Encompassing a variety of landscapes including the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Mt Taranaki, steeped in maori history and blessed to be on the sunny coast, Taranaki is a sacred place to visit with many attractions and sights to enjoy.
Remarkably similar in shape to Japan’s Mt Fuji, 2,518m Mt Taranaki in Egmont National Park is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine areas and has 300 kms of walking tracks throughout the park. 105 kms of prime surfing spots along highway 45 between New Plymouth and Hawera. New Plymouth’s Pukeruka Park with its 52 hectares of gardens and summer evening displays of 18,000 lights. October to November witness the annual extravagant rhododendron displays (The Pukeiti gardens alone have over 10,000 rhodos).
“Did you know… The New Zealand Kiwi bird is the only in the world to have nostrils at the tip of its bill and lays the largest egg relative to its body?”
Meet the friendly locals and find out where the best spots are to catch a wave in the pounding Tasman Sea or spend some time strolling the coastal ironsand beaches. With a charm of yesteryear, Taranaki is a destination rich in maori culture, arts and crafts, adrenaline activities, fishing, empowering walks and mountain tracks.
| From | To | Kms | Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | New Plymouth | 365 kms | 5 hrs |
| New Plymouth | Wellington | 352 kms | 5 hrs |
| New Plymouth | Mt Taranaki National Park | 26 kms | 30 mins |
| Auckland | Mt Ruapehu | 340 kms | 5 hrs |
| Mt Ruapehu | Wellington | 330 kms | 4 hrs |
