Taranaki is world-known for New Zealand’s most beautiful volcano, Taranaki Maunga, and has some of the best activities for Explorers seeking a getaway in one of the country’s most exquisite regions.

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Taranaki is a nature lover’s dream, whether you’re after leisurely outdoors time or a more high-octane adventure, Taranki delivers. Plus there are plenty of hidden gems that need uncovering ASAP.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

1. Drive the Surf Highway 45

Looking for a bit of ocean action while in Taranaki? Look no further than a road trip down New Zealand’s only Surf Highway. This could be one of our best-kept secrets that spans 105km around Taranaki Maunga and the coast.

Hit the road and explore the many turn-offs leading to the ocean to find dozens of hidden surf spots, sheltered swimming beaches, and historic gems, like the century-old SS Gairloch Shipwreck that grounded over a century ago.

Park up, dip your toes in, go for a surf or kick back with a book and take in the views. The Surf Highway 45 has everything from historic tales, breathtaking coastlines, and a dang good highway to coast on to discover it all!

2. Hike Mangorei Track to Pouākai Tarn

Any nature lover will have heard of this iconic hike, which is a non-negotiable when visiting the region. Pouākai Tarns is one of the most famously explored spots that encapsulates Taranaki Maunga and all its beauty.

 

 

Start the hike at the head of the Mangorei Track at the end of Mangorei Road and climb for two hours along boardwalks paved into the native forest that climbs the ridgeline to Pouākai Hut. From here it’s ten minutes to the famous tarns that reflect Taranaki Maunga.

On a still day, you’ll get the perfect reflection of the maunga/mountain. Watch the weather and pack those lollies for a sugar kick mid-hike! This one is worth adding to your Taranaki Maunga bucket list – just hope for clear skies like I did!

Read more: Packing List for Day Hikes

3. Visit Lake Mangamahoe

Lake Mangamahoe is a serene manmade lake, perfect to enjoy a lakeside stroll, park up with a picnic or take a ride through its mountain biking trails. Every activity varies in length and difficulty making this a great place for everyone to enjoy.

 

 

You’ll find many lookout spots in the park that peer out to Taranaki Maunga. This is also a popular spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset over the mountain. I found a place five minutes from the car park to sit and take in the view.

4. Back Beach and Climb Paritutu Rock

Back Beach is minutes away from central New Plymouth and is loved by visitors and locals. This epic beach gives you the option of scrambling the dunes down to the beach or taking the stairs.

 

 

Climb up nearby Paritutu Rock to get 360-degree views stretching from the ocean, along the coast, the city, and back to meet the gaze of Taranaki Maunga. The short and sharp scramble ascends around 100m in 300m distance via steep stairs and secured chains, bringing you to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the entire town and coastline.

Bask in the sunshine and soak in the views – but be warned it can be breezy up top!

 

5. Bike the Coastal Walkway to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Unwind with a leisurely bike ride across the Coastal Walkway, stretching 13km, to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Pick up a bike from Tony at Chaddy’s Charters and gear up for a 30-minute ride filled with ocean spray, sun, and coffee if you please.

 

 

The Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is an architectural masterpiece that perfectly frames Taranaki Maunga in the distance on a bluebird day. Ring that bike bell when passing people enjoying the walkway – I learnt the hard way!

6. Stroll to Te Rere-o-Noke/Dawsons Falls Through Goblin Forest

Te Rere-o-Noke/Dawson Falls is an enchanting wander through the goblin forest that wraps around Taranaki Maunga. Enjoy the short 5km loop and be blown away by the fairytale forest and cascading falls that thunder down from the maunga/mountain.

 

7. Traverse the Forest/Kapuni Loop Track/Wilkies Pools

Take the 30-minute one-way walk to Wilkies Pools from the Dawsons Falls Car Park. This is a 1.9km return that gradually climbs uphill through the enchanting goblin forest until you reach the bridge that breaks out over Wilkies Pools.

 

 

The pools, carved out by molten lava that once upon a time thundered down Taranaki Maunga, sit scoured out into the maunga. These pools are picturesque and the perfect spot to visit rain or shine.

8. Cross the Manganui Gorge Bridge

Manganui Gorge Bridge is a must-visit when exploring the surrounds of Taranaki Maunga. This bridge was recently built to create this impressive architectural masterpiece that stretches over the Manganui Gorge and is the gateway to the Manganui-Ski Area.

 

 

Taking only 20 minutes to reach the bridge, the effort-to-reward ratio is high, with vistas stretching from the summit of Taranaki Maunga back down to Stratford via the impressive gorge carved out by lava over 20,000 years ago. Roam about, soak in the views, and be inspired by the natural history.

9. Stare in Awe at the Redwoods

For a relaxed adventure head to Lucy’s Gully to uncover the hidden Redwood forests of Taranaki. Thought the goblin forest was stunning? You’ll be blown away by these beauties!

 

 

Pack a picnic or take a short walk on one of the many tracks that delve into this ever-extending Redwood forest.

Stare up in awe at these giants rarely seen in these lands, soak up their elegance, and let yourself feel small for a moment or two.

Taranaki Maunga is Waiting for You!

This region offers a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, rich history, and natural beauty. From the famous hike to Pouākai Tarns, roaming a variety of forests, delving into the geographic history of New Zealand’s most beautiful volcano, or hitting a local break on the Surf Highway 45.

Taranaki is at your fingertips for an adventure-filled holiday. So lace up those boots, grab your backpack, and hit the road to New Zealand’s best outdoor playground, Taranaki.

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