Taranaki Regional Information
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With a population of 70,000, New Plymouth District is the major centre of the Taranaki region. It comprises the historic and progressive city of New Plymouth and many vibrant and attractive towns such as Waitara, Inglewood, Oakura, Bell Block, Urenui and Okato. The District is known for some of New Zealand's most breaktaking scenery - the landscape being dominated by magnificent Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont), the beautiful Egmont National Park, and a dramatic, ever changing coastline.
Increasingly, New Plymouth and its surrounding areas are attracting New Zealand and international visitors because of excellent accommodation, an incredible range of activities and spectacular natural attractions. Taranaki has a well established cafe society - offering great cappuccino and excellent food. There are numerous restaurants and bars. Taranaki is also a popular destination on the music map by out of town performers - rock groups and classical artists. Visit the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park - a haven for wild life including the most northerly breeding colony of seals in New Zealand. Another popular tourist spot is 'Dairyland' in South Taranaki.
The Taranaki and Rangitikei area offers a diverse range of adventures for people of every age. For those wanting an adrenaline rush try Eruption Tours, New Zealand Adventure Tours for the young and young at heart! Whether you want to Bungy Jump, Sky Dive, Jet Boat or Raft White Water, Eruption Tours can help you out. Not enough for you. . . then climb the perfect cone of Mt Taranaki. Mt Taranaki is very accessible, it is the most climbed mountain in New Zealand. If you're looking for a surf safari this summer - Taranaki's Surf Highway 45 is the answer to your dreams. With some 50 surf breaks dotted along the Surf Highway, you can either discover them yourself, or go with one of the local guides. If you���¢�¯�¿�½�¯�¿�½ve always wanted to experience surfing a wave, Tandem Surf Taranaki offers the only tandem surf venture in New Zealand. Or you can Paddle your own waka (Maori canoe)! Cruise the Sugar Loaf Islands. Using a refitted old English lifeboat, Happy Chaddy's Charters cruises the Sugar Loaf Islands off New Plymouth to see the northernmost seal colony in New Zealand. Enjoy whitebait fritters and a river cruise. Mokau River Cruises takes you up the Mokau River on a three-hour excursion in an historic cream boat. For those wishing for something less energetic visit the Fun Ho! Toy Museum, Tawhiti Museum - NZ's answer to Madame Tussaud's! Pioneer Village. Dairylands gives you an insight into the fascinating history of dairy farming to the present day high tech manufacturing processes. Dairylands is ideal for family visits, and has a splendid caf������© - called the \"Grasserie\" naturally! After a long day or in need of pampering: Soak your bones in 27,000 year old thermal waters Taranaki Mineral Pools is a new complex built using the historic Tarawhata mineral pools in New Plymouth. Taranaki is full of historic buildings - the small rural town of Eltham alone has 11 buildings listed with the historic places trust. The Rangitikei District is located in the River Region at the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, where State Highway 1 provides a passage through the middle of the district. Despite the accessible location, the wonders of the Rangitikei are still relatively unspoilt. Many of its best attractions are just a little off the main track. The Rangitikei River has created a spectacular landscape with towering white cliffs and deep gorges. Small towns throughout the district provide a break from travelling or great holiday spots in a rural setting. Friendly business operators provide top service and amazing attractions to the visitor.
