Surf and black sand beaches - combine these with a dormant volcanic cone that is almost the twin of Japan's Mt Fujiyama, and a surfeit of outstanding parks and gardens and you have Taranaki, an area that should not be missed.
New Plymouth is the holiday destination with something for everyone, sun, sea, sand and snow. A spectacular cone mountain magnificent parks, gardens and walking tracks, great shopping.
New Zealands premier contemporary art museum and a vibrant nightlife all make New Plymouth one of New Zealands best kept secrets.
From its stunning coastline that offers some of the best surfing conditions in the country and a Marine Park conservation area, to a beautiful, brooding Mt Taranaki and the Egmont National Park, a mecca environment will never fail to impress.
It would be hard to get lost on Surf Highway 45 - the route simply follows the coast. Side roads take you down to the sea or up to the mountain.
If you begin in New Plymouth you will pass the settlements of Oakura, Okato, Pungarehu and Oaonui before you reach Opunake, the largest population centre before Hawera - home to the world's largest single dairy factory.
Taranaki's coast collects 180 degrees of ocean swells, so you can be almost certain that the surf will be pumping somewhere between New Plymouth and Hawera. As some of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand are to be found along this coast, surf competitions are regularly staged in the region. The best wave venues on Surf Highway 45 have names that you will never forget. There's Back Beach, Kumara Patch, Graveyard and the Dump to name just a few.
But waves are not the only reason to take this route. Taranaki has more gardens of significance than any other area of New Zealand, and New Plymouth's Pukekura Park and adjoining Brooklands Park with is beautiful outdoor venue the Bowl of Brooklands are two of the most popular. Pukekura Park was recently named by Wisden Cricketers' Almanac as one of the top 6 cricketing grounds in the world.
Recommended is a short side excursion to Mt Taranaki.
Follow Egmont Road (State Highway 3) out of New Plymouth to Egmont Village and from there take North Egmont Road to the road end. Worth a visit is the Visitors' Centre which has track and walk information, and displays on the history of the area.
Mt Taranaki (2,518 metres high) is a huge volcano that last erupted 250 years ago. The mountain's magnificent cone sits in the center of the Egmont National Park with its comprehensive network of hiking tracks that take you up and around the mountain's ever looming shape. It is possible to climb to the summit, but be aware! This mountain should never be taken lightly, and any attempt at the summit should be done with all due care and attention. Obtain information and advice on conditions before setting out as weather conditions can change suddenly.
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