Taranaki lies on the west coast of the North Island, about halfway between Auckland and Wellington, jutting out into the Tasman Sea. The region is named after the huge dormant volcano which dominates the landscape – Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont (the name given to it by Captain Cook). The mountain itself is encompassed in the Egmont National Park and, as you would expect, hiking is the thing to do here!

As well as being home to New Zealand’s most climbed mountain, it’s a region renowned for its surf; the Taranaki coastline provides some of the best surf in New Zealand. You don’t surf? No problem! The beaches are cracking so get your bikini on, grab your sunnies and top up your tan! The big city in this region is New Plymouth; it has plenty to offer in the way of bars and restaurants and is a great base for exploring the region.

The Wanganui region and the Manawatu are the two regions South of Taranaki, running from the Tongariro National Park down to Wellington. The Wanaganui region is the third oldest settlement in New Zealand and is known for its maori culture and heritage, the Whanganui National Park and the stunningly beautiful Whanganui river. Wanganui is also the name of the largest town here, a picturesque historic town on the banks of the river.

Sitting on the banks of the Manawatu River is Palmerston North, the main centre of the Manawatu region. Home to the second largest university in the country, Massey University, as well as heaps of other research and education institutions, it’s a good base for excursions in the Wanganui-Manawatu region and amply provides for those with a taste for student style sub-acute alcohol poisoning, aka cheap drinks! The huge park in the centre of the city is quite something too, as is the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, 15km north of the city.

The whole region is currently being marketed as ‘the real New Zealand’. With glorious natural beauty and tons of activities to do, it’s not hard to see why it is getting ever more popular with tourists.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
	Feeling adventurous? Then conquer Mt Taranaki! The weather in this region can be very changeable though and it’s really important that you take care and fill out the intentions book at the DOC office or visitors centre before you leave. There are also plenty of other shorter walks to do in the Egmont National Park.
	Take advantage of this world-class surfing area and learn to surf! Fitzroy, Back Beach and Oakura are just a few of Taranaki’s top-class beaches. Hit the surf highway!
	Hop on a boat heading up the majestic Whanganui river in Whanganui National Park, New Zealand’s longest navigable river. Alternatively, you can paddle your way by canoe or kayak.
	Trek through the wilderness of the Whanganui National Park; the Matemateaonga Walkway takes three to four days but it’s definitely worth it!
	For those with less time to spare, the Manawatu Gorge Walkway makes a great half day hike.
	Dam Dropping – Yes, it is dropping off an eight metre dam on a sledge or kayak! It’s an adventure unique to Taranaki.
	Get off the beaten track and drive out on State Highway 43 (Stratford-Taumarunui), an amazing heritage trail with 30+ well described sites to visit in 150km!
	Check out the remarkable Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth. Famous throughout New Zealand for its contemporary art collection; it’s also home to the collection of experimental filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye.
	Get wet and wild, white water rafting on the Rangitikei River or jet boating through the Manawatu Gorge.
	Ready for a beer yet? Good, cheap student drinking establishments abounds in Palmerston North!