EXTEND YOUR SUMMER
As the back-to-work blues come creeping in, it’s time to extend your summer with an adventure to Taranaki, crowned the sunniest spot in New Zealand for 2021. Embrace long sun-filled days and be energised by picture-perfect views. Treat yourself to delicious cuisine, lose track of time admiring unique and passionately crafted art, glorious gardens, and endless black-sand beaches. Discover this region like no other, blessed with a majestic maunga and brimming with things to see and do in the ultimate new North Island experience, and all just a 90-minute direct flight away. Reset and recharge for the year ahead, and discover Taranaki today.
FOOD AND HOSPITALITY
Is it even a weekend escape without treats and overindulgence? Taranaki has a dining scene that is set to impress and famously hospitable cafés and restaurants that transform fresh local produce into memorable and mouth-watering dishes. It’s known for killer coffee, relaxed dining, and a huge range of eateries; you can’t really go wrong. There are the tried-and-true from Social Kitchen, Monica’s, and Shinning Peak to some newbies who pack a serious flavour punch and are well worth a try: Liardet Street Projects, Ember, Vin Bar, and Toret Cucina.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Taranaki is one big playground for explorers and ocean and nature lovers. Push pause and reconnect with Mother Nature’s masterstrokes right around the maunga. Explore a wonderland of walking trails, scale Paritutu Rock or spend those last summer days basking on the beach and diving in and out of epic surf. Grab a camera and head up Taranaki Maunga to be enthralled by birdsong, flora, fauna, the rocky scree slopes, magical alpine tussocks, and simply breathtaking views.
FAMILY FUN
Experience unrivalled adventures and create summer memories to last a lifetime in Taranaki. Venture on the high seas with Chaddy’s Charters to spot seals or share a surf lesson on one of Surf Highway 45’s famous breaks. Family fun takes it up a gear at Hillsborough Holden Museum’s Hideaway Luge and Miniputt. Cool off by plunging down the rocky waterslide at Wilkies Pools. Discover a time gone by at Pioneer Village, or head to Pukeiti, where you can book a hut and sleep among the treetops.
CAPTIVATING CULTURE
Let the region’s rich history unfold and fascinate you as you journey around Taranaki Maunga. Dive deep into fascinating events and intriguing Māori history. Learn poignant tales about the region’s pioneering characters at the fantastic selection of museums found across the region. Uncover the incredible exhibitions and ancient artefacts on display at Puke Ariki in New Plymouth, Aotea Utanganui in Pātea and last but not least, the Tawhiti Museum and the Traders and Whalers Exhibition in Hāwera – perfect for families.
MECCA FOR THE ARTS
Taranaki’s vibrant and talented creative scene will rekindle your love of art. The region is a magnet for art lovers, creatives, and budding collectors, and this spills out onto the streets with beautiful sculptures, installations, and funky street art woven throughout buildings, walkways, and attractions. The region is also home to the staggering collection of life works from internationally renowned kinetic sculptor and filmmaker and Christchurch-born Len Lye at the Govett Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.
FEEL AT EASE
Taranaki ticks all the boxes when it comes to being a perfect long weekend destination. With a short, direct flight, travel is easy, and the views over the Southern Alps and Taranaki Maunga are spectacular. Despite alert level changes, there’s plenty to do and see safely in Taranaki and the space to feel at ease. Check out the ‘three-day Taranaki guide’ at taranaki.co.nz/visit for all the best things to see and do. With your vaccine pass on hand, it’s time to make the most of the sun and extend your summer fun in Taranaki.