A great time on the mountain
The snowy cone of Mount Taranaki is a focal point for all kinds of adventure.
Hike to the top of Mount Taranaki 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 to a three-day trek around the mountain Drive the heritage trail around Mount Taranaki. 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 the Manganui ski field, which has ski hire available Blooming marvellous gardens
The gentle Taranaki climate has inspired fabulous gardens of roses, rhododendrons, fuchsias and native plants.
Visit Pukekura Park and Brooklands to admire the fernery and display houses. A children's zoo, forest walks and lakes are the park's other attractions Pukeiti is internationally renowned for its rhododendron collection, set in 360 hectares of native forest Tupare (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' statue. Every second year in February, a 'Wendy Festival' is staged. Wendys from the world over are invited At all times of the year, dozens of private gardens can be viewed by appointment Deluxe surf breaks and beaches
Surf culture is alive and well in Taranaki. The waves never stop rolling.
Follow 'Surf Highway 45' - a 106 kilometre around-the-coast road that takes in all the surfing spots from New Plymouth to Hawera Surfing and windsurfing lessons are available, or try tandem-surfing with an expert surfer The Sugarloaf marine park is the place to see seals and other marine life. Cruise tours are available daily (weather dependent). Climb to see the view from the top of Paritutu Rock, a volcanic remnant on the New Plymouth coast Visit the Cape Egmont lighthouse. A spectacular backdrop of Mount Taranaki makes this a wonderful spot for photography Tackle the five hour Whitecliffs Walkway. You'll see Taranaki's famous white cliffs, the fabulous 'Three Sisters' rock formations and walk through the hand-hewn Te Horo tunnel, which leads from the beach to farmland Action and adventure, Taranaki style
Give yourself a thrill while you appreciate the amazing scenery.
Experience dam dropping (an eight metre drop over a dam) on the Waingongoro River Embark on a canoeing adventure - choose regular canoes, kayaks or a 12 metre waka (canoe) Launch yourself on a Maori eco-experience. Paddle a 12-metre waka or ride a quad bike through native bush With a local Maori guide, explore the ancient tracks and secret tribal places on Mount Taranaki. Finish with a fun 14 kilometre downhill cycle trip Join a guided horse trek through the hills. Go for two hours or up to five days Discover bridge swinging (a kind of seated bungy jump) Skydive for a bird's eye view of the entire region And there's more!
In and around Taranaki you'll find plenty to keep you entertained.
Visit Puke Ariki, a world-class museum and heritage centre on New Plymouth's waterfront Walk New Plymouth's seven kilometre coastal walkway, which winds past sculptures, beaches, rock pools and rivers 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 Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum Have a learning experience at Tawhiti Museum near Hawera. Explore the social and technological heritage of early Maori and Europeans Shop for contemporary Maori art in New Plymouth Have fun at Fun Ho! National Toy Museum. You'll see over 3000 locally made toys dating from 1936 Visit boutique wineries and breweries within the region Visit the film locations where The Last Samurai, a major Warner Bros movie starring Tom Cruise, was filmed.
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