The soulful beauty of Taranaki welcomes you
While most visitors love visiting Taranaki to climb the huge cone-shaped mountain, there’s more to it. The city is equally loved for its national park, surfing, as well as arts, history and culture.
Egmont National Park
The famous Egmont National Park is a must-visit in Taranaki. If you love outdoor adventures, head to the park that offer hiking to the summit of Mount Taranaki, snow and ice climbing during winter season. People who love walking and trekking in Nature, the park offers 300 kilometres of beautiful tracks. You can choose the duration starting from 10 minute ones to even those that lasts for three days around the mountain. Skiing enthusiasts should visit Taranaki between the months of June and October as the Club here organises skiing at this time. Visitors can even opt for a scenic flight over the Mountain.
Surfing across the ocean
With an amazing coastline, Taranaki welcomes visitors with its ever-rolling waves. The place is one of the best surfing regions of New Zealand. If you ever dreamt of talking to seals and marine life, then cruise to the Sugar Loaf Marine Park. People who do not how to surf can take lessons from the local experts. The volcanic Paritutu Rock here offers splendid view of the coast. The Cape Egmont lighthouse is a must-visit too for clicking memorable pictures with Mount Taranaki serving as a distant backdrop. If you are ready to walk, trek for five hour along Whitecliffs Walkway where lay the white cliffs and the famous three sisters rock formations. After this, walk the Te Horo tunnel, which is hand-hewn.
Have fun with the kids
If you have kids accompanying you to Taranaki, make a point to visit the Rainbow’s End, the local theme park. The park is replete with rides for young and old alike. As a family, you are sure going to have a lot of fun. The elders can have some adrenaline rush with a ride on thrilling and exciting rides. You can leave the kids in the kingdom designed solely for them to make it a fun day. If water is what you all love, splash it in the entertaining rides here. There is more to Taranaki than the theme park. The National Toy Museum has more than 3000 locally manufactured toys dating right back from 1936.
A call by Museums
Taranaki is known for offering a refreshing take on life to its visitors that throng the place regularly. If you are looking for an opportunity to know more about the place, then visit some of the old museums here that take you back in time. Puke Ariki is one of them. It’s a world-class museum that has a heritage centre. Visitors who are interested in guided historical tour can learn more about the Land Wars held here in 1800s. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre is a contemporary art museum while the Tawhiti Museum lets you explore early Maori’s social as well as technological heritage. You can take back Maori and European arts and crafts as a souvenir to your country as well.
You would never fall short of options to have fun and enjoy at Taranaki. There is so much more here. The place has gardens, parks, adventure and lots more to explore. Take some time out of your busy schedule and head to Taranaki. You are sure to return replenished.
