Top Things to See and Do in Taranaki, New Zealand

If you fancy spending a bit of time at a quintessential Taranaki beach town then Oakura Beach — a 10-minute drive from New Plymouth — is an excellent choice. You might have to make a dash across the super-fine black sand to get to your elected spot because it gets hot after a few hours under the sun, but once you’re settled you can lie back and soak up that serenity. Oakura has a great little village set back a few streets from the beach. If you get peckish there’s the Black Sands restaurant on the beachfront, serving up cracking homemade pizza. Activity-wise there’s surf and bodyboard rentals if the waves are in the mood, and there are also a couple of nice places where those that are inclined can cast a line out. It’s also pleasant to take a walk along the beach, past the beachfront baches (Kiwi for holiday homes) that are now mostly all million-dollar homes, to Corbett Park where locals love to bring their kids to jump off the bridge and play in the river.

In a region of captivating natural beauty, Mount Taranaki is the inescapable topographical superstar. This perfectly conical, 2,518-meter mountain is actually an active volcano — although the last major was around 1655. The name “Taranaki” comes from the combination of the Maori word “tara” — meaning mountain peak — and “ngaki” which means shining. The mountain is a hiker’s utopia with over three-hundred kilometers of trails, ranging from 10-minute constitutionals to three-day treks. And, of course, in the winter time you can snowboard on the small ski-field. Perform a proper local feat, going from the mountain to the sea, and complete “The Taranaki Double” and go snowboarding and surfing in the one day.

State Highway 45, the coastal road that winds from Hawera to New Plymouth, is known locally under a different and more bohemian moniker — Surf Highway 45. This is obviously due to the fact that this stretch of coast is absolutely rife with great breaks — and what’s more there are waves to suit every skill level, whether you’re a fresh-faced grommet or one of the old boys. The only things to think about are whether you’re able to handle the conditions, that you’re aware of surfing etiquette and if you’ve got the right gear for the job, e.g., a dry-suit for colder days. Head to Stent Road, The Kumera Patch or Rocky Point to ride some of the most legendary breaks.

Taranaki, like many tows in New Zealand, is situated by the sea, so if you’re in the area and of a happily optimistic nature it is a great place to sling a hook out. There’s no better way than passing a lazy day than at the beach — by a river mouth for preference and to boost your chances — with a good book and a line or two in the water. Wade out a little, cast, stick your rod in the sand and then play that age-old game of patience that is beach fishing. There are plenty of good spots to visit in the ‘Naki, Tongaporutu, where you can also visit The Three Sisters rock formation — Oakura and Urenui being notable. If you want to boost your chances of landing “The One” and target bigger species, there are a host of charters you can employ to take you out on the high seas. The satisfaction of landing a nice snapper, gurnard, blue cod or king fish and taking it home to whack on the barbie is immeasurable.