Taranaki & New Plymouth — The Forgotten Gem
Taranaki is one of New Zealand's most overlooked regions — which is exactly why it's worth visiting. This lush, volcanic province on the west coast of the North Island is dominated by Mount Taranaki (Mt Egmont), one of the most perfectly symmetrical stratovolcanoes on earth. Lonely Planet named Taranaki its second-best region in the world to visit back in 2017, and it still flies under most travellers' radar.
The region offers a striking combination: a snow-capped volcano rising from black-sand beaches, lush rainforest, award-winning gardens, the surf highway, the Forgotten World Highway, a vibrant arts scene in New Plymouth, and WOMAD festival. It's a 4.5-hour drive from Auckland or 5 hours from Wellington, which is probably why most first-time visitors skip it. Their loss.
Mount Taranaki / Mount Egmont
The mountain is the reason to come. At 2,518 metres, Mt Taranaki is an active (but currently dormant) stratovolcano with a conical symmetry that makes it one of the most photogenic mountains in the world. Peter Jackson used it as a stand-in for Mt Fuji in The Last Samurai, and it features prominently in Māori mythology.
The mountain sits inside Egmont National Park, which is a perfect circle — the park boundary was drawn as a 9.6 km radius from the summit in 1900. From above, you can see the dramatic difference between the dense native forest inside the park and the farmland outside.
Walks & hikes:
- Pouakai Tarns — the iconic photo spot where Mt Taranaki reflects perfectly in alpine tarns. 5.5 hours return from Mangorei Road. One of NZ's most Instagrammed hikes.
- Wilkies Pools Loop — easy 2-hour loop through rainforest to natural rock pools. Great for families.
- Dawson Falls & the Plateau — short walks to waterfalls plus access to longer alpine tracks.
- Summit climb — a serious, technical day-long climb (8–10 hours return) recommended for experienced mountaineers only. Several fatalities most years. The Taranaki mountain is sacred to Māori, who request climbers don't stand on the actual summit.
- Pouakai Circuit — 2–3 day tramp looping the northern side of the mountain with stunning views. One of the best underrated multi-day walks in NZ.
New Plymouth City
New Plymouth is a genuinely lovely small city of 58,000 with a thriving arts scene, excellent dining, and the spectacular Coastal Walkway — a 12.7 km sealed path along the waterfront with the Wind Wand (a 45m kinetic sculpture by Len Lye), Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (the photogenic curved footbridge with Taranaki framed behind it), and access to black-sand surfing beaches.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre is one of NZ's best contemporary art museums — the mirrored stainless steel exterior alone is worth the visit. Puke Ariki is the combined museum and library with excellent Māori and colonial exhibits.
Pukekura Park & the Festival of Lights
Pukekura Park is 52 hectares of gardens, lakes, walking tracks and the cricket ground in the middle of New Plymouth. Every summer from mid-December to late January, the Taranaki Festival of Lights transforms it with elaborate illuminations, live music and food stalls — completely free, family-friendly, and genuinely magical after dark. It's one of the best free events in New Zealand.
Surf Highway 45
This 105 km coastal drive from New Plymouth to Hāwera loops around the base of Mt Taranaki along some of the best surfing coastline in NZ. Black-sand beaches, world-class waves, small surfing villages, and views of the mountain from almost every angle. Oakura is the closest surf beach to New Plymouth (20 minutes) and has the best shops and cafés. Stop at Stent Road, Kumara Patch and Opunake Beach along the way. It's a half-day drive done casually, or you can break it into a full day with swim stops.
The Forgotten World Highway
State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui — 155 km of twisting, remote, largely-gravel road through the Whangamomona Republic (yes, it declared itself a republic in 1989), the Hobbit's Hole tunnel, and some of the most isolated settlements in the North Island. It's rough, slow, and absolutely worth it if you want an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience. Allow a full day, carry a spare tyre, and don't expect mobile coverage for most of it. Not recommended in poor weather or in a campervan.
WOMAD — World of Music, Arts & Dance
Every March, New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands hosts WOMAD — New Zealand's most respected world music festival and one of the best in the world. Three days, six stages, artists from dozens of countries, food from around the world, and an atmosphere unlike any other NZ festival. Book accommodation months ahead. See our NZ Festivals Calendar for dates.
Hawera & South Taranaki
Hawera is the main town of South Taranaki with the Elvis Presley Museum (run by a genuine Elvis obsessive), the Tawhiti Museum (often voted NZ's best private museum), and the historic Hawera Water Tower. The coast further south has black-sand beaches and quiet rural charm.
Getting There
By road: New Plymouth is 4.5 hours from Auckland, 5 hours from Wellington, and 3 hours from Hamilton. The drive from Auckland via SH3 and SH4 is scenic but slow — the road winds through hill country. Use our fuel calculator to estimate costs.
By air: New Plymouth has a small domestic airport with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch via Air New Zealand.
Where to Stay
New Plymouth has the best range of accommodation — waterfront hotels, boutique B&Bs, and backpackers. The Devon Hotel and Millennium Hotel New Plymouth Waterfront are the main waterfront options. For a unique stay, book one of the lodges at the mountain (Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge, the Plateau Lodge) for the alpine experience. Oakura is the best surf base.
When to Visit
December to March is the best weather with the warmest surf temperatures and stable conditions for mountain hikes. March is WOMAD month. Mid-December to late January is the Festival of Lights. Winter (June–August) sees snow on the mountain — spectacular but closes some alpine tracks. The weather in Taranaki is famously changeable (it rains more here than most of the North Island), so always check the forecast before committing to mountain walks.
How Long to Stay
2 days covers New Plymouth and one mountain walk. 3 days adds the Surf Highway and a longer hike like the Pouakai Tarns. 4–5 days lets you do the Pouakai Circuit or the Forgotten World Highway properly. Build Taranaki into a North Island itinerary as a 2–3 night detour between Auckland/Rotorua and Wellington.
Our Verdict
Taranaki is one of those regions that makes Kiwis smile when tourists discover it. The mountain is as photogenic as anywhere in New Zealand, New Plymouth is underrated as a food and arts city, and the fact that it's off the main tourist trail means crowds are manageable even at peak times. If you have time beyond the classic Auckland-Rotorua-Wellington route, come here. You'll get a region that feels less commercialised, more local, and just as beautiful as better-known parts of NZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Auckland to New Plymouth?
It's approximately 370 km and takes 4.5 hours via SH3 and SH4 through Te Kuiti. The road is scenic but winding, so break it into stops. You can also fly — Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to New Plymouth in about 55 minutes.
Can you climb Mount Taranaki?
Yes, but only experienced climbers with proper alpine gear should attempt the summit — it's a technical 8–10 hour day with real risks (several fatalities per year). Easier alternatives include the Pouakai Tarns walk (5.5 hours return), Wilkies Pools loop (2 hours), and the Pouakai Circuit (2–3 day tramp). The summit is considered sacred by Māori.
Is Taranaki worth visiting?
Absolutely — Lonely Planet named it the world's second-best region to visit in 2017. Mt Taranaki is stunningly photogenic, New Plymouth has excellent food and arts, and the region is far less crowded than other NZ tourist destinations. It adds 2–3 days to a standard North Island itinerary and delivers a genuinely different experience.
When is WOMAD in New Plymouth?
WOMAD runs for 3 days in mid-March each year at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth. Check the NZ festivals calendar for exact dates. Book accommodation 4–6 months in advance — the entire town fills up.