From our picture-perfect mountain to our sparkling sea there are countless opportunities to explore, discover and experience Taranaki between garden visits!
For all the local secrets visit Taranaki Like No Other!
ONAERO
Onaero is a settlement in northern Taranaki, located on State Highway 3 close to the shore of the North Taranaki Bight.
WAITARA
An impressive natural feature of the largest town in North Taranaki is the Waitara River, which flows through the town’s heart. Waitara was one of the first areas in the region to be settled by Māori; consequently, it has some important heritage sites. The banks of the river were the scene of a significant battle during the Taranaki Land Wars of the 1860s that involved over 2000 people.
BELL BLOCK
This rapidly growing beachfront residential town was named after Francis Dillon Bell, the New Zealand Company’s resident agent in Taranaki from 1847–48. In the 1970s, extensive subdivisions expanded the town so that it effectively became part of New Plymouth.
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Taranaki’s main hub is an energetic and vibrant city nestled on the west coast of Aotearoa, hugging the expansive Tasman Sea. This thriving place offers an eclectic mix of historical landmarks, unique events, and vibrant arts and culture.
From outdoor adventurers to art lovers, avid shoppers to foodies, the 80,000-strong district city has something for everyone. It is dotted with great coffee spots and has a fantastic selection of cafés and restaurants.
New Plymouth is home to year-round surfing events, the internationally renowned Govett Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, Pukekura Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, where countless international acts have taken to the stage, including WOMAD NZ.
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Ōakura
This thriving beachside community just 14km west of New Plymouth, is a hive of activity all year round. It is home to a popular swimming and surf beach, the iconic Butlers Reef pub, cafés, and a flourishing arts community. Embraced by the protective Kaitake Ranges, Ōakura is one of only three beaches along the stunning west coast that is north facing.
Ōkato
This small coastal town is positioned along the well-known Surf Highway 45, which boasts some of the best surf breaks in the country. The small township 26km south-west of New Plymouth is one of the three surviving northern Taranaki military settlements established in the 1860s (along with Urenui and Lepperton). It is also home to the iconic Stony River, one of the main rivers that flow from Taranaki Maunga. Visit The Okato, formerly known as Stoney River Hotel for a good old fashioned pub meal.
Warea
Warea is a small settlement 35km south-west of New Plymouth, home to the world-class surf break Stent Road.
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Ōpunake is the seaside destination halfway along the iconic 105km stretch of road known as Surf Highway 45. Featuring world-renowned surf breaks, mountain-to-sea views, and a 7km walkway. Discover antique stores, vibrant murals, and a bronze statue of Peter Snell.
Manaia
Manaia has been nicknamed the “bread capital” of
NZ because it is home to world-renowned Yarrows Family Bakers. Stop by the bakery for great deals on bread and baked goods. The village is named after the former Māori rangatira of the district, Hukunui Manaia.
Hāwera
Relax in one the town’s picturesque parks, stop in at the famed Tawhiti Museum with its life-size figures created from moulds cast from real people, or climb the iconic Hāwera water tower. The Māori name of Hāwera means “the burnt place” or “breath of fire”.
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Eltham
Eltham’s main street is lined with Victorian buildings that are home to many charming antique and curiosity shops. The town has a fascinating history, being where the New Zealand dairy industry took off globally. A trip through the town would not be complete without stopping at the Eltham Cheese Bar for speciality cheese and dairy products.
Stratford
Stratford, situated in the heart of Taranaki, is the home to the only Glockenspiel clock tower in New Zealand. Every day at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm, the Glockenspiel chimes and performs a short re-enactment of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in commemoration to the town being named after the birthplace of the great bard William Shakespeare.
The town features 67 streets named after characters from an assortment of Shakespeare’s plays.
Inglewood
As well as laying claim to eight buildings classified by the New Zealand Historical Places Trust, it is also home to the oldest remaining railway station on its original site in New Zealand.
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