New Plymouth
- Wanganui
166 km (104 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The city of New Plymouth is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. It also has a strong arts focus, so check out the current exhibitions.
There are two ways to approach this drive. You can follow the ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont and have a beach view all the way. Or you can take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy the green serenity of farmland. Either way, the dramatic volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki will dominate the landscape for much of your journey. The forested lower slopes of the mountain are laced with walking tracks.
Interesting townships pop up regularly - keep an eye out for small museums and quirky art shops. The rural centre of Hawera is home to New Zealand’s largest milk factory and an interactive dairy farming attraction.
When you reach the picturesque river city of Wanganui take time to explore the restored heritage areas. Wanganui is the starting point for explorations of the Whanganui River.
Scenic Highlights
Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock
Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands are remnants a large volcano that was active nearly two million years ago.
Taranaki Lakes
Give your shutter finger some exercise at beautiful Lake Mangamahoe, an ideal location for taking pictures of Mount Taranaki.
Wreck of the Gairloch
Discover the rusted skeleton of the Gairloch, a coastal steamer that ran aground on a moonless night in 1903.
Bason Botanic Gardens and Bushy Park Forest Reserve
Find a host of golden daffodils, a sea of pink camellias or the oldest rata tree in New Zealand. Wanganui's gardens and reserves are picture perfect.
Egmont National Park
With more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, Egmont National Park is a dream destination for enthusiastic hikers.
Wanganui City Heritage Walks
Stroll around the streets of Wanganui and discover a wealth of impressive heritage buildings. The city's special character has been beautifully preserved.
Pukekura Park
Pukekura Park is New Plymouth's pride and joy - a huge area of gardens, water features, display houses and entertainment facilities.
Tupare Garden
Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Tupare is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and distinctive gardens.
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Stretch your legs along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, a seven kilometre parade of beaches and city attractions.
Puke Ariki
Put a few hours aside to explore the museum galleries at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth's groundbreaking cultural centre.
Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust
Wander the pathways of Pukeiti in any season - there's always so much to see in this spectacular rainforest garden.
Activities
Taranaki
Abseiling/Rappelling (1),
Climbing (2),
Surfing (3)
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