Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
FijiRegion · Lower North Island
Taranaki
Taranaki is the region of Taranaki Maunga, the almost symmetrical cone volcano on the west of the North Island, of New Plymouth and the beaches of Surf Highway 45.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Taranaki
Taranaki occupies the protrusion of the west coast of the North Island, between Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui. At its center is Taranaki Maunga, a 2,518-meter volcano whose almost symmetrical cone can be seen from almost the whole region. The regional council seat is in Stratford, and the largest town is New Plymouth.
The volcano and the Pouākai and Kaitake ranges form the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park, the second national park created in the country, in 1900, formerly called Egmont. The mountain and the park are legally recognized as a legal person, because of the ancestral connection of the Taranaki Māori people with them. There are one-day trails through forest and even to waterfalls, and the ascent to the summit is a long and demanding climb.
In New Plymouth, the Coastal Walkway follows the sea for about 13 km and passes the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a bridge with a curved design. The Len Lye Centre, alongside the Govett-Brewster gallery, is dedicated to the kinetic sculptures of the artist Len Lye, and Pukekura Park brings together lakes and gardens in the town center.
Surf Highway 45 skirts the coast between New Plymouth and Hāwera, with surf beaches and small villages. Around the volcano, dairy pastures occupy the plain down to the sea.
When to go
From December to March, more stable weather favors the park trails and the beaches. The ascent to the summit is usually done only in those months, when there is less snow and ice. Mountain weather changes quickly in any season: check the forecast before you go.
Getting there
New Plymouth Airport (NPL) has flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. By road, New Plymouth is about 355 km from Wellington and about 360 km from Auckland. The park entrances are on the north, east and south slopes of the volcano, less than an hour's drive from New Plymouth or Stratford.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Taranaki
Can you climb to the summit of Taranaki Maunga?
You can, in summer, if you are well prepared and have the right equipment: the ascent and descent take 8 to 10 hours over loose and rocky terrain. Outside summer there is snow and ice, and the ascent requires alpine technique. Check the forecast and DOC guidance before you set out.
What short walks are there in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park?
At the park entrances there are 1- to 3-hour forest walks and even routes to waterfalls. The Pouākai Crossing, a one-day trek, passes by Lake Pouākai, from which you can see the volcano's reflection when there is no wind or cloud.
What to do in New Plymouth?
Walk along the Coastal Walkway, visit the Len Lye Centre and Pukekura Park, and climb Paritutu, a hill above the harbour with views of the Ngā Motu (Sugar Loaf Islands).
How many days to stay in Taranaki?
Two days allow for New Plymouth and one day in the park; with three days, you can include Surf Highway 45.