Things to Do in Taranaki

• Mount Taranaki/Egmont
  Take a day to climb to the 2518 metre summit of this near perfect conical mountain, or enjoy a gentler walk on one of the many tracks.
• Egmont National Park
  Egmont (33,000ha) became New Zealand's second national park in 1900 and since then, 13 entrances to its large network of walking tracks have made it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The climb to the summit takes about 4-4.5hr in good conditions, but care should be taken as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Pouakai Circuit
  This 2-3 day hike crosses through some of the most spectacular areas of Egmont National Park, including the Holly and Pouakai Huts, the Ahukawakawa Swamp, Stony River and Mount Henry.
• Lake Mangamahoe
  This lake, known for its beautiful reflections of Mount Taranaki, is a wildlife reserve and a popular picnic spot.
• New Plymouth
  New Plymouth is famous for its gracious gardens and parks, the best known being the tranquil Pukekura. This 21ha park contains beautiful flower gardens, native ferns and trees (some of which are said to be more than 2000 years old), lakes, streams, a waterfall and glasshouse.
• Pukeiti
  A magnificent hybrid rhododendron and azalea garden set in 360ha of rainforest 20km south of New Plymouth.
• Taranaki Rhododendron Festival
  Held from the last Saturday in October to the first Sunday in November, this 10-day festival showcases more than 60 private gardens in Taranaki, 'The Garden of New Zealand'.
• Hollard Gardens
  A Queen Elizabeth II National Trust garden at Kaponga, with a collection of rare and interesting plants including rhododendrons, bog gardens and native bush.
• Golfing
  There are some 20 golf clubs in the Taranaki region. New Plymouth Golf Club welcomes casual visitors to its 20-hole course, while Fitzroy Golf Club offers an attractive seaside course.
• Tawhiti Museum
  Hawera's multi award-winning museum features life-size models depicting the region's history.
• Dairyland Visitor Centre
  Learn about the operation of a dairy company or dine at Taranaki's only revolving restaurant. Located at Hawera.
• The Wendy Statue
  Located in the King Edward Park in Hawera, the Wendy statue is the partner to the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, London.
• Dam Dropping
  Go whitewater sledging over an 8 metre high dam on the Waingongoro River near Hawera.
• Taranaki Pioneer Village
  Stratford's museum captures the region's early history with more than 50 historic buildings and a villa café.
• The World's Biggest Surfboard
  Located outside Vertigo Surf Shop in the beach town of Oakura.
• SH43 Heritage Trail
  New Zealand's first Heritage Trail has fine views of Mount Taranaki and the beautiful Tangarakau Gorge.
• The Three Sisters
  These towering 25m rock formations can be viewed via Pilot Road on the northern side of the Tongaporutu Bridge, or walk around the point at low tide for a close-up view.
• Fun Ho! Toy Museum
  Take a trip down memory lane with a visit to see this collection of the original metal cast Fun Ho toys at this Inglewood museum.