Taranaki is a region that invites you to explore, discover, and unwind.
With stunning coastal walks, endless black-sand beaches, lush gardens, decadent dining, art-filled coastal towns, and the majestic presence of Taranaki Maunga, every day in Taranaki offers something new. This five-day journey takes you on a mix of city culture, coastal escapes, mountain adventures, and hidden gems – giving you a true taste of Taranaki like no other.
Day 1 – New Plymouth: City, Coast & Culture
Base: New Plymouth
Stay Options:
- King & Queen Hotel Suites – boutique luxury in the heart of the city with beautifully designed rooms. Guests can also join guided e-bike tours along the Coastal Walkway, complete with either morning or afternoon tea.
- Nice Hotel – historic boutique hotel close to the foreshore, galleries and city centre. On-site Table Restaurant is a local favourite for fine dining.
- Novotel New Plymouth - modern hotel offering spacious rooms. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at Haukai Bistro and Bar, and easy access to central city attractions.
- Millennium Hotel New Plymouth Waterfront - stylish hotel situated on the city’s waterfront, featuring contemporary rooms.
- Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park – relaxed coastal stay with easy access to the beach and New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
Do:
- Walk or cycle the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, stopping at landmarks like the Wind Wand and Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
- Visit Te Whare Hononga – a creative partnership between Ngati Te Whiti hapū and Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary, with a free exhibition that explores the rich history of the area. Guided tours are also available on demand.
- Explore Pukekura Park, including lakeside paths, native forest, and a playground, with a coffee or lunch stop at The Teahouse.
- Stop in at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre for world-class contemporary art.
- Try The 19th, a virtual golf simulator bar with Serial Griller restaurant on site and local Shining Peak Brewing craft beers on tap.
Eat & Drink:
- Coffee: Ozone Coffee Roasters or Proof & Stock
- Find a tasty snack or full meal at Liardet Street Projects, a vibrant courtyard with a mix of food trucks, casual eats, and street art.
- Brunch or lunch at Wild Pear Kitchen, a popular café offering plant-based, vegetarian or vegan dishes, using locally sourced ingredients.
- Dinner: Social Kitchen, a trendy restaurant serving shared plates and crowd-pleasing mains in a relaxed setting, or The Hour Glass for late-night tapas and cocktails with a cosy, intimate vibe.
- Evening drink: JUNO Gin, a boutique gin distillery offering guided tours or cocktail-making classes, where visitors can learn the craft of distilling and enjoy tastings of signature gins.
Day 2 – Surf Highway 45 & Coastal Villages
Base: Ōakura
Stay Options:
- Ahu Ahu Beach Villas – luxury, architecturally designed villas immersed in the coastal landscape.
- Mangorei Heights - set high above the beautiful rolling hills of Taranaki, offering a truly unique escape.
- Cabin Hill – an off-grid retreat with views of Taranaki Maunga and the Pouākai Ranges behind, and uninterrupted sea views in front.
Do:
- Spend time at Ōakura Beach, popular for swimming, surfing and sunset walks.
- Drive Surf Highway 45, stopping at:
- SS Gairloch Shipwreck – historic shipwreck visible at low tide, offering a glimpse into the region’s maritime history
- Cape Egmont Lighthouse – dramatic coastal views and photo stops
- Dreamtime Surf Shop – iconic local surf culture
- from out of the blue studio – coastal textile and fibre arts and gifts
- Visit Pukeiti, one of New Zealand’s premier rhododendron and rainforest gardens, easily accessed from SH45
- Unwind at The Sauna Project or Floatation Sanctuary for a wellness reset
- Visit Ringcraft Moana to participate in a workshop to create your own contemporary jewellery.
Eat & Drink:
- Lunch: The Vineyard Bistro @ Okurukuru, a modern bistro set in a vineyard with scenic rural views
- Dinner: Black Sand Pizzeria & Bistro in Ōakura, a beachfront pizzeria serving gourmet pizzas, and delicious bites in a relaxed coastal setting
- Alternatively visit The Bach on Surf Highway 45 or Dawn Ōakura
Day 3 — Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki, Gardens & Stratford
Base: Stratford
Stay Option:
- Ngati Ruanui Mountain Lodge – peaceful lodge-style accommodation set among native bush, close to the maunga.
- Platinum Lodge – private, tranquil surroundings, this is the ideal stayover at the gateway of Taranaki Maunga.
Do:
- On your way south, stop at Tūpare, a tranquil riverside garden blending formal landscaping and native bush
- Drive into Te Papa-kura-o-Taranaki (National Park) to explore short alpine walks and views of Taranaki Maunga, including:
- Te Rere o Noke / Dawson Falls
- Wilkies Pools - rock pools formed from 20,000-year-old lava, surrounded by alpine forest
- Visit Manganui Gorge Bridge for a short, scenic walk and photo opportunity
Alternative option:
- Instead of mountain walks, follow part of the Forgotten World Highway, stopping at Whangamōmona, the Saddles, or Mt Damper Falls for a slower, heritage-focused day.
- Explore Stratford township, including the glockenspiel clock and Taranaki Pioneer Village.
Eat & Drink:
- Light Snack or Lunch: The Baking Company in Stratford, an artisan bakery offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and light café meals.
- Coffee or afternoon cheers: Fenton Street Arts Collective Espresso Bar in Stratford is known for its award-winning gin, art and coffee.
- Dinner at Ngāti Ruanui Mountain Lodge Restaurant & Bar, for locally inspired dishes and stunning views of the surrounding native bush.
Day 4 — South Taranaki Discovery
Base: Hāwera
Stay Option:
- Kingfisher Cottage, Hāwera - a charming, two-bedroom self-contained cottage with an outdoor spa pool.
Do:
- Visit Tawhiti Museum, a nationally significant, immersive storytelling experience
- Walk at Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve, a predator-free sanctuary rich in birdlife
- Explore King Edward Park, a tranquil location in the heart of Hāwera with spectacular floral borders and rose gardens
- Take a scenic drive to Ōpunakē, enjoying beach walks or surf-town vibes
Eat & Drink:
- Upside Down Eatery - local favourite café offering brunch and lunch with fresh, seasonal ingredients and friendly service.
- Someday Cafe - a cosy spot serving modern café fare, and light bites for a relaxed meal.
- Hot Fridays - tasty bites, locally poured brews, and a menu that delivers comfort with a twist.
- Alternatively stop in at the Eltham Cheese Bar, an iconic local cheese producer where you can taste and purchase award-winning cheeses, perfect for picnics.
Day 5 – Departing Taranaki: North or South
Heading North (towards Auckland):
- Visit Tongapōrutu – Three Sisters & Elephant Rock (tide-dependent)
- Scenic coastal stops along SH3, such as Urenui Beach or the Whitecliffs Walkway
- Café stops: Brunchroom in Urenui or Bratwurst Bros in Uruti.
Heading South (towards Wellington):
- Stop at Pātea River Historic Walkway or Aotea Utanganui Museum of South Taranaki
- Explore Waverley Beach, a wide sandy beach ideal for short walks
Alternative / Add-On Experience:
- Forgotten World Adventures – rail cart journeys or tours, ideal for travellers continuing inland via the Forgotten World Highway
Bonus Tips
- Brooklands Zoo – free, family-friendly zoo in New Plymouth featuring a variety of native and exotic animals, plus playgrounds and picnic areas for a fun day out.
- Hillsborough Hideaway - adventure hub in New Plymouth offering downhill luge, mini golf, and other family-friendly activities, perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Te Popo Garden - 13 hectares of parkland and woodland with secret gardens, waterfalls, bridges, ponds, and a safari of bronze animal sculptures.
- Lake Mangamahoe - scenic reservoir surrounded by walking and cycling tracks, picnic spots, and stunning views of Taranaki Maunga, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
- Waitara Heritage Trail - a peaceful stroll along the Waitara River, incorporating the Wetland Boardwalk, where visitors can enjoy views of the environment while learning about the area’s heritage.
- Destination Kāwaroa - a vibrant new playground overlooking the Coastal Walkway, featuring water play, climbing platforms, a pump track, and access to Kāwaroa Reef to explore rock pools and marine life, with cultural learning features and public facilities.
- Paritutu Rock - iconic volcanic rock formation near New Plymouth, featuring a steep walking track to the summit with panoramic views of the city, coastline, and Taranaki Maunga.