Overview

Taranaki is a striking and underrated region on New Zealand’s west coast, dominated by the iconic, perfectly symmetrical Mount Taranaki. Known for its rugged coastline, rich Māori culture, lush parks, and creative energy, Taranaki offers a rare combination of surfing, hiking, and art — all in one day. The region’s vibrant main city, New Plymouth, is a hub for festivals, public art, and beachside living.

  • Main Centres: New Plymouth, Hāwera, Stratford, Ōpunake, Waitara
  • Population: ~130,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) UTC+12 / NZDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Mild and wet with high sunshine hours — warm summers and cool, green winters

Top Destinations in Taranaki

New Plymouth

A coastal city with a thriving arts scene, stunning gardens, beachside walks, and views of Mount Taranaki.

Mount Taranaki / Egmont National Park

A dormant volcano and sacred Māori mountain offering hiking, waterfalls, alpine lodges, and snow-capped photo ops.

Surf Highway 45

A scenic coastal route connecting surf beaches, artsy towns, and local eateries — perfect for a road trip.

Stratford

A gateway to Mount Taranaki with Shakespearean-themed street names and a working glockenspiel clock tower.

Ōpunake

A friendly seaside town with laid-back charm, surf beaches, and walking trails.

Must-See Attractions

  • Puke Ariki Museum & Library – Explore regional history, Māori culture, and interactive exhibits
  • Len Lye Centre – A world-class kinetic art museum and architectural marvel in New Plymouth
  • Coastal Walkway (New Plymouth) – A 13 km path connecting beaches, bridges, and sculpture parks
  • Te Rewa Rewa Bridge – An iconic photo spot framing Mount Taranaki across a modern arch bridge
  • Dawson Falls & Wilkies Pools – Short hikes to waterfalls and natural rock pools on the mountain

Things to Do

  • Hike the Pouakai Tarns Track for mirrored reflections of Mount Taranaki
  • Drive Surf Highway 45, stopping at cafes, surf beaches, and art studios
  • Visit the Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park (summer)
  • Explore Māori heritage sites, marae visits, and cultural tours
  • Go surfing at Fitzroy Beach or Back Beach in New Plymouth

Getting There & Around

Airport

  • New Plymouth Airport (NPL)

Transport

  • Intercity buses connect New Plymouth to other cities
  • Rental cars are best for exploring Surf Highway and Mount Taranaki
  • Local buses operate in New Plymouth and surrounding areas

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Great for coastal walks, festivals, and water sports
  • Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp days, colorful gardens, and fewer tourists
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Snowy mountain scenes and cozy cafés
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming gardens, waterfalls, and ideal hiking weather

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Fresh produce, dairy products, artisan baking, seafood, and farm-to-table fare
  • Specialties: Taranaki cheese, locally roasted coffee, organic vegetables, whitebait fritters
  • Markets: Hāwera Farmers Market, New Plymouth Sunday Market
  • Events: WOMAD NZ (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Taranaki Garden Festival, Festival of Lights
  • Māori Culture: Strong iwi presence (Ngāti Ruanui, Te Āti Awa, Taranaki iwi) — visit marae, attend pōwhiri, or explore historic pā sites

Souvenirs from Taranaki

  • Mount Taranaki artwork and photography
  • Handmade pottery and textiles from local artisans
  • Locally made cheese, jams, and organic skincare
  • Māori carvings and cultural jewelry

Fun Facts

  • Mount Taranaki is so perfectly shaped that it stood in for Mt. Fuji in The Last Samurai
  • The Len Lye Centre is New Zealand’s only museum dedicated to a single artist
  • The region has more sunshine hours than many other parts of the country despite its rain
  • Surf Highway 45 is named for the dozens of surf breaks dotting the coast between towns

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Coastal & Mountain Getaway

  • Day 1: Arrive in New Plymouth – explore Len Lye Centre + walk the Coastal Walkway
  • Day 2: Hike in Egmont National Park – Wilkies Pools or Pouakai Tarns
  • Day 3: Surf Highway 45 road trip – visit Ōpunake + beaches and cafes

5-Day Nature, Art & Culture Road Trip

  • Day 1: New Plymouth – art galleries, dining, and beach walk
  • Day 2: Mount Taranaki hike + Dawson Falls Lodge stay
  • Day 3: Stratford town visit + glockenspiel + Shakespeare trails
  • Day 4: Surf Highway 45 southbound – explore cafés, galleries, and pā sites
  • Day 5: Hāwera museum + return via inland scenic route

Cities

  • New Plymouth