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
Taranaki Maunga, Taranaki

By HeliviewFlights

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

Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki

Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, which includes Taranaki Maunga, offers fascinating outdoor adventures.

  • Hike to the summit or enjoy the Pouākai Crossing day hike. Previous snow and ice climbing experience is required 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 Taranaki Maunga. 
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Taranaki
Surfing, Taranaki

By Rob Tucker

New Plymouth’s inner city beaches offer bodacious surf breaks, or venture out along the Surf Highway to find the infamous Rocky Rights or Kumera Patch surf breaks.

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.
  • Journey to the Sugar Loaf Marine Park(opens in new window) 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 Taranaki Maunga 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 (known locally as the Taniwha Tunnel).
  • Take a surf lesson with a local expert.
Taranaki
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 is humming with some of New Zealand’s most unique and diverse visitor offerings. Right around the maunga, you’ll find a vibrant and world-renowned arts and culture scene. There is something here for everyone - experience it for yourself at one of the following attractions.

Taranaki
Pukekura Park, Taranaki, Taranaki

By Mark Harris

Blooming marvellous gardens and spectacular golf courses

Taranaki is home to 10 gardens of national significance, including five private and five public gardens.

  • Visit Pukekura Park to enjoy the fernery and display houses, as well as a children's zoo, forest walks, and row boats.
  • Pukeiti(opens in new window) is internationally recognised for its rhododendron collection set in 360 hectares of native forest.
  • Tūpare(opens in new window) in New Plymouth and Hollard Gardens(opens in new window) in Kaponga are two of New Zealand's finest heritage gardens.
  • King Edward Park in Hāwera 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 garden event of Taranaki – the Taranaki Garden Festival(opens in new window). 
  • The region’s top golf course is the championship Ngāmotu Links, home of the New Plymouth Golf Club.
  • Taranaki boasts 19 other golf courses, including grass-roots clubs such as Urenui, Waverley, and Strathmore, each with their own unique natural hazards and a guaranteed view of the mountain.

Where to next?

Coastal Arts Trail

Ruapehu

Whanganui