Taranaki Activity Highlights

Taranaki | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Taranaki presents something for everyone. Hike to the top of the dramatic volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki or wander the gorgeous gardens of New Plymouth.

Taranaki Activity Highlights Overview

With 105 kilometres of surf beach, 21 golf courses, 40 trout fishing streams, five heritage trails and one huge mountain, Taranaki presents an almost overwhelming choice of things to do.

» Taranaki Activities Directory

A Great Time on the Big Mountain

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Mt Taranaki, Taranaki, New Zealand

The snowy cone of Mount Taranaki is a focal point for all kinds of adventure.

Hike to the top of Mount Taranaki/Egmont with a professional guide. Organised summit climbs run throughout February
Mount Taranaki also has more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, ranging from 10 minute nature walks or to a three day 55 kilometre trek around the mountain
Drive the Taranaki heritage trail around Mount Taranaki. Non-stop the trail can be driven in two hours—or you can spread it over a day
In winter (June - August) visitors can ski the slopes of Manganui ski field, which has ski hire available

Blooming Marvelous Gardens

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Gardens in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand

Gardens in New Plymouth
Taranaki
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

The gentle Taranaki climate has inspired fabulous gardens of roses, rhododendrons, fuchsias and native plants.

Pukekura Park and Brooklands to admire the fernery and display houses. There's also a children's zoo, bush walks and lakes
Pukeiti is renowned for its Rhododendron collection, set in 360 hectares of native bush
Tupare Garden (New Plymouth) and Hollands (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'. Every second year in February a 'Wendy Festival' is staged—Wendys from the world over are invited
Dozens of private gardens can also be viewed year-round by appointment

Deluxe Surf Breaks and Beaches

A rich surf culture is alive and well in Taranaki. The waves never stop rolling.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Paragliding at Paritutu Beach, New Plymouths black sand beach, Taranaki, New Zealand

Paragliding at Paritutu Beach
Black Sand Beach, Taranaki
Photographer: Josh Woskett
(jwoskett@lycos.com)

Follow 'Surf Highway 45'—a 106 kilometres around-the-coast road that takes in all the surfing spots from New Plymouth to Hawera
Surf and windsurfing lessons are available, or try tandem-surfing with an expert surfer! All gear provided
The Sugarloaf marine park is the place to see seals and other marine life. Cruise tours are available daily (weather dependent) with Chaddy's Charters
Climb to the top of Paritutu Rock—this volcanic remnant on the New Plymouth coast is worth the view!
Visit the Cape Egmont lighthouse—a spectacular backdrop of the mountain makes this a wonderful spot for photos
Tackle the five hour Whitecliffs Walkway where you can see Taranaki's white cliffs, the fabulous 'Three Sisters' rock formations and walk through the hand-hewn Te Horo tunnel which leads from the beach to farmland

And There's More!

In and around New Plymouth you'll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, Taranaki, New Zealand

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Taranaki
Photographer: Josh Woskett
(jwoskett@lycos.com)

Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum
Have fun at Fun Ho! National Toy Museum with over 3,000 locally made toys dating from 1936
Visit boutique wineries and breweries within the region
Experience dam dropping (an eight metre drop over a dam) on Waingongoro River, where guides take people on a three hour heart pumping experience
Embark on a canoeing adventure—choose one of three Taranaki rivers, regular canoes, kayaks or a 12 metre long waka
Bridge-swinging (a kind of seated bungy jump) is available in the Taranaki region
4WD adventures in East Taranaki or Waitara
Extreme horse trekking through the hill country near Whangamomona
Take a guided historical tour. Find out about the Taranaki Land Wars of the 1800s, and the world's first passive resistance movement at Parihaka on the Taranaki coast
At Taranaki Mineral Pools you'll enjoy a range of thermal mineral baths, plus various massage options