Tucked away in the furthest corner of the North Island’s West Coast is Taranaki. Born from several volcanic eruptions, the landscape surrounds its name-giver Mount Taranaki almost like a perfect circle.
The Taranaki region is known for its sunny climate, great surf waves and the enormous network of short and long walking tracks. And of course, there’s Mt Taranaki the giant amidst the otherwise pretty flat landscape. He’s often shy and hides in the clouds but when he’s out, he proudly looks over the land he’s helped to create.
Map of Taranaki region
New Plymouth is the capital and biggest city of Taranaki. It’s this laid-back, friendly little big town with plenty of coolness thanks to the proximity to the surf beaches and the many delicious cafes. Lot’s of people get around town walking or on bike which is very unusual for New Zealand where usually, everything is done by car.
It does make sense, though. All of central New Plymouth is within walking distance and the driving distances in Taranaki generally are quite short.
Mt Taranaki is visible from almost everywhere in the region, even from New Plymouth
Surf Highway 45 is the name of the road that leads along the coast from New Plymouth to Hawera, dotted with quirky little towns and beaches that invite you to explore.
Countless short walks and multi-day tramps can be found along and on Mt Taranaki. The famous Pouakai Tarns and a walk through the Goblin Forest to Dawson Falls are only two walks in a massive and well-maintained track network.
Leading from/to Taranaki is another highway with an enticing name, the Forgotten World Highway. The 150km long road between Stratford and Taumarunui leads through farmland and bush. It also hosts the most remote pub in New Zealand in the the Republic of Whangamomona.
