The sunniest region in New Zealand
Taranaki has recorded the most sunshine hours for 2021, although we’re certainly not shocked. New Plymouth has been consistently in the top three for the past few years, giving other regions a run for their money and making Taranaki a year-round, like-no-other, holiday destination, and sought-after place to live and work.
Planning a trip to Taranaki?
Getting here
Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip or an easy flight, Taranaki is just far enough away.
An event line-up like no other
Come for the festival or event, and stay to discover a cranking creative scene, epic surf breaks, a dining scene full of flavour, and award-winning local brews.
Free and affordable family fun in Taranaki
Who doesn’t have a tight budget these days, am I right?!
Here’s a list of all the fun free (or affordable) activities to do with kids around Taranaki. Take a look.
Coastal Arts Trail
Explore the art galleries, museums, and open studios of Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū through the Coastal Arts Trail – an easy, self-driving art-lovers’ tour between the regions.
Spotlight on South Taranaki
With vast land coverage comes plenty of unique things to see and do. With so much more to discover than beaches and world-class surf breaks, South Taranaki offers ample points of historic and cultural interest, scenic picnic spots, welcoming cafés, and a thriving artist community. Take a look
Family Fun
Our photogenic region is crammed with unique experiences, green spaces, and natural wonders. Whether you’re travelling with big kids or little ones, you’ll find plenty to do.
Three Days in Taranaki
Vibrant, contemporary, and buzzing with copious things to do, see, eat, and experience, Taranaki is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, families, and arts- and culture-lovers.
Taranaki is humming!
Spotlight on Stratford
Lying beneath the eastern slopes of Taranaki Maunga is the Shakespearean-themed town of Stratford.
The gateway to both the maunga and the Forgotten World Highway has a lot to offer.
Liardet Street Projects
Liardet Street Projects is a must-do ‘hidden secret’ for anyone visiting Taranaki.
Pouākai Crossing
The Pouākai Crossing is the premier one-day walk in Egmont National Park that takes in the highlights of the longer two to three day Pouākai Circuit.
Taranaki Maunga Top Views
Taranaki Maunga is paved with thousands of kilometres of walking tracks – both short and long. But which ones lead to the best views?
Surf Highway 45 - Six Foot and Glassy
Whether you’re a seasoned wave-hunter or just getting started, Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45 will have a wave waiting for you.
Exploring the Forgotten World
New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail is 155kms long. Starting in either Stratford or Taumarunui it follows ancient Māori trade routes and pioneering farm tracks, through ambitious historic settlements, untamed native bush and stunning natural scenery.
Download Taranaki Brochures
Venture Taranaki, in collaboration with the region's i-SITEs, write and produce a number of publications and guidebooks to encourage visitors to experience the region's best.
Download them here or find them at i-SITE Visitor Infomation Centres in New Plymouth, Stratford and Hāwera or by contacting us.
Visitor Story
Something here for everyone.
We've got so much on offer, all year round.
Abundant in nature and history, and exploding with culture, arts, dining and hospitality - take a look at our Visitor Story.