9 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey to Taranaki
Awakino to New Plymouth via Inglewood, Stratford, Egmont Village on SH 3 to New Plymouth - 2hr, 154km
SIDE TRIP - Stratford to Whangamōmona via SH 43 57min, 61.6km via SH 43 - 57min, 61.6km
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New Plymouth to Hāwera via the Surf Highway/SH 45 - 1hr 37min, 115km
Hāwera to Whanganui via SH 3 1hr - 8min, 89km
Sarjeant Art Gallery, Whanganui
Whanganuinz.com
This road trip explores the wild coast of the North Taranaki Bight, takes a short detour inland, heads to New Plymouth then continues down the line to Whanganui. From Awakino you’ll pass rugged black-sand beaches with rolling surf and experience the charm of small coastal towns and bucolic landscapes, before turning inland to Inglewood, gateway to Taranaki’s Egmont National Park. After time in super cool New Plymouth and lovely little Stratford, head south by the curve of coast that wraps around the famous mountain. It’s known as the Surf Highway for good reason – almost every side road that heads towards the coast leads to an excellent, uncrowded surf break. Explore Hāwera, a country town of many attractions, then head to Whanganui, another New Zealand city blessed with mountain-to-sea landscapes.
NEW PLYMOUTH
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, New Plymouth
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Tucked between the ocean on one side and the symmetrical peak of Mt Taranaki on the other, you’ll be spoilt for scenic vistas in New Plymouth.
Check out New Plymouth‘s famous Coastal Walkway which stretches 12.7km from Bell Block to Port Taranaki.
The city is also famous for its nationally significant art, both indoors at the remarkable Govett- Brewster Art Gallery and its playful counterpart the Len Lye Centre, and outside where you’ll find more of Lye’s work including the famous 45-metre-high kinetic Wind Wand.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, the Festival of Lights and WOMAD at New Plymouth’s sprawling Pukekura Park are must-do’s.
New Plymouth Must-Do's
> Pukeiti
> Len Lye Centre
> Coastal Walkway
> The Wind Wand
> Puke Ariki
> Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Pukekura Park
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HIGHLIGHTS
WHITECLIFFS WALKWAY - Just North of Urenui, this path provides dramatic views of the coastline. Check the tides if you’re planning a beach walk.
WAITARA - is the site of an original Māori settlement. Look out for the Manukorihi Pā and magnificent carved meeting house.
EGMONT NATIONAL PARK - In Taranaki, the mountain is like a beacon drawing you in – an ever-present part of the landscape. Egmont National Park surrounds the 2518-metre-high symmetrical peak in almost a perfect circle. The park includes waterfalls, alpine tarns and fairytale forests, with more than 200km of trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day hikes around the mountain.
PUKEKURA PARK - A meandering stroll through the 52ha public garden in Pukekura Park is one New Plymouth’s highlights. Explore the winding pathways through native and exotic plantings; past ponds and fountains.
Pukekura Park
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LEN LYE CENTRE - The Len Lye Centre next to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is constructed from reflective, playful stainless steel. Inside, the space is equally impressive, with an abundance of colourful, kinetic artworks.
PUKE ARIKI - This fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre is a brilliant place to get a feel for the district’s history and culture.
ŌPUNAKE - This is a popular beach on the southwestern part of Taranaki’s big coastal curve.
Ōpunake
Venture Taranaki
EGMONT NATIONAL PARK
Mangamāhoe, Mt Taranaki
Rach Stewart
Goblin Forest/Kāmahi Walk
Rob Tucker
GOBLIN FOREST - One of Egmont National Park’s most popular short walks, the Kāmahi Loop Track – also known as the Goblin Forest – is a testament to the region’s high rainfall. Twisted kāmahi trees covered in moss and lichens line the easy track that winds through seriously photogenic native rainforest. 600m, 15- 30min return.
DAWSON FALLS - The 18-metre-high Dawson Falls is one of the most impressive and easily accessed waterfalls in Taranaki. The falls were named for Thomas Dawson, the first European to discover them in 1885, although Māori know them as Te Rere o Noke or the Falls of Noke, a Māori warrior who once hid from his pursuers here. A 10min walk from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
VERONICA LOOP TRACK - Beginning at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, the Veronica Loop Track is an uphill walk through subalpine rainforest which passes the historic Camphouse and Ambury Monument. For great views, continue for 10 minutes along the Holly Hut Track to reach a popular lookout spot. 3km, 1.5-2hr return.
YORK ROAD LOOP - A slightly longer walk, the York Road Loop takes you along the old Egmont Branch Railway Line. Along the way there are many historical sites of interest including railway remnants and the remains of worker cottages. 5.3km, 3hr return.
EAST EGMONT TRACKS - At the eastern edge of Egmont National Park there are two barrier-free short walks – the Potaema Track and the East Egmont Lookout – suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Explore the forest from well-maintained boardwalks. Both 30min return.
SIDE TRIP - WHANGAMŌMONA
Whangamōmona Hotel
Peter Burchell
FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY - Just off SH 1, take a detour along SH 43 to discover the Forgotten World Highway, which runs from Stratford to Taumarunui, and explore the quirky township of Whangamōmona.
The route takes you through rugged, beautiful and remote countryside with untouched native bush,winding roads and pastoral landscapes.
The small, sleepy township of Whangamōmona declared itself a republic in 1989, when a local bureaucrat decided the town would no longer be part of Taranaki, as it had always historically been. Whangamōmona objected, declared itself independent from the rest of New Zealand and elected a goat as president. A poodle and turtle have also run for office, with only two humans ever making the cut. Elections take place every Republic Day, when the town erupts with a jovial fete. If you miss the election festivities (held biennially in January), you can always pop into Whangamōmona Hotel for a taste of local hospitality – and to get your passport stamped for $2.
HĀWERA
Hāwera Tower
Venture Taranaki
In Māori, Hāwera means ‘burnt place’, in reference to a period when warring local tribes burnt down a wharemoe (sleeping house). Unfortunately the name proved prophetic as the town suffered three large blazes in 1884, 1888 and 1912. As a result a large water tower was constructed in 1914. Today, the tower is now one of Taranaki’s best-known heritage landmarks and you can climb the 215 steps for panoramic views across the coast and countryside.
GARDENS GALORE
Te Kāinga Mārire
Te Kāinga Mārire
TE KĀINGA MĀRIRE - Touted as ‘New Zealand’s Native Garden’, Te Kāinga Mārire is a garden of international significance, celebrating our native and endemic plant species, developed to highlight the historic, cultural and ecological importance of the site.
TŪPARE - Set on the hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, Tūpare features beautifully landscaped grounds and the historic arts and crafts-style Chapman-Taylor homestead, which also serves high tea.
Tūpare
Rob Tucker
PUKEITI - Just south of New Plymouth, Pukeiti is set like a jewel into 320 hectares of rainforest, with one of the world’s biggest collections of rhododendrons. With garden rambles ranging from 35 minutes to two hours, a kids’ treehouse trail, rainforest centre and an on-site café, it’s an excellent spot for a day out.
NGAMAMAKU GARDEN - Ngamamaku Garden is nestled below the Kaitake Range adjacent to Egmont National Park, the three acres of native bush and formal gardens at Ngamamaku Garden have been developed over the last 18 years, including a zen-like Japanese Garden built in 2004.
TARANAKI GARDEN FESTIVAL - Each spring, gardens across the Taranaki region come alive with colour and visitors as part of the annual Taranaki Garden Festival. With more than 40 participating gardens to explore, ranging from manicured spaces to wild riots of colour, along with art, events and entertainment, there are plantings to inspire every taste.
FAMILY FUN
TOYS, TOYS AND MORE TOYS Fun Ho! - Toys have been produced in Inglewood by Underwood Engineering Co since the 1930s. Today you can visit the Fun Ho! National Toy Museum featuring a range of classic die cast cars and trucks. There are also interactive displays and a sneak peek of toys being made on-site.
GET STUFFED - Open on weekends, Manutahi Taxidermy Museum boasts one of the largest taxidermy collections in New Zealand.
ANIMAL HUGS - A farmyard experience with a difference, Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park just outside Inglewood is home to rare and unusual animal breeds including chinchillas, white peacocks and llamas.
ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER - The Waimarie boat is an icon of Whanganui and the only coal-fired paddle steamer still operating in Aotearoa. Alternatively, the MV Wairua also glides along the Whanganui River with cruises detailing the history of early river travel.
Waimarie, Whanganui
Whanganuinz.com
AWARD-WINNING MUSEUMS - The award winning Tāwhiti Museum is a real treat. Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, it uses life-size exhibits and scale models to present New Zealand’s heritage with colour and energy. The on-site Traders &Whalers ride was created with the help of Weta Workshops. Get ready to duck a firing cannon!
DURIE HILL ELEVATOR - Burrowed 213 metres into hillside, take a 1919 elevator 65.8 metres tothe summit. At the top, 176 steps lead to the War Memorial Tower which grants impressive views.
WHANGANUI
Virginia Lake, Whanganui
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But Whanganui is triply endowed, as it’s the mighty Whanganui River that is synonymous with the town, and is also our nation’s longest navigable river.
The pretty town centre has paving, hanging flower baskets and an eclectic mix of heritage architecture ranging from the early 19th century through to the unmistakable style of art deco. Whanganui is also a thriving hub of creativity, home to New Zealand Glassworks, the iconic Sarjeant Gallery with its internationally significant collections and many other creative residents crafting beautiful wares in studios and galleries from the banks of the river to the wild coast. If you have the family in tow, Kowhai Park is a must-do. The playground’s slides and climbing frames are big, bold and fantastically unconventional.
