TARANAKI ATTRACTIONS

Mt Taranaki/Egmont at sunset

Mt Taranaki

Mt Taranaki is the dominant feature throughout the province. It has visitor's centres, over 300km of walking tracks, tramps and guided climbs to the summit. Many huts are available for overnight stops. 

Restaurants and Cafes

New Plymouth has a broad range of good quality restaurants, café's and pubs offering a range of food and entertainment that will meet every need. 

Surf Highway 45

World-class surfing and windsurfing beaches are available at several locations on "Surf Highway 45". New Zealands only Tandem Surfing oppurtunity is also available. These are within 30 minutes drive from the yacht club.

Golfing

Taranaki has 5 golf courses within 35 minutes of the yacht club. The courses are well prepared and offer low green fees and uncluttered fairways.

Fishing

Taranaki has some excellent surf casting beaches and has a growing reputation for blue water game fishing.

Pukeiti Gardens

Pukeiti gardens are situated in a surrounding of dense native rain forest. The gardens consist of 360ha of Rhododendrons, one of the world's greatest collections. For anyone interested in gardens. Cafe and shop.

Pukekura Park and Brooklands Zoo

Opened in 1876 Pukekura Park is located in the heart of New Plymouth City. The park covers 49ha of tranquil native bush with exotic tree and fern collections. 

Free entry with wonderful walks around the fernery, display houses, children’s zoo, lakes, waterfalls and fountains. Row boats for hire. In the evenings during the Regatta the park will be lit up with displays from over 20,000 lights. A must see for all visitors.

At the top end of the park is the small zoo.

Puke Ariki Museum

Aquatic Centre

Indoor heated swimming pool with wave machine, toddler's pool, spa and sauna. Outdoor pools include hydroslides.

Chaddys Charters

Located at Port Taranaki and provides daily trips via Old English Lifeboat to the marine park to view seal colonies. Great ½ day trip.

Govett Brewster Art Gallery

A world-renowned contemporary art gallery and is home to the Len Lye kinetic sculpture collection. The Windwand on the foreshore walkway is a Len Lye sculpture. Free entry.

Sail under the mountain then climb to the top of it

The views are fantastic and well worth the effort. The climb is on tracks, steps, shingle/scree areas and also some rock climbing. A reasonable fitness level is required and children over 12 years old can also go up. 

Other Taranaki Attractions

Taranaki is also a great place to go Paraponting, tramping and Mountain Bike Riding. Try paddling a 12 metre Maori Waka (Canoe), or travel by 4WD Jeep or Quad-Motorbike to remote forest areas. Ride a Milk Tanker at Dairyland. Go Dam Dropping over an 8 metre dam followed by white water sledging down the river. Marvel at life size models at the Tawhiti historical museum. Visit White Cliffs Brewery and sample Mike Mild Ale.

Please refer to either of these web sites www.taranakinz.com or www.newplymouthnz.com/events for further information on sites of interest in New Plymouth and Taranaki.