 9.00am-5.00pm
Website: www.pukeariki.com
Contact: 06 759 6060

9. CLIMB PARITUTU ROCK

Get a bird’s eye view of New Plymouth and its coastline from the top of this distinctive volcanic outcrop.

Where: Centennial Drive, New Plymouth

10. SUMMIT CLIMB UP MT TARANAKI

Discover the legend and landscape of iconic Mt Taranaki and encounter a view like no other from the summit. For best results join an organised climb or team up with an experienced  local guide.

Where: Egmont National Park
When: Year round if you enjoy ice-climbing, or summer months for a less challenging ascent
Contact: 06 756 0990

11. ROUND THE MOUNTAIN ROAD TRIP

Load up the car or bike, and go town hopping around our magnificent mountain, stopping to explore the region along the way.

Where: SH3 from New Plymouth to Hawera, Surf Highway 45 around the coast
When: The round trip will take 2.5 hours non-stop

12. TAWHITI MUSEUM AND 'TRADERS & WHALERS’

Sample Taranaki’s heritage through uniquely realistic and engaging displays, including hundreds of life-size and miniature models, countless artefacts, a working railway and the new ‘Traders & Whalers’ exhibition that has to be experienced to be believed.

Where: 401 Ohangai Road, Hawera
When: Friday-Monday 10.00am-4.00pm (26 December-31 January EVERY DAY and June, July, August Sundays ONLY)
Website: www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz and www.tradersandwhalers.co.nz
Contact: 06 278 6837

13. ICE CREAM FROM IONA DAIRY

Enjoy super-sized scoops in all your favourite flavours from New Plymouth’s Iona Dairy.

Where: 204 St Aubyn Street, New Plymouth
When: Daily 7.00am-8.00pm

14. LAKE MANGAMAHOE

Pack a picnic and take a picturesque forest walk or fun-fuelled mountain bike ride around the Mangamahoe hydro lake.

Where: SH3, just south of New Plymouth
When: 7.00am-6.00pm and to 8.30pm during daylight savings
Contact: 06 759 6060

15. HAPPY CHADDY’S CHARTERS

Join colourful captain Chaddy aboard a restored English lifeboat for a cruise through the Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. Explore these volcanic remnants and see the northern-most fur seal colony in New Zealand.

Where: Ocean View Parade, Port Taranaki, New Plymouth
When: Daily 8.30am-5.00pm
Website: www.chaddyscharters.co.nz
Contact: 06 758 9133

16. LEN LYE’S WIND WAND

Watch pioneering Kiwi artist Len Lye’s iconic 45 meter tall kinetic sculpture as it sways on its Coastal Walkway vantage point.

Where: New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

17. STOCKCAR NIGHT AT STRATFORD

Grab a hotdog and chips and the non-stop action at the Stratford Speedway.

Where: Flint Road, Stratford
When: Saturday nights, October-April
Website: www.stratford-speedway.co.nz
Contact: 06 765 5693

18. STAY IN A HUT ON MT TARANAKI

Take a trek and stay overnight amidst untouched native bush, or head for the summit and an alpine environment with spectacular views.

Where: Egmont National Park
When: Summer months for most, all year round for the intrepid

19. COFFEE AT A COASTAL CAFE

Pause from your exploration of Surf Highway 45 to sample fresh local cuisine and meet the friendly locals at one of the region’s wonderfully cozy coastal cafes.

Where: Numerous handily located spots around the Taranaki coast

20. PUKEITI

This expansive, internationally renowned rhododendron garden nestled in the foothills of Mt Taranaki offers many picturesque garden walks.

Where: 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth
When: Daily 9.00am-5.00pm
Website: www.pukeiti.org.nz
Contact: 06 765 7127

21. POUAKAI ZOO

From lions to llamas, you’ll encounter an extensive range of exotic wildlife at this family friendly zoo.

Where: 1306 Carrington Road, New Plymouth
When: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00am-4.30pm
Wesbite: www.pouakaizoo.co.nz
Contact: 06 753 3788

22. WHANGAMOMONA

Drive the spectacularly scenic Forgotten World Highway – New Zealand’s oldest touring route – to discover the rich history of Whangamomona. Stop at the pub to get your Whangamomona passport.

Where: Forgotten World Highway SH43
Website: www.whangamomonahotel.co.nz
Contact: 06 765 6708

23. WHITEBAIT FRITTERS IN MOKAU

Whitebait, a local delicacy fresh from the winding Mokau River, are one of the many treats on offer at the iconic Whitebait Inn.

Where: Whitebait Inn, SH3, Mokau
Contact: 06 752 9713

24. FEEDING THE DUCKS AT TSB BOWL OF BROOKLANDS

When it’s not hosting major international concerts and festivals, the beautiful TSB Bowl of Brooklands offers a peaceful escape to reflect and feed the ducks.

Where: Brooklands Park, New Plymouth

25. WHITECLIFFS WALKWAY

Take a scenic journey through open farmland and dramatic coastal forest to experience spectacular sea and mountain views.

Where: Pukearuhe Road, North of Urenui
When: Keep to low tide - beach access is limited at high tide

26. SURFING A TARANAKI WAVE

Almost every road towards the coast along Surf Highway 45 will lead you to a perfect wave. Stop by one of the region’s great surf shops/museums for a board and surf report.

Where: Surf Highway 45

27. GOVETT-BREWSTER ART GALLERY

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has served up the latest contemporary art from New Zealand and beyond for over 40 years and offers a lively events programme.

Where: Corner of King and Queen Streets, New Plymouth
When: Daily 10.00am-5.00pm
Website: www.govettbrewster.com
Contact: 06 759 6060

28. BIG WAVE CAFE

Enjoy a coffee and chocolate fish in an antique armchair with spectacular views, at this innovative outdoor cafe.

Where: East End Beach Reserve, New Plymouth waterfront
When: Monday-Sunday (October-June) 9.00am-6.00pm
Contact: 027 305 7035

29. TARANAKI THERMAL SPA

Soak your body and relax your mind in 29,000 year-old mineral water, with a selection of private or public pools and spa treatments.

Where: 8 Bonithon Avenue, New Plymouth
When: Hours vary – bookings recommended
Contact: 06 759 1666

30. TODD ENERGY AQUATIC CENTRE

Dive into New Plymouth’s aquatic complex, complete with wave pool, sauna, spa and hydroslide, and cafe and gym for the less waterproof.

Where: Tisch Avenue, New Plymouth waterfront
When: Monday-Friday 6.00am-8.15pm, Weekends 7.00am-6.45pm
Contact: 06 759 6060

31. GOBLIN FOREST

Explore walking trails through moss-covered gnarled trees and trailing ferns in the eerie Goblin Forest.

Where: Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Road, Egmont National Park

32. MEETING OF THE WATERS

The meeting of the Waiwhakaiho River and Mangamahoe hydro lake offers calm swimming spots, turbulent rapids frequented by white-water kayakers, and a number of peaceful bush walks.

Where: Waiwhakaiho Road, SH3 just South of New Plymouth

33. WILKIES POOLS

Take a short hike up to the natural plunge pools and have a refreshing swim in the pristine alpine water.

Where: Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Road, Egmont National Park

34. CAPE EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE

Visit one of New Zealand’s last working lighthouses with a vivid history - first installed on Wellington’s Mana Island in 1865 the Cape Egmont Lighthouse was at the heart of Taranaki’s  land disputes.

Where: End of Cape Road, Surf Highway 45

35. MT DAMPER FALLS

Detour off the Forgotten World Highway via Moki Road and the magnificent Moki Forest to see the striking 74 meter high Mt Damper Falls.

Where: Okau Road off Forgotten World Highway SH43

36. LEE BREAKWATER

Spend a day with the family fishing, ship-watching and enjoying the coastal, city and mountain views at Port Taranaki.

Where: Ocean View Parade, Port Taranaki
When: Ask a local fisherman for the best tides

37. URENUI MUDFLATS

Enjoy a mud fight or restorative mud pack in the mudflats of the Urenui river, before taking an ocean dip to wash off.

Where: Urenui Beach Road, Urenui
When: Low tide

38. BIKE DOWN TE HENUI WALKWAY

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and follow the meandering Te Henui Walkway from the outer suburbs to its junction with the Coastal Walkway.

Where: Cumberland Street to East End Reserve, New Plymouth

39. DAM DROPPING

Experience the thrill of dropping down the 8 meter high hydro dam on the Waingongoro River with this locally invented adrenaline rush.

Where: Normanby Dam
When: Bookings essential
Website: www.damdrop.com
Contact: 06 752 8242

40. TARANAKI PIONEER VILLAGE

Discover the lifestyles of Taranaki’s pioneering settlers at this recreated village, complete with cottages, businesses and a fascinating hospital museum. A replica train runs on weekends or by arrangement.

Where: SH3, 1km South of Stratford
When: Daily 10.00am-4.00pm
Website: www.pioneervillage.co.nz
Contact: 06 765 5399

41. MAINLAND CHEESE BAR

Sample the finest New Zealand cheeses fresh from the factory in Eltham.

Where: Bridge Street, Eltham
When: Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.00pm
Contact: 06 764 8068

42. MIKE’S ORGANIC BREWERY

Savour the taste of an organically brewed truly Taranaki beer, enjoy a meal in the Beer Garden or take a tour of the brewery to see real organic beer in the making.

Where: 487 Main North Road, Urenui
Website: www.organicbeer.co.nz
Contact: 0508 4 MIKES

43. HELICOPTER FLIGHT TO JURASSIC FALLS

Fly along the dramatic Taranaki coastline and over Hutawai Wetland to land beside an untouched isolated waterfall to search for ancient fossils.

Where: Precision Helicopters, 450 Kaipikari Road, Urenui
Website: www.precisionhelicopters.com
Contact: 06 752 3291

44. TARANAKI FARMERS MARKET

Taranaki has long been known as the garden of New Zealand. Sample and enjoy the best of the region in a vibrant market setting.

Where: Currie Street, New Plymouth
When: Sunday 9.00am-12.00pm
Website: www.farmersmarkettaranaki.org.nz
Contact: 06 753 0036

45. SINGER SONGWRITERS AT NEW PLYMOUTH LITTLE THEATRE

Taranaki’s talented singers and songwriters have been entertaining crowds for more than 5 years. Catch their inspiring performances on the last Friday of the month.

Where: 29 Aubrey Street, New Plymouth
When: Last Friday of every month (February-November) 7.00pm
Website: facebook.com/singersongwriters

46. MANAIA KAI

The small South Taranaki town of Manaia is home to one of the region’s best-kept secrets, fresh bread still warm from the ovens of Yarrows (The Bakers). A favourite for early-morning surf hunters.

Where: 38 South Road, Manaia
When: Monday-Friday 7.00am-4.00pm
Contact: 06 274 8195

47. POUAKAI TARNS

Capture a beautifully reflective view of Mount Taranaki’s summit in one of the pristine lakes along the Pouakai Track.

Where: Pouakai Circuit, on the Northern slopes of Egmont National Park
When: Spring, summer and autumn, though be prepared for rough weather at all times.

48. STRATHMORE SADDLE

Soak up the scenery - the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park to the East and the mythical Mt Taranaki to the West - from this vantage point along the Forgotten World Highway.

Where: Forgotten World Highway SH43 between Stratford and Whangamomona

49. HORSE RIDING

Escape civilization and explore the dramatic landscape of the North Taranaki back country on a horseback adventure.

Where: Bar L.N. Horse Trekking, 641 Kaipikari Road, Urenui
When: By arrangement
Contact: 027 447 4549

50. HAWERA WATER TOWER

Built in 1914, Hawera’s Water Tower was a defence against fires which had ravaged the town. These days its 215 steps lead to spectacular views over Hawera and the surrounding districts.

Where: 55 High Street, Hawera
When: Daily 10am-2pm
Contact: 0800 111 323

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