©️ Image by Jeremy Beckers. Mt Taranaki reflected in Pouakai Tarns.
Taranaki has lots to offer for those that are looking to explore spectacular scenery, lush gardens, surf beaches and amazing walks. Mount Taranaki, a 2518m volcanic peak, which last erupted in 1755, has over 200km of walks. Everything from the ‘Goblin’ forests, waterfalls, rewarding climbs and surrounding lakes. Pick up a Taranaki Walker’s Guide from the i-SITE or download one from www.visit.taranaki.info and start planning your family road trip.
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Museum
Puke Ariki Museum – also combined with the library, the museum explores an extensive history of the region.
Tawhiti Museum – incredible displays that tell the story of our heritage. Hop on the Tawhiti Bush Railway and see the amazing life-size figures and buildings along the way. Then hop into a boat and drift along an indoor man-made river and view some more life-size figures set in different scenes that tell the history of traders and whalers.
Taranaki Pioneer Village – this unique outdoor museum takes a look into the life of the Taranaki pioneers in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There’s a playground and train ride that encircles the property.
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Scenic Drive
The Forgotten World Highway – between Taumarumi and Stratford this is a scenic 3-hour journey and you’ll want to fuel up before you go – there are no gas stations along the way. Highlights are the Tangarakau Gorge and the Moki Tunnel.
Surf Highway 45 – looking for some good surfing spots, you’ll find them along Surf Highway 45 – there are lots of great stops along the way. Oakura Beach and Opunake beach are both popular beaches and are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. Cape Egmont Lighthouse – take a slight detour from Surf Highway 45 and check out this lighthouse that has been shining its light since 1881.
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Walks
Wilkies Pool Loop Track – you’ll find a series of charming pools, go in for a dip if you please. The first 900m to the Wilkies Pools are buggy friendly, and the rest of the track is good for kids. 1 hour, 20 minutes, 1.9km.
Dawson Falls – a short ten-minute walk to the Dawson Falls.
Enchanted Track – a 2- 3-hour return trip to a moss-filled forest where you’ll feel like you’re in a mystical forest wonderland. Access the track from Stratford Plateau, the Enchanted Forest Track is off the track to Dawson Falls.
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Walks (continued)
Mount Taranaki Summit Track – this one’s not for the kids, but if you’re an experienced tramper and have the weekend off, then you’ll love this hike up Mount Taranaki. Best done in the warmer months from January – April, you’ll spend 5-6 hours getting to the summit and 3-4 hours back down. There are huts to stay in to spread this hike out over two days or go at it and get it done in just the one day, just remember to be careful on the way down as this is usually when most mistakes and injuries happen.
Veronica Loop Track – walk through alpine forest then take the detour to see the views of the mountains and coast. 3km, 2-hour walk.
Curtis Falls Track – walk past deep gorges, there’ll be steps and ladders to climb on the way to see the Curtis Falls. This is a more advanced 2km track, taking 2-3 hours to do.
Whitecliffs Walkway – 4-7 hour loop walk over hills and beach. Walk to the Te Horo Stock Tunnel, an 80m long tunnel made using only picks and shovels in the 1870s to get stock through the beach, along the cliffs and to the market. Tunnel is in need of repairs and is closed.
New Plymouth Coastal Walkway – walk, jog, cycle or skate this 13km award-winning walkway.
Lake Mangamahoe – go for a two-hour walk around the lake and find a spot to enjoy a picnic. On a calm day, you can get a really nice picture of Mt Taranaki with its reflection on the lake.
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Walks (continued)
Egmont National Park – there are lots of great walks, short family walks to multi-day hikes. The Egmont National Park Visitor Centre or the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is a great place to start from.
Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn – a walk to a small lake that reflects Mount Taranaki on a still day.
Mount Damper Falls – a short ten-minute walk to one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island.
Pouakai Crossing – a great one day walk. 19km, 8 hours.
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Gardens
Hollard Gardens – a horticultural oasis with a popular family corner which includes a playground and BBQ.
Tupare – stunning garden and homestead.
Pukeiti – enjoy rhododendrons and other exotic plants as you walk through the garden, or go on one of the rainforest tracks, the kids will especially love the Kids Treehouse Trail and for something to eat there’s the Rainforest Eatery.
Pukekura Park – 50 hectares of beautiful gardens. Do not miss the summer Festival of Lights – a six week, free event where you can walk through lit-up paths, fountains and trees – held from around mid-December to January, this festival is not to be missed. Hire a rowboat and enjoy a romantic night.
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Beaches / swim
Three Sisters & Elephant Rock – towering rock formations on the beach.
Fitzroy Beach – great swimming and surfing beach.
Todd Energy Aquatic Centre – indoor and outdoor pools, hydro slide and spa and sauna.
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Back Beach – probably the most popular beach in Taranaki and for good reason. There’s a huge sand dune so bring your boogie boards to ride down it. It’s great for experienced surfers. Then there are the awesome views of the Sugar Loaf Islands. If you’re lucky you might be able to spot some wildlife such as seals, penguins, whales and sharks. The islands are a good kayaking, diving and snorkelling spot with visibility up to 20m in summer and autumn. There’s a huge variety of marine life and the scenery is spectacular. The islands are home to thousands of sea birds and seals, most of the seals come around June to October. Walk up Paritutu Rock, it’s steep but the 360 views overlooking the islands are definitely worth it.
Normanby Dam – older children and thrill-seekers will love ‘dam dropping’, sledging down a steep but short dam, or just watch mum or dad give it a go. Bring your boogie board.
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Ski / Snow
Maunganui Ski Field – Taranaki’s snowboard and ski area.
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Zoo
Pouakai Zoo – get up close and personal to the animals at Poukai Zoo. You can pat and feed the farm animals and animal encounters are available.
Brooklands Zoo – a small but free zoo with farmyard animals and playground.
Map it out
