Family-friendly fun

Get the heart pumping and body moving with a mix of active exploration and thrilling adventures the whole family will enjoy. There's something for every energy level. 

• Stretch your legs along the award-winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, a 12.7km promenade perfect for walking, running, cycling, e-scootering, or skating. With multiple access points, you can explore highlights like Len Lye’s iconic Wind Wand, the Mothers and Daughters stone sculpture, and the picture-perfect Te Rewa Rewa Bridge - where the frame-worthy view of Taranaki Maunga is a must-snap. 
• Chase some thrills at Hillsborough Hideaway, where you can race down the short, but exhilarating luge track or challenge each other on the Bathurst-themed mini putt course.  

• Climb to new heights on Paritutu Rock, a striking 156m volcanic remnant that’s part of the Sugar Loaf Islands, extending out to sea beyond the port. The short but steep 20-minute climb rewards you with jaw-dropping panoramic views over Ngāmotu New Plymouth, the Taranaki coastline, and majestic Taranaki Maunga 

• Step up to the challenge at the 55-metre Hāwera Water Tower. Race each other to the top - it’s 215 steps (don’t forget to count!) - and enjoy sweeping views across South Taranaki. For access, contact the South Taranaki i-site Visitor Centre. 

• Unearth hidden gems along the south coastline of Taranaki with the ‘Trip-to’ game, an easy-to-use web app made up of curated mystery self-drive road-trips along Surf Highway 45. Solve a series of playful puzzles or complete fun activities. 

The picture-perfect ancestral Taranaki Maunga is nature’s ultimate playground, offering unforgettable family adventures in every season.  

• Feel the magic of the enchanting Goblin Forest, on the Kamahi Loop Track, where twisted moss-draped trees lead the way to the crystal-clear Wilkies Pools - a series of natural plunge pools sculpted by lava more than 20,000 years ago. The loop track is a 1 hour 20-minute return trip, departing from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. 

• Stroll to the lookout for Te Rere-o-Noke/Dawson Falls, a quick and easy 10-minute walk from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre that rewards with an epic waterfall view. 

• Tackle the 2–3-hour return trek to Pouākai Tarn, where you’ll be treated to one of the most iconic reflections of Taranaki Maunga on a still, clear day. 

• Step out onto the newly built Manganui Gorge suspension bridge, a striking structure offering incredible sweeping elevated views of North Taranaki and the coastline on a clear day. 

In winter, Taranaki Maunga is also a special place to introduce kids to snow but be sure you’re properly prepared as mountain weather can be unpredictable, visit the Department of Conservation to get up-to-date conditions before you head off. 

Families will take delight in discovering the stories, history, and culture at our region’s numerous museums. 

• Puke Ariki is home to interactive exhibits that bring the region’s stories to life. Explore natural history, Māori taonga, and hands-on displays for kids - all under the same roof as the library and i-SITE. 

• Venture to Hāwera to discover Tawhiti Museum, a South Taranaki gem that is considered one of the country’s best privately owned museums. Miniatures, life-sized dioramas, and the action-packed Traders & Whalers underground boat ride (complete with firing cannons!) will thrill kids and adults alike. 

• Wander through living history at Pioneer Village in Stratford, a lively outdoor heritage experience where kids can complete a scavenger hunt and hop aboard a looped train ride through the historic village. 

• Dig deeper into local history at Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki, where engaging exhibits share the stories of the people and places of the region. 

• Don’t miss the hands-on fun at Taranaki Aviation, Transport and Technology Museum (TATATM), where curious minds can touch, test, and tinker with machines from the past. 

Winding along the coast from New Plymouth to Hāwera, Surf Highway 45 is packed with epic family photo ops, quirky pit stops, and plenty of reasons to pull over - all with the moana on one side and the mighty maunga on the other. 

• Run the dunes at Back Beach, a local favourite with stunning views over Paritutu Rock and the Sugar Loaf Islands. Popular for summer swims, scenic walks, and year-round surf - if you’re game for the dune dash, just be ready for the climb back up.  

• Take a scenic detour to the Cape Egmont Lighthouse, accessible down Cape Road, or the Historic Cape Light and Museum, down Bayly Road, for a fun stop with big coastal views and a classic moana-to-maunga photo moment. 

• Stop in at Ōakura or Ōpunakē for fish and chips, playgrounds, and beginner-friendly surf. Browse local art galleries, explore town murals, or grab a treat from one of the quirky local cafés in one or both of these charming seaside towns.  

• Discover Kaupokonui Beach near Manaia for swimming, fishing, water sports, and exploring the black sand dunes. There’s a tidal river and a children’s playground to keep the whole family happy. 

Taranaki is bursting with epic playgrounds that go beyond just swings and slides. These play spaces are made for climbing, splashing, spinning, and exploring - perfect for wearing little legs out. 

• Start with a standout at Destination Kāwaroa, on the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, where kids can scale climbing platforms, splash in water play zones, zoom around the pump track, and learn about local ecology and culture through interactive play. This inclusive park is designed for all ages to enjoy and explore. 

• Double the fun at popular Brooklands Zoo, where after visiting the animals, kids can let loose on the playground, then follow the trails through Pukekura Park to another large playground tucked among the trees. 

• Spend the day by the river at Ōtūpāia Marine Park in Waitara - a spacious spot with beach access, playground gear, and shady picnic spots. 

• Take the scenic route around the maunga to find more favourites, from beachside playgrounds at Ōakura, Ōpunake, and Waverley, to the lush garden settings of Hollard Gardens, or the beloved local parks like Victoria Park in Stratford and King Edward Park in Hāwera. 

When hunger strikes, Taranaki has you covered with a delicious mix of family-friendly cafés and restaurants, with something to satisfy every craving and keep little appetites happy. 

Top spots for family meals and treats: 

• Deluxe Diner - classic American-style dining with plenty of space for the whole crew. 

• Marbles Buffet - a family favourite with a wide range of fresh, daily prepared dishes, from roasts and seafood to salads and homemade desserts, all served buffet-style so everyone can pick their favourites. 

• Liardet Street Projects - a vibrant hidden courtyard packed with food trucks serving up everything from American-style burgers, pizza and Vietnamese street food to Japanese-influenced flavours and authentic Indian. Perfect for families who love trying a bit of everything in a relaxed, casual setting. 

• Little Liberty Creamery - scoop up a treat at this plant-based creamery, serving up delicious dairy-free ice cream made with natural ingredients and zero compromise on flavour. 

• Ōpunakē Fish and Chips - grab a classic feed and take it beachside for a laid-back fish, chips, and family time by the sea.  

• The Baking Company, Stratford - fresh pastries, pies, and sweet treats to fuel family adventures. 

• Good Score Food Store, Hāwera - not your average bakery, and a local favourite go-to for bread, epic sandwich fixings, and the kind of treats (like donuts) that make the whole family smile. 

• Hot Fridays, Hāwera - relaxed eats, fulsome flavours, and a side of local charm. Tuck into loaded fries, gourmet burgers, and share plates, or just chill with a cold drink and soak up the laid-back vibes.