Save the Date for 2021!
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
ONEARO
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 town is the Waitara River, which flows through its heart. The banks of the river were the scene of a significant battle during the Taranaki Land Wars of the 1860s and involved over
2000 people.
BELL BLOCK
Named after its purchaser, Francis Dillon Bell, the 4000-strong beachfront residential town is also an industrial hub for the region.
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
Taranaki’s main hub is an energetic and vibrant city nestled on the west coast of New Zealand, hugging the wild Tasman Sea. This thriving place is an eclectic mix of historical landmarks and cutting-edge architecture.
From outdoor adventurers to art lovers, avid shoppers to foodies. The 70,000-strong district city is dotted with great coffee spots and has a vast selection of cafés and restaurants.
New Plymouth is home to an international triathlon, year-round surfing events and the internationally acclaimed WOMAD festival in Brooklands Park, which adjoins our festival garden, Pukekura Park.
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
ŌAKURA
This thriving beachside community is a hive of activity all year round. Home to a popular swimming and surf beach, the iconic Butlers Reef pub, cafés, and a flourishing arts community it is only a short 14km drive west of New Plymouth. Embraced by the protective Kaitake Ranges, Ōakura is one of only three beaches along the stunning west coast that is north facing.
OKATO
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 (Hangatahua), one of the main rivers that flow from Taranaki Maunga.
WAREA
Warea is a small settlement 35km south-west of New Plymouth, home to the world-class surf break Stent Rd.
MUST DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
• Stop at High Tide for one of the best coffees in Ōakura. 1136B South Rd. Open 7am to 2pm.
• Stunning locally designed and crafted jewellery, visit Ringcraft Moana. 109 Surrey Hill RD, Ōakura, Ph 06 752 7772.
• Just south of Okato is the picturesque Cape Egmont Lighthouse at the end of Cape Rd. Discover its story at the Historic Cape Lighthouse and Museum at the end of Bayly Rd, Rahotu. Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday 11am to 3pm.
• Visit the LUMEN Studios and Gallery, the artist-run space at the old cheese factory in Tataraimaka. Just 10 minutes from Ōakura this studio is part of Taranaki Arts Trail weekend and is open by appointment outside of trail days. 1729 South Rd Tataraimaka.
• Follow the Oakura Arts Trail to see works by talented local artists, who are opening their studios to the public each weekend of the garden festival.
• Visit The Crafty Fox in Ōakura for New Zealand-made art, crafts and jewellery. 1145 Surf Highway 45. Ph 06 752 7291.
ŌPUNAKE
Ōpunake is a seaside destination halfway along the 105km stretch of road known as Surf Highway 45. Featuring world-renowned surf breaks, mountain-to-sea views and a walkway that stretches for 7 kilometres, you will discover great cafés, antique stores, vibrant murals and a bronze statue celebrating the running efforts of hometown hero and Olympic champion Peter Snell.
MANAIA
Manaia has been nicknamed the “bread capital” of New Zealand. Home to world-renowned Yarrows Family Bakers, visitors are welcomed into the town by a giant bread sign and encouraged to stop by the bakery for great deals on bread and baked goods.
The village gets the real name from the former Māori chief of the district, Hukunui Manaia.
HĀWERA
Hāwera has many attractions on offer, from relaxing in one the town’s picturesque parks, stopping in at the famed Tawhiti Museum with its life-size figures created from moulds cast from real people, or climbing the iconic water tower, built in 1914 to assist firefighting in the town, after devastating blazes in 1884, 1888, and 1912. Aptly, the Māori name of Hāwera means “the burnt place” or “breath of fire”.
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:
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 to sample some of the speciality cheese and dairy products.
STRATFORD
Stratford, situated in the heart of Taranaki, is 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 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.
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: