Unexplored New Zealand: your ultimate guide to Taranaki

From the mystic mountain that dominates the landscape to cute coastal villages’ secret surf breaks, a wealth of hiking tracks, and creativity found around every corner, the Taranaki region is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

The majestic Taranaki Maunga (mountain) rises from the surrounding land, a constant presence that embodies the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region that takes its name. Located on the west coast of the North Island, Taranaki is still relatively undiscovered, offering plenty of chances to get off the beaten track while providing much to see and do.

New Plymouth, the urban centre of the region, is home to good shopping and dining options, as well as a plethora of cultural experiences, including galleries, museums and festivals.

Wander across the striking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.

Getting to Taranaki

New Plymouth Airport is the gateway to Taranaki – and what an amazing first impression it makes. Named one of the world’s most beautiful airports by the prestigious Prix Versailles World Architecture And Design Awards in 2023, its design is imbued with the story of the Puketapu Hapū people, and on a clear day, Mt Taranaki can be seen from the concourse. Taranaki is connected via daily direct flights to the main cities of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Roadtrippers can reach Taranaki on State Highway 3 (the most direct route from Auckland), Surf Highway 45 (taking the coast road south) or via the Forgotten World Highway (SH43), New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail that leads travellers through ancient Māori trade routes, historic settlements and scenic landscapes.

Fly into Plymouth Airport Terminal. (Image: Design Daily)

Where to stay in Taranaki

Taranaki has plenty of accommodation choices to suit all styles of travel and budget.

A newcomer is the 18-room cultural lodge Ngā Rere, which delivers an immersive experience as well as a place to rest your head. Set on the lower slopes of Taranaki Maunga, Ngā Rere is of great cultural significance to the Ngāruahine people as a sacred place of healing.

A dedicated hauora (wellness) room offers traditional Māori healing, massage and meditation. Short guided cultural walking tours are also on offer, focusing on cultural history, the mountain, flora, fauna and Te Rere o Noke (Dawson Falls) – at 18 metres, this is among New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Stay at Ngā Rere Lodge on the lower slopes of Taranaki Maunga.

Where to eat and drink

The Taranaki food scene explodes with variety and fresh local flavours. Award-winning breweries and urban wineries, excellent coffee, fine dining and casual coastal eats are all part of the mix.

Gin lovers should slip into New Plymouth’s Juno Gin to check out its multi-award-winning Extra Fine Gin (made with local mountain water), along with a range of limited edition seasonal gins, vodkas and the ever-popular limoncello. The boutique distillery and cellar door offers tours and tastings, including a full tour that includes canapes, cocktails, a mini-masterclass and distillery tour with tastings.

Enjoy a cocktail or masterclass at Juno Gin.

Things to do in Taranaki

1. Explore Taranaki Maunga

Located in Te Papakura o Taranaki (Egmont National Park), Taranaki Maunga is a dormant volcano standing 2518 metres high. It’s estimated to be around 125,000 years old and is sacred to the Māori people of the Taranaki region.

There are over 200 kilometres of hiking tracks ranging from short walks to five-day expeditions around the mountain, but be warned: the challenging trek to the summit is for experienced trampers only. The best time to hike Taranaki Maunga is from December to mid-April, when the ice and snow are thawed.   

The striking Manganui Gorge bridge connects a popular family-friendly walking trail from the Stratford Plateau to the Manganui Skifield. This impressive 109-metre-long suspension bridge is the newest addition to the mountain and forms part of the multi-day Taranaki Crossing hike.

Witness the breathtaking beauty of Taranaki Maunga. (Image: Jeremy Beckers)

2. Experience local culture

The vibrant three-day festival WOMAD Aotearoa comes to Taranaki every March, transforming the region into a colourful tapestry of sounds, flavours and connection, set against that stunning natural backdrop. Experience a mix of music, art, dance, food and literary workshops and discussions from all corners of the globe. In 2025, WOMAD will be held 14–16 March.

The curved stainless steel walls of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth are a hint of what’s inside. This contemporary art museum reveals a rich collection of work by local, national and international artists, alongside the legacy of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye.

WOMAD Aotearoa comes to Taranaki every March. (Image: Charlotte Curd)

3. Take the family to The Hillsborough Hideaway

Fun for the whole family awaits at The Hillsborough Hideaway, just 10 minutes’ drive from New Plymouth’s city centre. Here, owners Steve and Joy Fabish share their passion for all things Holden in a collection of meticulously restored early- to late-model cars. There’s also a Bathurst-themed mini golf course and a 240-metre downhill luge to keep all ages entertained.

Ride the luge 240 metres downhill.

4. Swim in Surf Highway’s black sand beaches

Generations of Kiwi surfers and international visitors have flocked to Taranaki to seek out Surf Highway 45, a 105-kilometre coastal route offering surf breaks, sheltered beaches, points of historic and cultural interest, scenic spots and coastal cafes.

Take any side road off the highway towards the coast to find a beach. Among the best surf spots are Stent Road, the Kumara Patch, Fitzroy Beach, Mangahume and Arawhata Road. Surf lifesavers patrol Fitzroy, East End, Ōakura and Ōpunake beaches over summer, and sheltered Ngāmotu and Kaupokonui are great for families.

Hang 10 on Back Beach.

Start planning your Taranaki adventure at taranaki.co.nz.