Taranaki Lakes

Just south of New Plymouth, picturesque Lake Mangamahoe is an excellent destination for photographers who want great shots of Mount Taranaki. The best view of the mountain will be found at the far end of the lake. The lake's other attractions include geese, ducks, forest walks and mountain bike tracks.

Lake Rotokare, ""the rippling lake"" in Maori, is near Eltham. Set within a 212 hectare domain containing kahikatea, tawa, mahoe and rimu trees, the lake has an excellent walkway that starts at the car park. There are many birds to see, because the lake this is an important stopover for various migrating species. Allow approximately an hour and a half for the walk - a bit more if you want to photograph the fabulous birdlife.

In South Taranaki, Lake Rotorangi was formed when a hydro dam was built on the Patea River. It's 46 kilometres long, making it perfect for water skiing, kayaking and fishing (rainbow and brown trout).

Egmont National Park

Egmont National Park was created by a special act of parliament in 1900. It protects the huge volcano Taranaki (or Mount Egmont, as it is also known) and two older volcanoes - Kaitake and Pouakai.

Taranaki is linked by legend to the mountains of the central North Island. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the central plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. When he made flirtatious advances towards a pretty hill named Pihanga, Tongariro erupted in a jealous fury. Taranaki fled to the west, gouging out the Whanganui River on his way. Today Taranaki is still venerated and its summit is sacred to the Maori people of the area.

The walking track network in this national park is extensive, ranging from a 15 minute stroll along the Kamahi Track to the three-day Pouakai Circuit. There's a veritable maze of tracks around the Dawson Falls area, including the walk to Wilkies Pools, a series of eroded rock pools connected with gentle waterfalls. Summit climbs are best attempted with a guide.

The area's high rainfall and mild coastal climate have allowed a lush rainforest to develop on the slopes of the mountain. At lower altitudes you'll walk through tall rimu and kamahi trees; higher up the volcano, sub-alpine shrubs and herbfields are found above the snow line.

The forest on Mount Taranaki's middle slopes is sometimes known as 'Goblin Forest', because of the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Ahukawakawa Swamp is also botanically interesting, with its wide range of plants adapted to survive in acidic soils and very low temperatures.

There are three entry points to the park - Manaia Road, Egmont Road and Pembroke Road.

Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock

The Sugar Loaf Islands, off the coast of New Plymouth, are the eroded stumps of an ancient volcanic crater. Above the water you can see seven islands and several reefs. Below the surface, there are spectacular cliffs, canyons, boulder reefs and sand expanses. Captain Cook named the islands, taking inspiration from the lumps of sugar loaf he put in his tea. The ""sugar"" is actually bird guano.

The waters around the islands are home to at least 89 species of fish, 33 species of encrusting sponges, 28 species of bryozoans and 9 nudibranchs. The area is a mixing place for both cool and warm water species. Seals and oceanic seabirds breed here; dolphins and whales regularly pass through. The islands, both above and below water, have been protected since 1986.

Guarding the eastern end of New Plymouth's harbour is Paritutu Rock, another volcanic remnant. There's a track up the rock, beginning on the northern side. It's a scramble to the top but the views are spectacular & you can see the entire New Plymouth coastline, city, port and the Sugar Loaf Islands.

Paritutu once stood a little taller, but the summit was painstakingly flattened by Maori in pre-European times to make a level site for whare (houses) and kumara pits.

Charter companies tour the Sugar Loaf Islands, and there are diving operators who can make it possible to see the underwater sights.

Kapiti Marine Reserve

Kapiti Island, Waikanae Estuary and the Kapiti Marine Reserve in between create a very rare continuum of protected land, sea and estuary habitats. The island is known as a sanctuary for kiwi, kaka, takahe, and saddleback and the estuary is a feeding ground for birds and a nursery for a variety of fish.

The underwater scenery within the marine reserve is some of the finest in the greater Wellington region. Snorkellers can explore the rocks close to the shore of Kapiti Island. Scuba diving is the most rewarding on the western side and north end of the Island. The boulder bottom, sheltered reef and sandy bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges colour the reefs and luxuriant seaweed beds feed kina and paua. Starfish, corals, anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet are also residents of these waters. Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like blue moki and kingfish; subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch might also be seen.

Some wildlife is best viewed from a boat. Fur seals use Arapawaiti at the northern end of the island as a winter hauling ground. Offshore they feed on squid and schooling fish until they migrate south to breed. Whales and dolphins are also regular visitors to these waters.

Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach are good places to see wading birds such as variable oyster catchers and banded dotterels, digging for worms and shellfish in the tidal zone. Caspian terns are often encountered. They are the largest of the terns and have a stout red bill. In spring, look closely to see whitebait swimming up the mouth of the Waikanae River.

On the shores of Kapiti Island, which are only accessible by permit, you may see black shags and little shags fanning their wings to dry, or blackbacked gulls nesting on rock stacks during spring and early summer. Little blue penguins cross the beach at night. Their tracks and droppings can often be seen along the beaches. Eagle rays sometimes bask in the shallows close to shore.

Boat services based in the area operate licensed trips to and around Kapiti Island and the reserve. The marine reserve's only point of contact with the mainland is one kilometre of beach at the mouth of the Waikanae River. There are walking tracks through Waikanae Estuary.

Wellington Central Waterfront

A satisfying seaside stroll awaits on the doorstep of Wellington's central business district.

Large areas of the once-busy waterfront were left idle by the change to more efficient container shipping. Clever planning and considerable investment have restored these wharves and cargo sheds to provide a spacious and entertaining seaside reserve - just for pedestrians.

To walk at the water's edge and enjoy magnificent views of the harbour, cross to Queens Wharf on the City to Sea Walk Bridge, which features large Maori carvings.

Restaurants, apartments and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea now fill this area's gracefully functional historic buildings.

There are a number of interesting memorial plaques and artworks worth viewing. One plaque commemorates Paddy the Wanderer, a dog turned celebrity who was cared for by waterside workers, seamen and taxi drivers from 1928 until 1939.

>From Queens Wharf follow the harbour around past Te Papa (the national museum) and Chaffers Marina to Oriental Bay, where you will find numerous cafes and an enticing stretch of golden sand.

Jutting out onto the beach is a great viewing platform and picnic place, which was originally a band rotunda before being converted into a bathing pavilion in 1937.