Explore Taranaki
Midway between Whanganui and New Plymouth, Hawera is an ideal central base when visiting the Whanganui/South Taranaki regions. Enjoy a two-hour drive along Surf Highway 45 as it curves around Mount Taranaki to New Plymouth and return the inland route along State Highway 3 to Hawera. South Taranaki which has fertile farmland along with a rich cultural history, boasts wonderful gardens, a vibrant cultural scene, museums and galleries and good restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of experiences to satisfy both the energetic and laid back visitor alike.
Mount Taranaki & Egmont National Park
Egmont National Park / Te Papakura o Taranaki encompasses the mighty ancestral Taranaki Maunga and offers lush waterfalls, rainforests, and mossy swamps. The walking track (network in this national park is extensive, ranging from a 15-minute stroll along the Kamahi Track (Goblin Forest) to the three-day Pouākai Circuit. There's a veritable maze of tracks around the Dawson Falls area, including the walk to Wilkies Pools, a series of eroded rock pools connected with gentle waterfalls and swimmable fresh-water pools.
Mount Taranaki & Egmont National Park
Egmont National Park / Te Papakura o Taranaki encompasses the mighty ancestral Taranaki Maunga and offers lush waterfalls, rainforests, and mossy swamps. The walking track (network in this national park is extensive, ranging from a 15-minute stroll along the Kamahi Track (Goblin Forest) to the three-day Pouākai Circuit. There's a veritable maze of tracks around the Dawson Falls area, including the walk to Wilkies Pools, a series of eroded rock pools connected with gentle waterfalls and swimmable fresh-water pools.
Fishing
Experience the excitement and thrill of bottom fishing off the South Taranaki Coast. Or South Taranaki mountain streams offer a wide variety of freshwater fishing experienced in an uncrowded environment. The good water quality is a key element of this region’s trout fishing.
Museums
South Taranaki is rich in history. Original blockhouses, redoubts, monuments, and well preserved pa sites tell of early Maori life and the Maori-European land wars in South Taranaki. Tawhiti Museum will give you an authentic glimpse of New Zealand history with the use of life-size exhibits and scale models. South Taranaki Museum at Patea - Many colourful and sometimes tragic stories of South Taranaki are recorded in the museum
Surf Highway 45
Taranaki is one of the country’s top surfing areas. Iron sand beaches are dotted around the coast and almost every access road towards the coast leads to “the perfect wave” or a good fishing spot, or a good beach to stroll. With 180 degrees of ocean swells, the spectacular Surf Highway along the hemispherical coast of Taranaki is a surfer's dream.
But waves aren't the only reason to follow this touring route. Along the way, explore Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki (only a short drive inland), or browse the region's collection of galleries, and artists' studios.
Surf Highway 45
Taranaki is one of the country’s top surfing areas. Iron sand beaches are dotted around the coast and almost every access road towards the coast leads to “the perfect wave” or a good fishing spot, or a good beach to stroll. With 180 degrees of ocean swells, the spectacular Surf Highway along the hemispherical coast of Taranaki is a surfer's dream.
But waves aren't the only reason to follow this touring route. Along the way, explore Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki (only a short drive inland), or browse the region's collection of galleries, and artists' studios.
Taranaki Lakes
Rotorangi - Boating, water skiing, fishing or walking. Rotokare - 212 hectares of bush reserve surrounded by a pest-proof fence, makes this a popular spot for boating, walking, bird watching or simply enjoying the scenery.
Art Galleries
Taranaki boasts a vibrant art and cultural scene, and a visit to: Percy Thomson, Stratford; The Village Gallery, Eltham; Lysaght Watt Gallery, Hawera; Glass and Art Studio, Waverley. Will more than satisfy the curiosity of art enthusiasts
Cape Egmont Lighthouse and Lighthouse Museum
By day, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse visibly marks the western-most point of the Taranaki coast. By night, it flashes white light once every eight seconds, telling ships up to 22 nautical miles away exactly where they are.
The lighthouse was built in London in the mid-1800s. In 1865, the cast-iron segments were shipped to New Zealand and assembled on Mana Island, north of Wellington. However, this spot proved unsatisfactory. Several shipping accidents later, it was thought that the Mana light was being confused with the lighthouse at Wellington Heads.
Gardens and Walkways
South Taranaki is well endowed with interesting parks and gardens including the Oakley Garden and Puketarata - gardens of National Significance and the Taranaki Regional Council run Holldard Gardens. There are a network of delightful walking tracks to provide visitors with a unique perspective of dramatic landscapes
Taranaki Golf Courses
Located halfway on the West Coast of the North Island, the Taranaki region has 19 golf courses to choose from. The rugged and wild coastline is home to more than 12 world-class surf breaks, and the symmetrical volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki even featured in the Last Samurai movie starring Tom Cruise – a lookalike to Mt Fuji in Japan. Why not explore this region afresh and enjoy playing golf ? If you appreciate gardens, then time your visit to enjoy The Taranaki Garden Festival which is on each year, before spending the week golfing?
Powerco Aquatic Centre
South Taranaki District Council provides quality, safe and affordable fun for the whole family through providing the Hāwera Aquatic Centre and six free community summer pools throughout the district.
