Taranaki Attractions

Perched on the North Island's west coast in sight of the towering Mt Taranaki is the city of New Plymouth.
Taranaki
Things to do - New Plymouth, Taranaki

By New Zealand 100% Pure

Most visitors venture to Taranaki to climb the enormous cone-shaped mountain. But there's a lot more to Taranaki than first meets the eye.

Taranaki
Mt Taranaki, Taranaki

By HeliviewFlights

The conical shape of Mt Taranaki is visible throughout the region.

Egmont National Park

Egmont National Park, which includes Mount Taranaki, offers fascinating outdoor adventures.

  • Hike to the summit or enjoy the Pouakai Crossing day hike. Previous snow and ice climbing experience is required during to reach the summit during winter.
  • There are more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks(opens in new window), ranging from ten-minute nature walks to a three-day trek around the mountain.
  • Between June and October, the Stratford Mountain Club operates the mountain's only ski field, Manganui(opens in new window). Visitors are always welcome.
  • Take a scenic flight over Mount Taranaki. 

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Taranaki
Surfing, Taranaki

By Rob Tucker

New Plymouth’s inner city ‘Bog Works’ break, is home of an annual big wave surfing competition.

Captivating coast with deluxe surf breaks

With a coastline that curves from north-facing to west-facing and around to the south, the waves in Taranaki just keep on rolling. Explore one of New Zealand's best surf regions.

  • Cruise Surf Highway 45 to all the top surfing spots.
  • Cruise to the Sugar Loaf Marine Park to encounter seals and other marine life.
  • Climb volcanic Paritutu Rock for spectacular coastal views.
  • Visit the Cape Egmont lighthouse. It's a wonderful spot for photography with distant Mount Taranaki as a backdrop.
  • Step out along the five-hour Whitecliffs Walkway. Discover the famous white cliffs and Three Sisters rock formations then walk the hand-hewn Te Horo tunnel.
  • Take a surf lesson with a local expert.

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The exterior of the Len Lye Centre, Taranaki

By Patrick Reynolds

Len Lye Centre, New Plymouth - the external stainless steel façade echoes the artist’s use of the metal in many of his kinetic sculptures.

Art, history and culture

Taranaki offers endless opportunities to discover new perspectives that refresh and rejuvenate your soul. Enjoy Taranaki's art, history, and culture by visiting some of these attractions.

  • Visit Puke Ariki, a world-class museum and heritage centre on New Plymouth's waterfront.
  • Walk New Plymouth's eleven-kilometre coastal walkway, past sculptures, beaches, rock pools and and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. 
  • Take a guided historical tour. Learn about the Taranaki Land Wars of the 1800s and the remarkable passive resistance movement.
  • Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, a contemporary art museum.
  • Explore the social and technological heritage of early Maori and European settlers at Tawhiti Museum.
  • Shop for contemporary Maori and European arts and crafts.
  • Have fun at Fun Ho! National Toy Museum. See 3000 locally made toys dating from 1936.
  • Visit the glockenspiel and Pioneer Village(opens in new window) in Stratford.
  • Explore the Forgotten World Highway by rail cart. 
  • Tour some of the region's boutique wineries and breweries.

Taranaki
Taranaki's gardens, Taranaki

By Rob Tucker

Taranaki has been referred to as the ‘garden of New Zealand’ since pioneering times.

Blooming marvelous gardens and golf courses

Taranaki is home to 17 gardens of national or regional significance; that's about a quarter of New Zealand's total.

  • Visit Pukekura Park to enjoy the fernery and display houses, as well as a children's zoo, forest walks and row boats.
  • Pukeiti is internationally recognised for its rhododendron collection set in 360 hectares of native forest.
  • Tupare in New Plymouth and Hollard Gardens in Kaponga are two of New Zealand's finest heritage gardens.
  • King Edward Park in Hawera features the world's only 'Wendy' statue - the partner to Kensington Garden's 'Peter Pan'.
  • At all times of the year, dozens of private gardens can be viewed by appointment.
  • Attend the premier festival of Taranaki’s gardens – the Taranaki Garden Spectacular. 
  • The region’s top course is the championship Ngamotu Links, home of the New Plymouth Golf Club.
  • Taranaki boasts 19 other golf courses, including grass-roots clubs like Urenui, Waverly and Strathmore, each with their own unique natural hazards and a guaranteed view of the mountain.

Where to next?

Waikato

Ruapehu

Whanganui