Taranaki
Nearby
Taupo Hamilton Rotorua Tongariro National ParkTaranaki: Understand
Taranaki is known for it’s beautiful mountain, rural landscapes and nice surf beaches.
New Plymouth is Taranaki’s only city.
Taranaki: See & Do
Mt Taranaki
The first thing we do when we visit Taranaki is to get to the Mountain.
To summit Mount Taranaki requires a guide or going in a group with someone who is experienced and has done the summit before. The weather is super changeable on this mountain, which has lead to unnecessary deaths. If you’re with a guide, they will know when it’s too bad to continue (and whether to hunker down or backtrack).
There is an awesome circuit which is known as “Around the Mountain Circuit”. It’s a 4-5 day hike, 52km in total. The traditional loop starts at the North Egmont Roadend, a 30 min drive from New Plymouth.
There are also future plans for 41 km of new trails in Mt Taranaki. This would be the Mounga ki Moana Taranaki Crossing Experience. Within this would be a range of one-day walks.
There is the Pouakai Tarn, which you can visit as part of a multi-day loop, or from Mangorei Road End you can do it in a day (5-6 hours). From Mangorei Road End, head up to Pouakai Hut, then continue to Pouakai Tarn. To do it in a day, you’ll have to double back and return the same way you went up.
For a shorter walk in Mt Taranaki National Park, you can check out Wilkie Pools Loop Track. It’s a 1.9 km loop, taking approx. 15 mins to the pools, and 45 mins for the loop. Pack your togs (translation = swimsuit) for a dip in the pools! Start from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Another short walk starting just 75 metres down Manaia Road from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is the Kapuni Loop track to Dawson’s Falls. It’s a 1.4 km track, taking between 20 and 45 minutes (depending on pace).
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway goes from the central city, out past Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and along the beach. Perfect for biking, running or walking! Particularly good on a blue sky day!
Opunake
Opunake is a small town less than an hour from New Plymouth. The coastal focus makes it a great spot for fishing, surfing and swimming.
Hawera
If you’re looking for a rainy day activity in Taranaki, Hawera has the Tawhiti Museum. There are wax sculptures depicting early Taranaki settlement, plus a ride in a little boat through scenes of “traders and whalers”.
Stratford
If you’re driving through and want to stretch your legs in Stratford, there’s a big tower & cuckoo clock with Romeo & Juliet popping out!
Taranaki: Eat
A ‘one stop shop’ is the old White Hart Hotel in the west end precinct of New Plymouth. Here you will find Snug Lounge with Asian fusion sharing plates & yummy cocktails. Ms White Pizza is also in here, Itch Wine Bar with access to a fun shared courtyard and Public Cafe with AMAZING donuts and cabinet food.
The Good Home is a good dinner option in New Plymouth – they have quite traditional meals with side dishes to share with nice meats.
The Arizona is a funky hole in the wall takeaway burger place… they do poutine too! Poutine = Canadian – French fries, cheese and gravy.
The Social Kitchen in New Plymouth is higher in price, but has an awesome atmosphere and sharing style eating.
The Vineyard Bistro @ Okurukuru is near Oakura, just 12 minutes drive from New Plymouth. It’s a winery restaurant, so expect food, wine and sea views! Open 5 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Elixir is a good breakfast or brunch option, which is a long time New Plymouth favourite.
Taranaki: Sleep
Oakura Beach Holiday Park is the best holiday town spot! They have campsites or units.
Opunake Beach Holiday Park is also a good option with self-contained units, cabins or the campsite.
Or Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park is closer to central New Plymouth and on a beach – they also have studios, cabins and campsites.
Where to next?
Nearby places:
Taupo Hamilton Rotorua Tongariro National Park
Nearby Regions:
Manawatu-Wanganui Waikato