Best Things to Do in the Taranaki Region

The Taranaki region is a place of dramatic beauty, shaped by the perfect volcanic cone of Taranaki Maunga at its centre and the endless Tasman Sea stretching to the horizon. It’s a region that blends adventure and creativity, where rugged mountain trails meet coastal walkways and towns burst with art, gardens and local culture. From windswept beaches and hidden rock formations to vibrant galleries and immersive museums, the opportunities to explore and connect are endless. These are the best things to do in the Taranaki region, each offering a chance to experience its magic.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway & Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Few places capture the spirit of Taranaki better than the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. This award-winning path stretches more than 13 km along the shoreline, offering breathtaking sea views while linking parks, sculptures and beaches. At its heart stands the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a graceful arch designed to frame Mount Taranaki like a living postcard. Whether you walk, cycle or simply wander, this walkway is a must-do experience that shows off the very best of New Plymouth’s outdoor lifestyle.

Highlights

• Walk or cycle this scenic coastal trail
• Pause at Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for iconic views of the mountain
• Enjoy easy access to cafés and green spaces along the route

Pukekura Park

Right in the centre of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is more than just a garden, it’s a green haven and a local treasure. Its sprawling 52 hectares are filled with tranquil lakes, native bush, themed gardens and hidden pathways that invite you to slow down and explore. Families picnic under towering trees, couples wander hand in hand and photographers chase reflections on the lake. In summer, the park transforms during the Festival of Lights, when the gardens glow with colour and creativity.

Highlights

• Wander through native bush and exotic gardens
• Relax by the lake or discover hidden corners
• Experience the Festival of Lights in the summer evenings

Taranaki Maunga & Pouākai Crossing

Rising proudly over the landscape, Taranaki Maunga is the beating heart of the region. Its near-perfect cone shape dominates the horizon and the national park surrounding it offers endless opportunities to hike, photograph, and connect with nature. The legendary Pouākai Crossing is often ranked as one of Aotearoa’s best day hikes, leading through alpine tussock, mossy forest and wetlands before reaching the famous reflective tarns. For a shorter but still rewarding adventure, tracks to Dawson Falls or Wilkies Pools provide easy access to the mountain’s timeless charm.

Highlights

• Hike the Pouākai Crossing for world-class scenery
• Discover Dawson Falls and rainforest tracks
• Explore Egmont National Park’s rich flora and birdlife

Forgotten World Highway

If you love the feeling of being off the beaten path, the Forgotten World Highway is an adventure not to miss. Winding 148 km between Stratford and Taumarunui, this remote and twisting drive takes you through deep gorges, rolling farmland and historic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll pass through Whangamōmona, a quirky township that proudly calls itself a republic. With its single-lane tunnel, rugged bends and vast skies, the highway feels like a journey back in time where every curve reveals something unexpected and beautiful.

Highlights

• Drive this remote scenic route across untouched landscapes
• Visit Whangamōmona, the republic town with plenty of character
• Experience the quiet beauty of Taranaki’s rural backroads

Cape Egmont Lighthouse

On the far western edge of the region, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse stands as a historic sentinel above the Tasman Sea. Built in 1881, it once guided ships through treacherous waters but today it draws travellers for its wide-open views and breathtaking sunsets. On a clear day, the perfect cone of Taranaki Maunga rises behind the lighthouse, creating one of the region’s most unforgettable sights. It’s a place to pause, breathe and soak in the magic of Taranaki’s coast.

Highlights

• Visit the historic lighthouse with over 140 years of history
• Capture panoramic views of sea and mountain
• Enjoy a peaceful sunset spot away from the crowds

The Three Sisters & Elephant Rock

Carved by centuries of wind and waves, the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock are Taranaki’s most famous coastal landmarks. Located near Tongapōrutu, these towering sea stacks can be reached at low tide, when the beach reveals its secrets. While Elephant Rock has partly collapsed, the area still showcases nature’s raw artistry with dramatic cliffs, crashing surf and sculpted stone. Walking here feels like stepping into a living gallery of geology and ocean power.

Highlights

• Explore the beach at low tide for best access
• Admire the towering formations shaped by nature
• Enjoy sweeping views of the Tasman Sea

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery & Len Lye Centre

In a land known for its mountains and coast, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre shine as a hub of creativity and innovation. The shimmering steel façade is an artwork in itself but inside you’ll find Len Lye’s world-famous kinetic sculptures and a rotating display of cutting-edge contemporary art. This gallery isn’t just about viewing — it’s about being challenged, inspired and surprised. It’s one of the best things to do in the Taranaki region if you want to see how art and imagination shape identity.

Highlights

• Step into New Zealand’s only contemporary art museum
• See Len Lye’s famous moving sculptures
• Admire the futuristic architecture of the centre

Tawhiti Museum

Step into the Tawhiti Museum in Hāwera and you’ll discover one of New Zealand’s most unique heritage experiences. Created by artist Nigel Ogle, this museum uses life-like dioramas, scale models, and full-sized figures to bring Taranaki’s past to life. From Māori stories and early settlement to colonial battles and farming life, every display is crafted with incredible artistry and attention to detail. Visiting Tawhiti feels like stepping into a time machine, where you can see, feel and almost hear the region’s history.

Highlights

• Discover history through intricate dioramas and figures
• Learn about Taranaki’s past from Māori settlement to colonial life
• Experience one of New Zealand’s most unique museums

Final Thoughts

The best things to do in the Taranaki region combine natural beauty, cultural depth and unforgettable adventures. As this region covers a large and varied area, there are countless opportunities to fill your days especially if you love hiking, beaches and exploring untouched towns. From sunrise strolls along the coast to sunset at a lighthouse, from challenging alpine hikes to immersive art and history, every experience here feels special. Taranaki may not always be on the main tourist trail but its mountain, coastline and people create an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.