Taranaki Attractions
ACCESS TO THE MOUNTAIN
There are three roads leading part-way up the mountain. The highest is to East Egmont plateau, with a viewing platform and parking facilities for the skifield. It lies at the transition between subalpine scrub and alpine herbfields.
There are park visitor centres at North Egmont and at Dawson Falls on the southeast side.
The eastern side from Stratford leads to the Stratford Mountain House, and the ski field.
There is no road access on the western side. However, a road winds for 10 km though native bush over the saddle between Pouakai and Kaitake. Near the top of this road is the renowned Pukeiti Trust rhododendron garden.
CAPE EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE
By day, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse visibly marks the western-most point of the Taranaki coast. By night, it flashes white light once every eight seconds, telling ships up to 22 nautical miles away exactly where they are.
The lighthouse was built in London in the mid-1800s. In 1865, the cast-iron segments were shipped to New Zealand and assembled on Mana Island, north of Wellington. However, this spot proved unsatisfactory. Several shipping accidents later, it was thought that the Mana light was being confused with the lighthouse at Wellington Heads.
To find the lighthouse, which was automated in 1986, follow State Highway 45 to Pungarehu. Just south of town, turn right on Cape Road. Drive five kilometres to the lighthouse which is at the end of the road.
DAWSON FALLS
A pleasant drive to 900 metres above sea level on Mt Taranaki?s south eastern slopes brings you to Dawson Falls Roadend. Dawson Falls sits at the top end of Manaia Road 14 km from Kaponga. The drive to the roadend is through scenic native forest. Kaponga is an easy drive west of Stratford and Eltham.
This is the starting point for many walks on this side of the mountain. You can also visit a rare working example of a simple hydro-electric power station.
EGMONT NATIONAL PARK
Mt Taranaki can be a dangerous place for climbers. Weather conditions can deteriorate very quickly and many ill-prepared climbers have met their death on the slopes of the mountain.
If you are going to be using the track system in Egmont National Park for overnight trips, make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared.
Make sure your group has a capable leader and that everyone is carrying a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, sufficient high energy food (with some extra for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat and overtrousers, gloves, a hat, and several layers of warm (wool or fleece) clothing.
For mountain climbing, specialist equipment is essential.
FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY
Imagine a world preserved by time? suspended infinitely in a lifestyle reminiscent of New Zealands pioneering days. A world where history and heritage are paramount, where Mother Nature takes the upper hand to protect her unique environment, and where passersby still enjoy a cheery wave from locals ? the way this pioneering country used to be a century ago. Drive the highway in less than three hours, or take your time to explore the fusion of nature with man? riverboat landing sites, road tunnels, disused coal mines, mills, brick kilns and sleeping villages instilled with the character of yesteryear.
FUN HO TOY MUSEUM
25 Rata Street, Inglewood
15 minutes south of New Plymouth. A genuine Kiwi icon that you must visit, with over 3,000 toys on display. Phone 06 756 7030.
LAKE MANGAMAHOE
This well sign-posted circuit walk takes you on a journey around Lake Mangamahoe through production forest, up to impressive lookouts and among mature ornamental tree plantings that are mixed with pockets of regenerated native bush. The lake circuit walk is an enjoyable walk for people of all ages. However, there are some steep undulating sections on the walk that require a reasonable standard of fitness and the track can be slippery and muddy in areas after rain.
There are also picnic areas, toilet facilities and ample car parking along with a mountain biking area and horse riding trails.
Lake Mangamahoe is 10 minutes drive south of New Plymouth city on SH3.
7.00am-6.00pm outside of daylight savings.
7.00am-8.30pm during daylight savings.
MIKE’S ORGANIC BREWERY
Discover where and how our beers are born and what makes them so special and different from the rest. Meet Mike, take a brewery tour, taste our beers as well as fruit and grape wines, cider, liqueur and the odd surprise.
Take your time and relax in Mikes beer garden, enjoy good food and great beer or wine, tea and coffee if you must.
Take home some of Mikes legendary beers and related merchandise.
Address: 487 Main North Road, RD 44, Urenui, 4655
Opening Hours Shop, Beergarden, 10 am to 6 pm
7 days a week
For more details phone 06 752 3676 or 0508 4 MIKES (0508 4 64537)
OAKURA BEACH
Surf Highway 45, Oakura
Approx 12 minutes from New Plymouth. A great river to swim in and explore under the rocks.
PIONEER VILLAGE STRATFORD
Taranaki Pioneer Village on State Highway 3, just south of Stratford, in Central Taranaki has developed into a significant tourist attraction since 1978.
Today Taranaki Pioneer Village is a recognised vital landmark in Taranaki. Tourists, visitors and the community are offered a unique experience that: preserves & celebrates local cultural heritage; is a powerful educational resource and a perfect venue for functions and events, with on-site cafe.
Open everyday from 10am to 4pm except Christmas day. Ph/Fax (06) 765 5399 for more details
STONEY OAKS WILDLIFE PARK
Corner Kaimata and Briston Roads, Inglewood
Sit on a cow, tickle a pig, feed possums, cuddle deer, hold baby rabbits and guinea pigs. Row a boat amongst te black swans. Take a bush walk, enjoy watching the pet eel, goldfish and rainbow trout. www.rarebreeds.co.nz/stoneyoaks.html Advisable to ring first. Phone 06 756 7624.
STRATFORD SPEEDWAY
Racing commenced back in the 1964/1965 season with 14 stockcars competing at the first race meeting. Over many years, the club has seen many laps of racing, classes come and go, and, a dedicated bunch of volunteers operate this track. Stratford competitors have had a proud history, with 23 New Zealand championships (more than any other track) won in the premier classes of Stockcars, Saloons and Modifieds. The club has also enjoyed good success in teams racing with Stratford teams winning many races and events during its history.
In 1999/2000 the club became the first track to install electronic lapscoring and later that season won the prestigious Speedway of the Year. The track plays host to around 15 nights of racing each season, beginning in October with the practices and finishing in March or April. Highlights of the season usually include the Fireworks night in early November, the Boxing Day Demolition Derby, and, the national Championship meetings.
Go to www.stratford-speedway.co.nz to see details of racing events
SURF HIGHWAY 45
Taranaki’s hemispherical coast collects 180 degrees of ocean swells, so you can be almost certain that the surf will be pumping somewhere between New Plymouth and Hawera.
But waves aren’t the only reason to follow this touring route – the Egmont National Park is always within reach, with tracks to take you up and around magnificent Mount Taranaki. You’ll be in the perfect position to study the botanical changes from surf to summit.
It would be hard to get lost on Surf Highway 45 – the route simply follows the coast. Side roads take you down to the sea or up to the mountain. If you begin in New Plymouth, you’ll pass the settlements of Oakura, Okato, Pungarehu and Oanui before you reach Opunake, the largest population centre before Hawera.
SURFING IN TARANAKI
Ask any keen surfer what Taranaki offers them, and most will say the regions 105km surf coastline that produces some of this countrys most legendary surf breaks. Surf Highway 45 is synonymous with consistent Tasman Sea swells that roll into sweeping deserted beaches, clipping reefs and sandbars along the way at perfect angles to ensure pumping waves and impressive barrels which thrill amateur and experienced surfers alike throughout the year. If you are a novice surfer then grab surfing lessons, or hire one of several guides to point out the best surf on the day, as closely guarded Taranaki gems can often be found with local knowledge.
TAWHITI MUSEUM – HAWERA
The Tawhiti Museum is a truly unique enterprise. The creation of artist Nigel Ogle, its attention to detail is simply stunning.
Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present our heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays.
All these displays are designed and built on the premises in the ‘Body Shop’ and accompanying studios, which can be viewed as part of a museum visit.
From New Plymouth turn left into Ohangai Road on the Southern boundary of Normanby.
The Tawhiti Museum is 4 km from that S.H.3 intersection.
Phone 06 278 6837 for more details
OPEN Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am – 4pm
SUMMER SEASON
Open every day from Boxing Day
to the end of January
WINTER SEASON
June, July, August – Open Sundays only
WAKEBOARDING AT LAKE ROTORANGI
Lake Rotorangi, Taranaki possibly NZs greatest wake boarding location, a quote by Australia & NZs No1 wake boarding magazine Wake. They described Lake Rotorangi as having miles and miles of glass not a house or boat in sight and big steep hills with intricate rocky cliff faces plummeting from lush big green expanses of land on both sides protecting the glassy water in the valleys. Lake Rotorangi, the longest man made lake in New Zealand at 46km is a serenely beautiful location in a forgotten world and perfect for water sports. Caniwi Lodge is located near the northern end an approximately 20 minute drive east of Eltham. Kayak use is complimentary to staying guests and with safe calm waters is also a must do experience.
WHITECLIFFS WALKWAY
An isolated ocean beach, towering white cliffs and rock pinnacles, bridged streams and a cliff top track with stunning views of the North Taranaki coastline. This 14km track follows the route of the Kapuni Auckland gas pipeline and can include the coastal pathway used by those from earlier times Taranaki bound warriors and later the stockmen rolling sheep or cattle towards the hand hewn Te Horo tunnel and on to farms and saleyards. Begin at the boat ramp at the end of Pukearuhe Rd. It is just north of Urenui and near the cliff top site of the old redoubt and military settlement. Stay safe and check the tides if you plan a beach walk. You need to reach Pukearuhe no later than two hours after low tide. It is a better walk than a swim.
Visit www.doc.govt.nz for more details