Taranaki

Taranaki

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?

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.