Central & South Taranaki

UNUSUAL ADVENTURES IN CENTRAL TARANAKI

IF YOU LIKE TO VISIT PLACES THAT ARE COOL AND QUIRKY, CIRCLE SOUTH TARANAKI ON THE MAP AND VISIT SOME OF THESE UNIQUELY DIFFERENT SIGHTS.

THE STRATFORD GLOCKENSPIEL: Head here to check out the figures of Romeo and Juliet that pop out to perform a scene from Shakespeare’s tragic drama at the glockenspiel clock tower at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm daily.

THE FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY: With a creaky, single lane mountain tunnel and concertinaed landscape, this 150km drivable highway is highly intriguing. Weaving between Stratford and Taumarunui, the intrepid journey is so remote, petrol stations cease to exist.

WHANGAMOMONA TOWNSHIP: This amusing wee town has been its own republic since 1988, complete with an elected President, which over the years has included a poodle, a goat and a turtle. Visitors can get their passport stamped in the local pub, Whangamomona Hotel, which also serves seriously good home-made chips.

GOBLIN FOREST: As a result of kāmahi tree growing all over the trunks of pre-existing trees, this forest now looks hairy. Reach out and touch if you dare – or wait to be tickled by a creeping branch!

YOU AIN’T DONE IN STRATFORD YET!

Stratford town is named after Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK: birthplace of William Shakespeare. As well as its Romeo and Juliet glockenspiel, many street names are taken from the playwright’s characters. Other attractions include the Pioneer Village (an exceptional heritage museum complete with a steamtrain) as well as the Percy Thomson Gallery which is chock-a-block with local artwork.

DELVE INTO SOUTH TARANAKI

THE TALES AND TAONGA (TREASURED THINGS) OF SOUTH TARANAKI REACH AS HIGH AS THE MOUNTAIN AND AS LOW AS THE SEA BED. FROM GIANT SURF WAVES TO THE FASCINATING MICROFILMS IN AOTEA UTANGANUI MUSEUM, EXPERIENCE GREATNESS BOTH LITTLE AND LARGE.

South Taranaki Coast © Rob Tucker

WHILE IN SOUTH TARANAKI DON’T MISS:

Charming townships litter South Taranaki’s sea-skimming landscape. They may be small but they conceal some of the nation’s biggest success stories.

1. MANAIA

The next time you chow down on a foot-long Italian herb Subway, just think – it was probably made in Manaia. This tiny town is Bread Capital of New Zealand, namely because of Yarrows Family Bakers. Once a small walk-in bakery, it has flourished into the giant factory you see today, and there are bargains on bread and baked goods to be had. Grab a bap or two and then find the town’s model of a giant loaf of bread – for a selfie of course.

2. PĀTEA

Stop for a photo of the life-sized Māori waka sculpture. Unveiled in 1933, it celebrates the settlement of Turi and his tribe who travelled to Pātea from Hawaiiki. Use the Pātea River Historic Walkway to get to the beach where you will find barbecues and picnic benches. Entry into Aotea Utanganui Museum is free, and it doesn’t cost a cent to admire the historic buildings. The old courthouse has even been transformed into a craft shop.

3. ŌPUNAKE

This a a delightful family-friendly destination, with safe swimming at Ōpunake Bay and decent waves to satisfy surfers. The town’s population swells every summer with visitors who flock to the annual beach carnival. Explore the 7km-long Ōpunake Walkway, and see the historic Armed Constabulary Cemetery and Te Namu Pā and Ōpunake Lake. Neighbouring Middleton Bay has a boat ramp and access to good deep-sea fishing. Take a drive south to visit the Pihama Lavender Farm and Gallery, and catch the growers’ market on the third Sunday of each month.

4. ELTHAM

Once a thriving dairy community, Eltham exported New Zealand’s first block of butter to England in 1884. It’s a much quieter and subdued place these days but there is still a cheese factory and locally made gourmet flavours to salivate over. Various vibrant murals depict the town’s bustling past, there are a number of pretty Victorian buildings, and Lake Rotorangi is nearby, providing a great spot for a picnic – with cheese, obviously.

View of Mt Taranaki near Eltham farmlands © Venture Taranaki

5. HAWERA

Approaching from the south, you will be welcomed by the statue of a giant cow because Hāwera is home to the largest dairy plant in the southern hemisphere. Hāwera is Māori for ‘burnt place’, which is appropriate given the town suffered three devastating blazes in 1884, 1888 and 1912. To make fire-fighting easier, a large water tower was built in 1914. The Hāwera Water Tower is now one of Taranaki’s best-known heritage landmarks and you can climb the 215 steps for panoramic views.

Things to see & do

Great Scott is that a cannon ball flying overhead? Why yes, it is. You’ve stumbled across an historic pā battle. Fake of course, but with the help of Weta Workshops, the Traders and Whalers experience at Tāwhiti Museum is incredibly life-like. This innovative Hāwera museum uses life-size displays and small model figures to depict New Zealand’s early history and is rated one of the most creative (and best) museums in the country.

Next on the list is the Elvis Presley Museum: a fascinating place housing rare records and memorabilia. Open by appointment only.

Aotea Utanganui Museum of South Taranaki is located in Patea and details the history of the area. Both Mt Taranaki and the sea are a stone’s throw away with good walks and surfing, and after a full day of activity, watch the sun setting over South Taranaki Bight.

Tawhiti Museum’s Traders & Whalers ride © South Taranaki District Council

View of Mt Taranaki near Eltham farmlands © Venture Taranaki

Main Image: Mangamahoe © Rach Stewart