There really is no shortage of family-friendly fun in Taranaki.
If you prefer the outdoors, we have endless tracks and trails, suitable for all types of legs (long and short, young and the young-at-heart) and abilities, with fresh-air galore and plenty of things to see and do along the way.
Or if its indoor activities you’re seeking, there are ample attractions to entice you inside and keep you and the family entertained – maybe even a little family challenge is on the cards to see who can get the highest score or solve the puzzle the fastest.
Get active
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.
On ‘yer bike
Taranaki is a dream for pedal-powered adventures, with dedicated bike parks, pump tracks, and scenic trails to suit all ages and riding levels. There’s no shortage of places for families to ride together.
- No bike? No problem - Cycle Inn or King and Queen Hotel Suites in New Plymouth hires bikes so you can get rolling in no time.
- Ride like a local at the Bell Block Bike Track, which features a fun kids’ road circuit complete with traffic lights, give way signs, and roundabouts.
- Zoom around the Children’s Bike Park Stratford, a brilliant spot for young riders to race around the pump track or cruise past the miniature glockenspiel on the kid-sized road circuit.
- Pump it by the sea at Destination Kāwaroa in New Plymouth, a seaside pump track with ocean views, an epic playground and BBQ area.
- Test your skills at Aotea Park in Waverley, South Taranaki on the well-designed pump track that’s fun for all levels.
- Tackle the trails at Lake Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park, with over 30km of tracks, from beginner-friendly green trails to double-black advanced lines, weaving through forest and along the lake’s edge.
Explore the wonders of Taranaki Maunga
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.
Go alfresco
With ample wide-open green spaces and pockets of nature tucked across the region, Taranaki serves up plenty of fresh-air adventures the whole whānau will love.
- Wander the 6km loop track around Lake Mangamahoe and soak up peaceful lakeside scenery, with a prime lookout spot that frames Taranaki Maunga in all his glory - the ultimate family holiday photo backdrop.
- Meander through the lush rainforest at Pukeiti, with 360 hectares of gardens nestled on the northern slopes of the maunga, where mountain-to-sea views and winding trails await, and be sure to grab a kids’ activity satchel from the Rainforest Centre to follow the fun-filled Treehouse Trail.
- Extend the experience with an overnight stay in the Pīwakawaka Family Hut, just a one-hour walk from the Pukeiti entrance, where you can sleep above the treetops surrounded by birdsong. This extremely accessible hut can sleep 12 people, and bookings are essential via the Taranaki Regional Council website.
- Discover the beauty of Pukekura Park, in the heart of New Plymouth, with its fernery, fountains, bridges, formal gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds. Top it off with a rowboat ride across the lake (open during summer hours) and a sweet treat at the historic Teahouse. While you’re there, pop into Brooklands Zoo - a free-entry, family favourite where you’ll meet everything from monkeys and meerkats to otters, farm animals, reptiles, and colourful birds.
- Hunt for treasure along the coast at the SS Gairloch Shipwreck, in Ōakura, where the remains of the 1903 wreck lie in plain view on the beach, best explored at low tide.
- Journey north to Tongapōrutu to marvel at the towering Three Sisters sea stacks and nearby Elephant Rock, where natural wonders and coastal views reward those who time their visit with the tide.
A step back in time
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.
Pack a picnic
Taranaki is brimming with scenic spots perfect for a family feast in the fresh air. With plenty of space to roam, hidden treasures to discover, and some well-placed BBQs, spread out a blanket and relax.
- Soak up the beauty of Tūpare, a riverside gem with sculpted gardens, shaded BBQ areas, a tree swing, and secret garden paths to explore - ideal for cooling off with a swim and winding down under the trees.
- Relax at Ngāmotu Beach, where calm waters, playgrounds, picnic tables, and plenty of free parking make it a welcoming seaside spot for families to spend the day.
- Stroll through the vibrant gardens at Hollard Gardens, a family favourite in Kaponga complete with expansive lawns, picnic tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained.
- Take the picnic basket to Te Popo Gardens, a hidden gem where kids can go on safari spotting over 40 life-sized exotic animal sculptures, and wander through an enchanting interactive fairy garden.
- Pack snacks and set off on a bush adventure at Lucy’s Gully, where the towering redwoods and peaceful trails offer the perfect shady spot for a mid-walk picnic.
- Discover the breathtaking hilltop views along the Ōpunake Loop Trail, a coastal walk rich in natural beauty - with plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots along the way.
Cruise Surf Highway 45
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.
Indoors Fun
Taranaki may be one of the sunniest spots in Aotearoa New Zealand, but it’s always a good idea to have a plan B up your sleeve for the days you need to be inside.
- Level up your family fun at Bowlarama, where you’ll find ten-pin bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and a glow-in-the-dark 18-hole mini putt course all under one roof.
- Put your heads together at Escapinator escape rooms - race against the clock to solve clues, crack codes, and escape before time runs out.
- Make a splash at Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, located right by the sea in New Plymouth, with indoor and outdoor pools, a hydro slide, and spa pool, or head south to Hāwera Aquatic Centre for more water-filled fun, including a thermal pool and hydro slide. Add in a stop at the Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre, perfect for all ages with heated indoor pools, a toddler play area, and swim lanes for older kids.
- Get nostalgic at the Fun Ho! Toy Museum in Inglewood - just 15 minutes from New Plymouth - where little ones can marvel at vintage toys, and watch new ones being made right before their eyes.
- Catch a flick at the elegant 1920s-inspired historic Everybody’s Theatre in Ōpunake, restored inside and out, and complemented with the latest digital screen technology.
Child’s play
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.
Artsy fartsy
The vibrant art scene in Taranaki offers inspiring and thought-provoking experiences the whole whānau can enjoy - sparking curiosity, creativity, and conversation at any age.
- A visit to Taranaki isn’t complete without experiencing the impressive Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre, a striking destination for contemporary art and home to the mesmerising works of Len Lye - a pioneer of experimental film and kinetic sculpture sure to leave kids wide-eyed.
- Catch Stratford’s Glockenspiel Clock Tower performing scenes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm daily - then pop across the road to Percy Thomson Gallery for a revolving line-up of family-friendly exhibitions and creative inspiration.
- Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hāwera is a welcoming community space inside the Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga building, showcasing an ever-changing range of exhibitions across all mediums, from emerging local artists to national collaborations.
Tasty stops around the maunga
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.