8 Top Taranaki Must-Do's

You can admire its unmistakable shape from afar, go up it, around it or play on its fringes; Mt Taranaki offers endless adventure. The rest of the region enjoys a dalliance with the Tasman Sea, resulting in gnarly surf, dramatic beaches and cool coastal towns like peppy New Plymouth.

1. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge © Venture Taranaki

Why put in any old boring bridge when you can design one as superb as this?

2. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre

An internationally contemporary art museum. The cutting-edge architecture sets a precedent for what you'll find inside; Len Lye's genius will impress.

Len Lye Centre © Venture Taranaki

3. Puke Ariki

Combining the Public Library and Taranaki Museum, this multi-purpose venue allows visitors to learn about the region’s past via interactive displays detailing Māori art, wildlife and geology. The New Plymouth i-SITE is also located here.

4. Pukekura Park

Often described as the jewel in New Plymouth’s, this is one of New Zealand's premier botanic gardens. Flush with plants and water features; lush ferns in Fernyer and Display Houses; rental rowing boats, a fantastic playground and cafe.

5. Surf Highway 45

Officially Highway 45, it’s dubbed Surf Highway 45 for the wild surf breaks between New Plymouth and Hāwera. World-class swells are sought at the famous Kumera Patch as well as Stent Road; other highlights include Cape Egmont Lighthouse, Cape Egmont Light House and Museum, Everybody’s Theatre and the shipwreck of Gairloch.

6. Fun Ho! National Toy Museum

Calling all Kiwi kids of the 70s and 80s, enjoy a pinch of nostalgia admiring toys from yesteryear and seeing how they were made. Children of today will love it too, because the best toys don’t age.

7. Dawson Falls

The 10-minute walk to this 18m-high waterfall starts from its namesake visitor centre and the forest setting to get there is simply beautiful.

8. Tāwhiti Museum

With the help of Weta Workshop, life-size displays and model figures depict New Zealand’s early history. From flying cannonballs to recreated pā battles, it’s one of the country’s best museums and a guaranteed great day out.

Tāwhiti Museum and Traders & Whalers © Venture Taranaki

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