Taranaki Like No Other

From world-class surf breaks to a perfectly formed volcanic peak, Taranaki offers countless opportunities for adventure.

Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington on New Zealand’s west coast, the Taranaki region is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

The rugged and wild coastline is home to more than 12 world-class surf breaks, and the symmetrical volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki even featured in the Last Samurai movie starring Tom Cruise – a lookalike to Mt Fuji in Japan.

Explore the multitude of activities on offer including river rafting and multi-day hikes through native forests – or for the super adventurous, why not try surfing and snowboarding in the same day?

A 10-minute drive from New Plymouth is a stunning purpose-built facility for the display of a private collection of Australian Holden cars and  memorabilia. The collection spans meticulously restored early Holdens through to late model cars and grew from Steve Fabish’s lifetime  passion for the marque, which started with his first Holden purchase in 1972.

Visit Okururkuru Vineyard for cellar door tastings in a beautiful setting and offering luxury accommodation. Experience amazing coastal  views overlooking Paratutu rock and the Sugarloaf Islands on one side and with a view of Mount Taranaki the other.

For a more relaxing experience, walk the New Plymouth coastal walkway and see the Wind Wand, conceived by the pioneering kinetic artist,  Len Lye. There are art trails, festivals and award-winning museums and galleries as well as a thriving café culture. Or pay a visit to one of the  last working lighthouses in New Zealand, the Cape Egmont lighthouse.

Visit www.taranaki.co.nz