Things to do in Taranaki

1. The Coastal Walkway

The award-winning Coastal Walkway has got to be at the top of your bucket list. It's a 13.2km path that runs from Pioneer Park in Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach, forming an expansive sea-edge promenade.

This beginner level walkway is paved, with some gentle slopes. It is excellent for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, skating and scooting.

2. The Forgotten World Highway

This quiet route includes a number of interesting stops along the way. It passes through four mountain saddles, Tangarakau Gorge, and a 180-meter single-lane tunnel. After 50 years in the construction, the Forgotten World Highway was finally completed in 1945.

The Forgotten World Highway connects Stratford with Taumarunui and is 150 kilometres long. It's more than just a route connecting two towns; it's a comprehensive experience, packed with heritage and historical insights. The journey is twisty and secretive, and the sights of pristine native bush are breathtaking; it's unusual to come across country that has been unaffected by the modern world.

The Matemateonga Track, located off the Forgotten World Highway at Stratford and leading into Whanganui National Park, is a 3- to 4-day hike for the adventurous to tackle.

3. Hike Paritutu Rock

Paritutu Rock, a massive volcano remnant, is located just around the corner from our vacation park. Seven Sugar Loaf Islands, which are also volcano relics, keep company with the 156-meter renowned sight.

The 360-degree views from the top, where you can see the coast wrap around the city as the majestic mounga looms towering in the background, make this short but steep climb worth the 20-minute endeavour.

On a clear day, the North Island's Central mountains, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe, can be seen. If you're an early riser, the sunrise scenery is spectacular.

4. The Surf Highway

On the North Island, Taranaki gets the most swell and has the highest concentration of quality spots to surf. Some of the best surf spots are only a short drive from the city center, while others are more tranquil.

The beautiful Surf Highway along Taranaki's coast is a surfer's dream, with 180 degrees of ocean swells. Spend a day or two at one of the several beaches in the area hunting the perfect wave.

5. Hike the Pouakai Crossing, Mount Taranaki

The Pouakai Crossing route, which is part of the multi-day Pouakai Circuit, is a 19-kilometer, eight-hour trek that is one of New Zealand's top one-day walks. On the top slopes of Mount Taranaki, the track passes through a series of unspoilt vistas. Lush native woodland, volcanic cliffs, marshes, and a small mountain lake or tundras that perfectly reflects the mountain top are among the highlights. A decent degree of fitness and adequate gear for the shifting mountain conditions are usually required for a summer trek.

6. Explore the Len Lye Center

The architecturally magnificent Len Lye Center, which connects seamlessly with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, is recognised as one of Taranaki's greatest places to visit. It features works by Len Lye, a renowned New Zealand kinetic sculpture and pioneering film artist, that are both fascinating and humorous. The Govett-Brewster and the New Zealand Film Archive hold the artist's entire collection of roughly 18,000 artifacts, allowing shows to vary every few months. These well-curated encounters occasionally contain works by other well-known artists. Explore this internationally recognised gallery in the center of New Plymouth's arts district and prepare to be amused, entertained, and enlightened.

7. Explore the Forgotten World Highway

The Forgotten World Highway (SH 43) runs 148 kilometers from Stratford to Taumaranui, and is built on a colonial horse route. It travels through a number of charming settlements, such as Whangamomona, a self-declared republic known for its old hotel. Other highlights include views from the Whangamonoma Saddle, the small Moki Tunnel, an alternative diversion to Mount Damper Falls, and a visit at Lauren's Lavender Farm, which is open from October to May, are among the other attractions.

8. The Three Sisters

Take a picnic lunch and visit the Three Sisters at Tongaporutu. You can find the formations by walking alongside the river and around the point at low tide.

A rock etching of a strange six-toed foot can also be found in neighboring caverns. But check the tides first, as the formations are only accessible during low tide.

9. Pukekura Park and the Bowl of Brooklands

This 52-hectare park, located in the center of New Plymouth, is one of New Zealand's best botanical gardens. Fountains, lakes with bridges, open lawns, walking routes, formal gardens, a fernery, and a large variety of native and exotic species may all be found here. A lakefront tea shop and three children's playgrounds are also available. Pukekura Park hosts the TSB Festival of Lights from mid-December to late-January. WOMAD, an internationally known three-day music festival, takes place in March at the park's enormous outdoor stage, the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, and there's almost certainly a terrific headline act or two performing during the summer.

10. Tawhiti Museum

Thousands of super-realistic scale models and life-size displays bring much of the area's history to life at this award-winning, privately owned museum. Their Whalers and Traders experience is a must-do, as you board a small vessel and sail into the darkness before being transported back in time for a glimpse of life in Taranaki between 1820 and 1840. Tawhiti Museum is open Friday to Monday from September to May and on Sundays from June to August, and is rated as one of the top things to do in South Taranaki for visitors of all ages.