Taranaki

Taranaki region lies towards the west coast of North Island. The total area of this region is 723,610 hectares, which constitutes 3% of overall area of the New Zealand. Taranaki is a Maori word, derived from a legend and is the name of a snow capped volcano that looks like Mount Fiji in Japan.

Taranaki has an interesting land formation; there are four separate land forms that make up this region. Foremost important is the Taranaki volcanic ring plain, that centered Mount Taranaki, it also provides support for pastoral farming. The Taranaki hill country in the east is prone to soil erosion. On the north and south there are two coastal terraces. The fourth landform of the region is the Coastal environment; this is predominated by high energy wave and wind conditions from the west.

Taranaki holds WOMAD (World of Music Arts and Dance) festival biennially as a part of Taranaki Festival of the Arts. The festival is famous among tourists and residents alike; many internationally renowned artists take part in it. Various community events like food and wine festivals, multi ethnic parades and festival of lights are planned during this time to add more light and color to the event. Surf Highway 45, is the most coveted place for artisans around the country. Surf Highway 45 boasting superb scenery is natural inspiration for artists.  

The museums in Taranaki have visitors all year round. Taranaki museums have eccentric collection of Maori artifacts, moa skeletons and old paintings. Tourists find great pleasure in visiting the historic sites, surfing beaches, aerial sightseeing and indulging in different land tours.  

The months from November to March are considered to be the best moths to visit Taranaki. The weather is pleasantly warm during that time and beauty of the region is in full bloom. From garden of National Significance to the ride on a thrilling mountain bike down the side of Mount Taranaki or the visit to Egmont National Park, Taranaki has it all.

Mount Taranaki, located to the south of New Plymouth is the most famous landmark of the region. This spectacular landscape is 2500 meter tall and remains snow covered for most part of the year. There are guided tours, for short and long distance walks around and to the top of Mount Taranaki. Besides Mount Taranaki, this place is also home to Egmont National Park, which is the second oldest national park of New Zealand. Along with Mount Taranaki, Egmont National Park is another popular travel destination here.  

Taranaki has over 300 rivers and streams that flow from the slopes of majestic Mount Taranaki and Egmont National Park. There are 10 lakes that cover about eight hectares area of Taranaki. Fresh water resources of Taranaki are considered highly in New Zealand, and are used to meet the need of agriculture, industry and domestic sectors of the region.