Traverse Taranaki
Taranaki has played a foundational role throughout Aotearoa New Zealand’s history.
Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington, Taranaki is a diverse region that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. The coastal city of New Plymouth is the largest in the region and boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, and theatres showcasing the work of local artists and performers.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Taranaki is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes. The region has a stunning coastline, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for surfing, swimming, and fishing. There are also several parks and reserves in the area, including Egmont National Park, which is home to Mount Taranaki and a range of native flora and fauna.
Taranaki is also renowned for its food and wine, with local producers offering delicious and unique products. The region’s fertile soil and mild climate make it ideal for growing a range of crops, including grapes, apples, and avocados, which are used to produce some of New Zealand’s finest cuisine.
Read on to get a glimpse of some of the towns in Taranaki.
Towns that make up Taranaki.
New Plymouth
As Taranaki’s only city, New Plymouth has a lot to offer. It’s known for its black sand beaches, outdoor adventures, and proximity to Mount Taranaki, which you can reach from New Plymouth’s city centre in about 45 minutes.
Hāwera
Plan a pit stop in Hāwera to explore the fascinating Tawhiti Museum and Traders & Whalers experience, showcasing intricate details of history through an extensive collection of scale models and dioramas that bring the past to life.
Inglewood
Nestled in the lush green pastures of Taranaki, below the forested edges of Egmont National Park, lies the delightful rural town of Inglewood. The vibrant greenery in the surroundings adds to its charm.
Ōakura
In Ōakura, Ōakura Beach is Taranaki’s most popular family-friendly holiday spots, where people can enjoy the black sand beach, and surf.
Ōpunake
While traversing ‘Surf Highway 45’, Ōpunake is a must-visit destination. Take some time to relish the beach and the fascinating historic loop trail that winds through stunning lake and beach landscapes.
Waitara
Known for its specialty in bridge swinging, but if that’s not your cup of tea, consider renting kayaks and embarking on a scenic journey down Waitara River instead.
Eltham
Check out its historic railway, art galleries, gardens, and cheese factory. It’s also home to the Taranaki Country Music Festival.
Stratford
Nearly all the streets in Stratford are named after Shakespearean characters, and it’s pretty easy to guess why – Stratford-on-Pātea was named to
honour Shakespeare’s birthplace,
Stratford-upon-Avon.
Whangamōmona
A charming town with quaint buildings, Whangamōmona is located 45 minutes east of Stratford. It is a prominent feature along the Forgotten World Highway.
Pātea
If you travel to Pātea, make sure to pause and pay a visit to the renowned Aotea Waka Memorial located on the main street. This striking monument honours one of the earliest canoes used by Māori during their migration to New Zealand.
