LOWER NORTH ISLAND
Walking Must-Do’s of Lower North Island
Bowl of Brooklands, Taranaki © Adobe Stock
DON'T MISS • Hawke’s Bay has many vineyards and paths that link wineries, allowing walkers and cyclists to tour the area safely. • Cape Kidnappers cliffs are home to the world's largest mainland colony of gannets. • Napier is well known for its art deco architecture and annual art deco festival which erupts every February to celebrate the era. • Te Mata Peak dominates an otherwise flat landscape and in Napier itself, the National Aquarium is home to some of New Zealand’s
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most precious species. • Surf Highway 45 has wild surf breaks between New Plymouth and Hāwera. While in Hāwera, call in to the Tawhiti Museum. • Experienced hikers will be drawn to the summit of Mt Taranaki/Mt Egmont. • In New Plymouth, see the Wind Wand and Te Rewa Rewa bridge on the 12.7km awardwinning coastal walkway. While here, don’t miss the Puke Ariki museum, the GovettBrewster Art Gallery, and the many gorgeous
gardens including Pukeiti and Tupare. • Wellington is our cool little capital with more sass than its small scale might suggest. Visit the Te Papa Museum and parliament buildings; jump aboard the cable car and tour Weta Workshop (the talent behind The Lord of The Rings’ orcs, goblins and much more). • He Ara Kotahi is Palmerston North's newest riverside pathway and worth a visit. • Take a historic boat cruise up the Whanganui River on either the Waimarie or the MV Wairua.
