Born from several volcanic eruptions, the Taranaki region surrounds its name-giver Maunga Taranaki in an almost perfect circle. 

Apart from Mt Taranaki and its neighbouring Pouakai Range, the landscape in Taranaki is rather flat, enabling views of the mountain from almost everywhere (if he doesn’t hide in the clouds, that is).

I suggest taking your time exploring the area as there are more things to do in Taranaki than you’d think! Information on what to do in Taranaki is still relatively sparse apart from New Plymouth even though the region’s packed with gems. Let me show you some.

New Plymouth is a relatively small city with a big heart and even better vibe. Located directly on the sea, you could head directly from work to the beach for a quick surf over lunch. You can find cafes, food trucks and restaurants for every budget level. 

And as you’d expect from a city of international standard, there’s heaps of things to do in New Plymouth. A lot of these things won’t even cost you a cent while the others won’t break the bank, either. 

Coastal Walkway

The Coastal Walkway runs along the waterfront all the way from the port of New Plymouth to Bell Block Beach. It’s about 12km long one way and while you can walk it, it’s easiest (and popular) to hire a bike and go for a ride. Apart from a few minor hills, it’s mostly flat and easy. 

To make a day of it, pick up your bike in the morning. That way you’ll have enough time to stop along the way in the various cafes and sit on the beach and watch the surfers do their thing. On weekends, you’ll also find markets along the walkway.

Where to hire a bike: Cycle Inn, 133 Devon Street East, New Plymouth is very reasonably priced

Location: The Coastal Walkway New Plymouth can be accessed from pretty much anywhere in the city. Just pop down to the water and you’ll get to the walkway.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

This artsy bridge is inspired by the breaking waves along the coastline around New Plymouth. Some people apparently also see a whale skeleton. Each to their own, right. Looking from the north end of the bridge through the breaking wave, it perfectly frames Mt Taranaki in the background, making the bridge a popular place for taking pictures.

Location: Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is part of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. It’s located in the suburb of Fitzroy, just off Lake Rotomanu

Climb Paritutu Rock

Paritutu Rock sticks out of New Plymouth’s otherwise flat landscape like a single tooth. The rock is a volcanic leftover (similar to the Pinnacles in the Coromandel) and looms up almost vertically. 

A short but extremely steep and challenging track leads to the top. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes each way but is definitely not for the faint of heart. The track starts like many others with stairs. The stairs soon disappear and you’ll clamber up the rocks while holding on to a chain. 

From the top, you’re rewarded with an amazing 360° view of New Plymouth, the ocean and Mt Taranaki. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mt Ruapehu in the far distance! 

Tip: Climb Paritutu Rock early in the morning. It’s a popular challenge and can get pretty busy. There’s only one way up and down and you’ll have oncoming traffic.

Location: Behind the port. It’s hard to miss, you can see Paritutu Rock from afar.

Bach on Breakwater for brunch

For one of the most scenic brunching spots, head over to Bach on Breakwater. This very popular restaurant is located directly on the water (a rare find in New Zealand, usually there’s a road or/and parking lot between restaurant and water). Gorgeous brekky with a view of the port and life is perfect.

Climbing Paritutu Rock and then going for breakfast at the Bach makes a good combo. You feel like you deserve the food even more.

Tip: For a table on the window, call to make a booking. They’re very busy, especially on weekends.

Location: Ocean View Parade, Port Taranaki, New Plymouth

Pukekura Park

There are so many parks and gardens around in the Taranaki region, they even have their own brochure. Pukekura Park is New Plymouth’s poster child and its said to be one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand even. You can find walks there, several smaller and a bigger lake with beautiful bridges. The Tea house on the lake invites to high tea and you can go for a romantic paddle on the lake. 

From the end of December all through January, Pukekura Park hosts the annual Festival of Lights. Every night from 8.30pm you can stroll through the park and marvel at the magnificent (and very instagram-able) light installations.

Location: The main entrance to Pukekura Park is at the top end of Liardet Street. Coming from the city centre, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the entrance. 

Go to a concert at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands

The TSB Bowl of Brooklands is part of Pukekura Park and one of the best locations in New Zealand to see an outdoor concert. The natural amphitheatre is responsible for great sound and the stage floats on a lake, with Mount Taranaki in the background once more. 

Location: The main entrance is at Brooklands Park Drive

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

New Plymouth’s art gallery hosts contemporary art of international recognition. But even when you’re not into modern art, a visit to the building is an absolute must-do in New Plymouth! It’s a homage to the experimental filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye. It’s difficult to describe the building but to me, it looks like the spaceships in movies right at the moment before they become invisible (if you know what I mean..?). Thanks to its mirrors, the building completely disappears in its surroundings. It’s absolutely amazing and you need to see for yourself! 

Location: The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre are on 42 Queen Street in New Plymouth

New Plymouth Street Art

New Plymouth seems a haven for street artists. Every wall big enough for a mural has one, turning the whole city into a colourful art gallery accessible for everyone who keeps their eyes open. Some are pretty easy to spot, others are a little more hidden. But they’re everywhere! 

Location: All over New Plymouth. But as a start, there are fun murals next to the Good Home pub between Devon Street and Ariki Street.

Cruise the Sugar Loaf Islands

The Sugar Loaf Islands are volcanic remnants not far off New Plymouth, They’re uninhabited by humans but seals love to bask in the sun on the rocks. 

On a one-hour cruise onboard an old rescue boat, cruise around the islands and learn all about the history and sea life in the area. With some (probably more like a lot of) luck you might even see some Orcas!

Location: Breakwater Bay Ocean View Parade, Port Taranaki

Puke Ariki Museum

Wondering what to do in New Plymouth on a rainy day? How about a visit to the Puke Ariki Museum in the heart of the city? Learn everything about the history of the Taranaki region. The exhibition is interactive where possible, showing videos and old black and white photographs in interesting ways. There’s also a section with maori taonga that are important to the local iwi as well as a section about Mt Taranaki’s past and possible future eruptions.

And the best? The entrance is free of charge!

Location: In the heart of New Plymouth at 1 Ariki Street. Just head up the stairs (or elevator) to get to the entrance.

Hillsborough Holden Car Museum, mini-golf and kids’ luge

You love (Holden) cars? Then you need to visit this museum. It holds the largest private collection of Holden cars and memorabilia. Over 30 Holdens from all decades can be found here, starting in the 40s.

The Hillsborough Holden Car Museum is not just a playground for the big kids but for the whole family. A Bathurst-themed mini-golf course and a cafe will keep everyone entertained. And their latest attraction is a luge for the kids where they can race each other down the hill on the property!

Location: Hillsborough is about a 15 minutes drive from the centre of New Plymouth. The musuem is at 683 Egmont Road in Hillsborough.

Semi-permanent Food Trucks

Looking from the street, hardly any signs indicate that there’s a Food Truck paradise tucked away in 21 Liardet Street. Those who take a closer look will find a choice of sheer deliciousness as you get to choose from Vietnamese cuisine, Thai food or funky burgers. They’re open for lunch and dinner (only until 8pm though, so you better get there early)

Location: 21 Liardet Street, New Plymouth

Gin-Tasting masterclass at Juno Gin

If gin is your poison, you must stop at Juno Gin for a distillery tour and mini gin masterclass. You’ll walk through the distillery, learn which botanicals are used in gins and how the distillation process works. Of course, you’ll also taste a range of the Juno Gins.

The experience additionally includes a welcome cocktail (on gin basis, of course) and canapes to snack on.

Location: Begin Distilling, 16 Sunley Street, Westown, New Plymouth 4310

Metrotel New Plymouth: Central accommodation

If you’re looking for a central, good and reasonably priced (not cheap but not too expensive) accommodation in New Plymouth, we can recommend the Metrotel. We landed there by accident (it was the only accommodation left in all of New Plymouth thanks to the Six60 concert that night - I should really book my own trips sooner). But we couldn’t have found a better and more central hotel had we had a choice.

The Metrotel is a modern hotel/motel right in the heart of New Plymouth, only a stone’s throw from everything! The rooms are bright, clean and have a proper kitchen for those who need it. The staff was lovely and bonus, parking is free! What more do you need for your city trip?

Location: 22 Gill Street, New Plymouth

More things to do in Taranaki:

Following Surf Highway 45 takes you all around Taranaki. Distances are much closer than they seem at first glance. You’d only need about 2.5 hours driving the loop from New Plymouth along the coast to Hawera and back via Stratford. If you plan on stopping and exploring along the way, we suggest you spend at least one night on the surf highway (we only had one and wished we had another night)

Here are some of the Taranaki attractions you can find along Surf Highway 45:

Ringcraft Moana, Oakura

Lovely and stunning jewellery created locally. Their designs represent New Plymouth, the Taranaki region and its art by creating jewellery that looks like Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a surf wave or the Len Lye building. You can try your own hand at designing your very own bracelet or, even more personal, your own wedding band! 

Location: 109 Surrey Hill Road, New Plymouth 4374

High Tide Cafe Oakura

The small surf-themed cafe in Oakura sells hands-down the best Italian Paninis I’ve had since moving to New Zealand! A true Italian filling with tomato, mozzarella, basil pesto and a good amount of parma prosciutto. Truly to die for! But even their ‘average’ ham and cheese toastie and all other deliciousness on display looked amazing! If their cafe was near our house, I’d live there! 

Location: 1136b South Road, Oakura 4314

Egmont Lighthouse and Cape Egmont Lighthouse Museum

Egmont Lighthouse makes for a great picture, especially when Mt Taranaki in the background is visible. However, the lighthouse itself stands on a private property and you can’t get closer to it.

To get up close and personal with a lighthouse, just visit the other Egmont lighthouse instead. It’s only a few minutes up the road and has a little museum. We thought it was the previous lighthouse but according to Lonely Planet, it’s a replica of the lighthouse further down.

Locations: Active Cape Egmont Lighthouse: 377-379 Cape Road, Pungarehu 4685
Cape Egmont Lighthouse Museum: End of Bayley Road, Warea

Custom Leather Works, Rahotu

If we had to choose a favourite of the things to do in Taranaki, we’d say visiting Steve at Custom Leather Works was it! I got this tip from the awesome people at Venture Taranaki as we wouldn’t have found him otherwise. 

LotR and other movie fans, this is for you! Steve is a leatherworker by trade and he is the person who made ALL the leather pieces you can see in the Lord of the Rings movies as well as the Hobbit, Last Samurai, Spartacus (the series) and a few New Zealand movies. His pieces can also be seen in Hobbiton. Now, he makes leather pieces by commission.

Steve loves showing his pictures of the movie sets and tell stories from behind the scenes. It was a true pleasure for me to listen but for Chris as a LotR fan, it meant even more. 

Location: In Rahotu on the main road in a blue house. There’s no signage for the workshop, so you just need to poke your head in to see if you’re in the right place and if Steve’s around.

Opunake Loop Trail

The Opunake Loop Trail is a relatively new 8km loop around the town of Opunake. You can walk or ride it and the trail leads you past Opunake’s surf beaches and the backcountry. And while you’re in Opunake, a visit to the cute town centre is a must. Browse through the op-shops and get some delicious goodness in one of the cafes (ie at Sugar Juice Cafe) or buy some fresh veggies at the Local Market.

Location: Opunake Town

Pihama Lavender

Get your lavender field picture fix at Pihama Lavender. The farm is built on the grounds of a dairy farm along Punehu Stream. They also have a self-contained two-bedroom cottage for those romantic getaways. Make sure to check their opening hours as they can vary due to Covid.

Location: 3510 South Road, Pihama 4682

Tawhiti Museum, Hawera

If there’s one thing you wouldn’t expect outside of cities, it’s a widely acclaimed museum. Tawhiti Museum is even said to be one of the best private museums in New Zealand. It shows the history of Taranaki in life-size models as well as miniatures. The museum is the passion-project Nigel Ogle and it truly is a wonderful experience! Especially the Traders & Whalers water ride is extraordinary! Like a water ride in the famous theme parks, you sit in a boat and drift past scenes from life in Taranaki before the pakeha arrived.

Location: Tawhiti Museum, 401 Ohangai Road, Hawera 4672 (make sure to check opening days)

Mount Taranaki is a tramper’s paradise. It might only really be one mountain but it’s filled with a massive network of walking tracks for every level. Are you looking for a short 1-hour walk or a multi-day track? Mount Taranaki (and the regional DOC department) has you covered with well looked-after tracks and huts from the mountain’s base all the way to the summit. 

Pouakai Tarns Track

The Pouakai Tarns Track is probably the most famous of all the Mt Taranaki Walks. It brings you up to the Pouakai Tarns (pond) where, on a still day, Mt Taranaki reflects as a perfect mirror in the water. 

The fastest way to get to the tarns is by starting from the car park at the end of Mangorei Road. From New Plymouth, it’s only a 20 minutes drive to get to the trailhead. The walk to the tarns takes about 2.5 hours on a very easy to follow track, even in fog. Just stay on the wooden boardwalk and follow the stairs and you won’t miss it.

The Pouakai Tarns Track can easily be done in a day or you can do the same as we did and book a bed at the Pouakai Hut. 

Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls Walk: The Goblin Forest

On the other side of Mt Taranaki, about an hour from New Plymouth and half an hour from Stratford is the mysterious Goblin Forest. Already the drive up to Dawson Falls through the dense forest is an experience. The information centre is the starting point to a myriad of shorter and long walks. 

The two most popular walks are the walks to the Wilkies Pools and to Dawson Falls Walk. Each of the walks is a loop that takes about an hour. The highlight of both walks is water (a waterfall in the case of Dawson Falls and a swimming hole for the Wilkies Pools) and if you feel brave, you can take the plunge or a shower in icy cold water.

Location: Dawson Falls, a small settlement on Mt Taranaki

Dawson Falls Lodge

If you can, make sure you stay at Dawson Falls Lodge for a night! The hotel’s located near Dawson Falls visitor centre and we’ve been told it’s the highest accommodation in New Zealand (we didn’t fact-check it though). 

The hotel’s wooden Swiss themed interior is a highlight in itself (I might be biased being Swiss, but every other guest said the same). The rooms were lovingly hand-made in a 10-year project by a Taranaki local with a love for rustic Swiss interior design. 

A good chunk of the hotel’s power comes from the over 100-years old water-powered generator down the road and even has central heating. Dinner and breakfast were great and our hostess was lovely, you could tell the love she has for this lodge.

You might have to hurry if you want to stay at the lodge, though, as the local iwi apparently plan on tearing it down...

Location: 1890 Upper Manaia Road, Taranaki

Living in Hamilton, Auckland and further up north, you have two possibilities to drive to and from Taranaki: driving along the coast and on the Forgotten World Highway. Our itinerary covered both roads for maximum diversity.

Bonus Tip 1: Three Sisters (and no more Elephant Rock)

Taking the coastal road, you’ll come past the Three Sisters, a formation of rocks in the ocean near Tongaporutu. It used to be insta-famous for its Elephant Rock. If we want to be exact, there are now really only two sisters and the Elephant Rock is now just a rock. Due to erosion, the trunk of the elephant fell off and one of the sisters collapsed. The beach is still a beautiful place to stop and get a coffee or ice cream, though. At low tide, you can walk along the shore and visit the still standing sisters.

Location: Tongaporutu, turn off after the bridge.

Bonus Tip 2: Forgotten World Highway

The Forgotten Highway runs between Stratford and Taumarunui. It’s once been one of the most dangerous roads in the world and while it’s very winding, leads over three saddles and includes about 12km of unsealed road, I can’t quite understand why car and motorhome rental companies wouldn’t allow driving the road. It’s a lovely 150km piece of road to drive (unless you get car sick) and while it can be done in a day, it’s worth taking it slow and staying the night. There are a few options in the Republic of Whangamomona and the pub is a great place to chat with the locals.

Location: Between Stratford and Taumarunui. There’s no petrol station on the Forgotten Highway, so make sure you fill up beforehand. 

Why not make it a Taranaki getaway? On our very own booking website Weekend Getaways NZ, you’ll find getaways of 1 - 3 nights as well as discount codes for your favourite attractions, tours and accommodation all over New Zealand!

Check out the getaways!

Find even more things to do around Taranaki

• Click here for more info about the Taranaki region

• Thinking of a Taranaki road trip? Here’s our handy 1-week Taranaki itinerary.

What are your favourite things to do in Taranaki? Did I miss something you think should be on the list? Comment below or send me a message!