From mountain peaks to black sand beaches – Taranaki is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Taranaki Maunga stands at the heart of the region, surrounded by over 200km of epic tracks and trails. Wander the magical Goblin Forest, cross the breath-taking Manganui Gorge Bridge, or capture the iconic mirror-like reflection at Pouākai Tarn.
Chase waterfalls, explore world-class gardens, hunt waves along Surf Highway 45, set off with Chaddy’s Charters for wild encounters around the Sugar Loaf Islands, or journey the legendary Forgotten World Highway for an adventure like no other.
Taranaki Maunga
With more than 200km of walking tracks to explore, ranging from accessible family-friendly trails that lead through enchanting forests and picturesque alpine landscapes, to more challenging hikes. Taranaki Maunga has a walk for everyone.
For an unforgettable one-day adventure, the Pouākai Crossing is a must. This 19km hike takes you through the heart of our National Park, Te Papakura-o-Taranaki, showcasing our diverse landscapes and leading you to the famous Pouākai Tarn, where on a still day, you’ll see a perfect reflection of Taranaki Maunga. If you're short on time, take the Mangorei Track for a 2-hour (one-way) hike directly to the Pouākai tarn.
Discover the impressive 100-metre-long Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge along the Manganui Gorge Track. This family-friendly walk is a must-see, offering panoramic views of the mountain and coastline.
Wilkies Pool Loop leads you through magical alpine forests to picturesque waterfalls and pristine lava-formed alpine pools. Te Rere o Noke/Dawson Falls is an impressive 18m waterfall cascading over rugged lava formations. The 250m one-way track is an easy walk down a series of steps. Descend to the lookout point, or further to the base of the falls.
Remember to always dress for the conditions and leave no trace. Find more up to date information on the DOC website.
Walks for all abilities
Just a short drive from New Plymouth is Lake Mangamahoe a 6km loop track and popular location for locals and visitors alike for mountain biking, walking, and running. The area also has a bridle path for horses, a scenic lake and park, not to mention the multiple lookout vantage points that offer iconic and spectacular views of Taranaki Maunga across the lake.
For an unforgettable coastal hike, Whitecliffs Walkway is a 6.5km track that takes you across private farmland, along the dramatic clifftops, and down to a black sand beach where you’ll feel engulfed by the stunning white limestone cliffs towering beside you. Please note: Beach access is only available at low tide.
Cruise the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, taking in the expansive sea-views, public sculptures and stone art including Len Lye’s iconic Wind Wand, and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Ideal for walking, running, cycling, skating, or simply enjoying the view of the sparkling Tasman Sea, the walkway is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Climb to the top of Paritutu in around 15 minutes to enjoy a bird's eye view of New Plymouth and its coastline from the top of this distinctive 156 metre tall volcanic outcrop. The climb begins gently with a wooden staircase, but quickly increases in difficulty requiring both hands free to pull yourself up the rocky face via a sturdy chain.
The Ōpunakē Loop Trail takes you through beautiful lake and beach scenery, and across Ōpunakē Walkway heads, providing views of Te Namu Pā, Taranaki Maunga, and the coastline, discover a secret garden and artsy mosaic couch.
Endless beaches
Take a surf lesson at New Plymouth Surf School, or cool off at one of the many black sand beaches along the Surf Highway 45. Sheltered and often secluded places to swim or sunbathe include; Fitzroy, East End, Ōakura, and Ōpunake beaches are popular with surf lifesaving patrols over summer, while Ngāmotu Beach, and Kaupokonui Beach near Manaia offer calm, family-friendly swimming spots.
For something truly special, head north to Tongapōrutu—about an hour’s drive from New Plymouth—for a must-do day trip or roadie stopover to explore the famous Elephant Rock and Three Sisters (although only two of the towering rock formations remain due to natural coastal erosion). Access to the Sisters involves wading through the Tongapōrutu River, so time your visit for low tide.
Dive into the ultimate wildlife adventure with a cruise on Chaddy's Charters around the culturally significant Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Reserve. Chaddy’s also hire stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes to continue the fun.
Surf Highway 45
This famous 105-kilometre coastal route is a surfer’s paradise, dotted with world-class breaks, historic points of interest, and creative coastal communities.
The surf coast that gives the highway its name leads to dozens of surf breaks. Almost every road that heads off the highway towards the coast leads to a wave - from gentle sandy beach breaks to waves peeling along rocky points.
Surf spots like Stent Road, Back Beach, the Kumara Patch, Fitzroy Beach, Mangahume, and Arawhata Road have become legendary in New Zealand surfing over the decades, while Kina Road is synonymous with wave sailing and East End Beach is becoming known as a kite surfing destination.
A journey along the Surf Highway offers much more than just surf. Stop at the Cape Egmont Lighthouse and SS Gairloch shipwreck. Race down the sand dunes of Back Beach, or take a dip at one of the many sheltered swimming beaches.
Glorious gardens
Taranaki boasts spectacular parks, gardens, and tracks and trails that burst to life in every season. Wander through the magical woodlands of Te Popo Gardens, or follow the vibrant trails at Hollard Gardens, home to one of the best playgrounds in South Taranaki.
No trip to Taranaki is complete without a visit to Pukeiti, a sprawling native rainforest and rhododendron paradise on the slopes of Taranaki Maunga with a kids’ treehouse trail, onsite café, and plenty of walking trails to explore.
Pack a picnic and relax at King Edward Park in Hāwera, Tūpare or Lucy’s Gully, or find hidden waterfalls and lush greenery at Pukekura Park. If you’re up for a nighttime adventure, visit Lake Rotokare, a 230-hectare predator-free sanctuary where you can listen for kiwi calls after dark.
Get active
Take a swing at one of our many well-known golf courses. There’s a range of courses to suit all levels and preferences, from off-the-beaten-path courses like Waverley Golf Club, to the central Ngāmotu Links, one of New Zealand’s golfing jewels.
Unleash your competitive side at The Hillsborough Hideaway, featuring an 18-hole mini golf course inspired by the iconic Mount Panorama track at Bathurst. Then get your adrenaline fix with a 240m downhill ride on the Hideaway Luge.
Build up a sweat by climbing all 215 stairs of the Hāwera Water Tower for panoramic views of the maunga, surrounding township, and coastline. In New Plymouth, Destination Kāwaroa, an epic new coastal play area overlooking the Coastal Walkway is a must-visit for families. It features interactive water play, climbing platforms, a pump track, sheltered picnic zones, and easy access to Kāwaroa Reef—perfect for exploring precious rockpools and observing sea life in their natural habitat.
Forgotten World Highway
Venture into the heart of New Zealand’s untamed landscapes on the Forgotten World Highway — a 155km road trip like no other. Winding its way from Stratford to Taumarunui, this historic route follows an old colonial bridle path through rugged gorges, remote farmland, over four saddles, and through dense native bush.
Highlights include the hand-carved Moki Tunnel, also known as the "Hobbit's Hole", the remote Republic of Whangamōmona, where you can stamp your passport and grab a pint at the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel, and the spellbinding views from Strathmore Saddle and Nevel’s Lookout.
Lace up your boots and hike to Mt Damper Falls. At 85m, this is the North Island’s second-highest waterfall and is a spectacular sight, particularly after heavy rain.
Ride the rails with Forgotten World Adventures, a rail cart experience like nothing else in the country. With limited cellphone coverage and timeless scenery, the Forgotten World Highway is the ultimate digital detox — a chance to slow down, reconnect, and explore a side of New Zealand that few ever see.