What are the 7 things you must not miss out on doing in Taranaki? Make a chance to travel to Taranaki, where you get to see the best of mountains to sea experiences in New Zealand. Here are things you must not miss out on doing in Taranaki.
Taranaki is a region located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its fertile agricultural lands, rugged coastline, and abundant natural beauty. The region is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Taranaki Cathedral in New Plymouth, the Taranaki National War Memorial in Inglewood, and the Pukekura Park botanical gardens.
This place is full of hiking, walking, and other thrilling expeditions.
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The best things you must not miss out doing in Taranaki!
1. Climb Paritutu Rock
This volcanic rock sticks out like a limb between the two New Plymouth beaches, Ngamotu Beach and Back Beach. You need to climb this mountain to get a view over New Plymouth and some of the Taranaki coastline. It is the remnants of what’s left standing from an ancient volcano nearly two million years ago. This is one of the 7 Things you must not miss out doing in Taranaki. The climb begins on the northern side and is a steep climb to the top, however, once achieved it will be all worth it as it offers some of the best views of the New Plymouth coastline.
2. Dawson Falls
This is the most easily accessible waterfall in the Taranaki region and also one of the most attractive. Located in the Egmont National Park, you need to take a 10-minute walk from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre towards the popular native forest to these 18 meter high falls!
This is one of the 7 Things you must not miss out doing in Taranaki. This is the most accessible waterfall in Taranaki. It is nestled in an area known as East Egmont, this 18-meter-high waterfall is a must-do when visiting Taranaki. The easy stroll takes you through the gracious native forest that features tree trunks and branches twisting and turning around each other. Many parts of this area are Goblin Forest, resembling something out of a fantasy movie with Goblins, elves, and hobbits running wild on the mountain terrain.
3. Cape Egmont Lighthouse
This Cape Egmont Lighthouse is photo-worthy on the most western edge of Taranaki and is surrounded by hills made by ancient volcanic lahars. This is just another amazing angle to Mt Taranaki! You must visit this lighthouse when traveling on Surf Highway 45. On the western point of Taranaki, Cape Egmont is situated but one of those photo-worthy spots throughout the region. It’s an amazing place for a picnic while enjoying the view of the coast and another great angle to see Mount Taranaki. Created in 1881, this still flashes its white light once every eight seconds for passing ship. Unfortunately, you can’t get inside or up close to the lighthouse today however it’s still a worthy place along Surf Highway 45.
4. Dam Dropping
Dam dropping is like a hidden gem of adrenaline activities in New Zealand. The tourism operators promote many of these locally invented activities like skydiving and bungee jumping. But you would enjoy taking a kayak or water sled down the 8-meter Normanby Dam which is one of the most attractive Taranaki activities for both locals and backpackers.
5. Hike the Poukakai Circuit
This is a hike taking more than a day through varying alpine vegetation and forests, which is a real Kiwi experience.
6. Surfing
At Taranaki coast, surfing is so amazing that there is a whole highway dedicated to this sport, Surf Highway 45. The points of surf beaches are endless but the major ones include the beaches at Fitzroy, Kumara Patch, Road, Oakura, Stent, and Ohawe.
7. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
Sitting across the Waiwhakaiho River and in line with Mt Taranaki, the Te Rewa Rewa Bridges is a great design that ideally frames the volcano at a. This bridge is also part of the Coastal Walkway, which is yet another highly recommended walk along New Plymouth’s coastline. You will see some excellent surf breaks on either side of the river.
Synopsis
These are the most amazing and most popular must-dos that you cannot miss checking out in Taranaki if you plan to visit New Zealand.
