There really is no shortage of family-friendly fun in Taranaki.

From coastal adventures to mountain magic, creative hubs to wide-open green spaces, Taranaki is packed with experiences that keep big kids, little kids, and everyone in between smiling.

This flexible multi-day itinerary makes it easy to explore the region at a relaxed pace, with plenty of options to mix and match depending on energy levels and the weather.

Day 1: New Plymouth Coast & City Play

Morning: Coastal energy

Start the day stretching your legs along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, exploring as much (or as little) of the 12.7km promenade as suits your whānau. Spot public art along the way including Len Lye’s Wind Wand, the Mothers and Daughters sculpture, and the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, where the framed view of Taranaki Maunga is a must-snap, as well as plenty of playgrounds scattered along the way for a rest-stop.

Midday: Play and picnics by the sea

Roll straight into Destination Kāwaroa, where interactive play zones, water play, climbing structures, a pump track, and BBQ facilities make it easy to spend a few hours. Pack lunch or grab something at the Nau Mai coffee cart onsite and let the kids burn off energy.
Afternoon: Gardens and animals

Head into the heart of the city to Pukekura Park, wandering past lakes, bridges, fountains, and formal gardens. Take a rowboat across the lake (summer hours), treat yourselves to ice cream at the historic Teahouse, then pop into Brooklands Zoo, where free entry means meeting monkeys, meerkats, otters, birds, reptiles, and farm animals.

Evening treat

Dinner at Deluxe Diner or Liardet Street Projects, where everyone can choose their own favourite.

Day 2: Thrills, Heights & Hidden Gems

Morning: Adrenaline and views

Kick off with a challenge at Hillsborough Hideaway, racing down the luge track or competing on the Bathurst-themed mini putt course. From here, head to Paritutu Rock for a short but steep climb that rewards you with sweeping views over Ngāmotu New Plymouth, the coastline, and Taranaki Maunga.

Midday: Coastal exploring

If the tide’s right, head to Ōakura to explore the SS Gairloch Shipwreck, where the remains of the 1903 wreck lie clearly visible on the sand.
Afternoon: Mystery road trip fun

Hop in the car and try the Trip-to game, a family-friendly web app featuring playful puzzles and curated mystery drives along Surf Highway 45. It’s a fun way to uncover lesser-known stops without needing to plan every detail.

Dinner idea

Pizza in Ōakura from Black Sand Pizzeria & Bistro, or Hot Fridays in Hāwera for relaxed eats and fulsome flavours.

Day 3: Around the Maunga – Forests, Waterfalls & Epic Views

Morning: Forest magic

Head up the mountain to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. Wander through the Goblin Forest on the Kamahi Loop Track, where mossy trees lead you to the icy-clear Wilkies Pools.

Short walk option

Take the easy stroll to the lookout at Te Rere-o-Noke / Dawson Falls, just 10 minutes return.

Afternoon: Big views

Drive north to the Manganui Gorge bridge, stepping out onto the elevated structure for sweeping views across North Taranaki and the coastline on a clear day.
More ambitious option

If your whānau is keen and able, and conditions are right, tackle the Pouākai Tarn return walk for one of the most iconic reflections of Taranaki Maunga.

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. 

Lunch idea

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

Day 4: Gardens, Picnics & Tales from the Past

Morning: Garden wanders

Start at Pukeiti, wandering rainforest trails on the northern slopes of the maunga. Grab a kids’ activity satchel from the Rainforest Centre and follow the Treehouse Trail.
Optional overnight: Book the Pīwakawaka Family Hut for a memorable night sleeping above the treetops.

Midday: Picnic time

Choose your picnic spot depending on where you’re heading:

  • Tūpare for riverside gardens, BBQs, tree swings, and secret paths
  • Hollard Gardens in Kaponga with lawns, playgrounds, and picnic tables
  • Te Popo Gardens, where kids can go on safari spotting over 40 life-sized animal sculptures and explore an interactive fairy garden
  • Ngāmotu Beach, where calm waters, playgrounds, picnic tables, and plenty of free parking make it a welcoming seaside spot for families
  • Lucy’s Gully, where the towering redwoods and peaceful trails offer the perfect shady spot for a mid-walk picnic
  • Ōpunakē Loop Trail, a coastal walk rich in natural beauty with plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots along the way
Afternoon: Step back in time

Slow things down for the afternoon and travel back through time with a mix of immersive museums and hands-on heritage experiences the whole family can enjoy.

  • Discover local stories at Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki (Pātea), where engaging, hands-on exhibits bring the people and places of the region to life for all ages.
  • Be wowed at Tawhiti Museum (Hāwera), one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most impressive privately owned museums. Kids will love the miniature scenes, life-sized historical dioramas, and the action-packed Traders & Whalers underground boat ride, complete with firing cannons.
  • Head inland to Stratford for a dose of living history at Taranaki Pioneer Village, an interactive outdoor museum where families can explore historic buildings, complete a scavenger hunt, and ride the looping train through the village.
  • Explore the Taranaki Aviation, Transport and Technology Museum (TATATM) (New Plymouth), where curious minds can touch, test, and tinker with planes, vehicles, and machines from the past.
Food stop

Try Good Score Food Store in Hāwera, or Little Liberty Creamery in Inglewood for a scooped treat of delicious dairy-free ice cream made with natural ingredients and zero compromise on flavour.

Day 5: Bikes, Beaches & Indoor Backups

Morning: On yer bike

Hire bikes from Cycle Inn or King and Queen Hotel Suites in New Plymouth, or bring your own.
Midday: Coastal cruising

Follow Surf Highway 45, pulling over at highlights like:

Dinner idea

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.
Rainy day backups (swap in anytime)