Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taranaki & Whanganui
Why Go?
Halfway between Auckland and Wellington, Taranaki (aka 'the 'Naki') is the Texas of New
Zealand: oil and gas stream in from offshore rigs, plumping the region with enviable afflu-
ence. New Plymouth is the regional hub, home to an excellent art gallery and provincial
museum, and enough decent espresso joints to keep you humming.
Behind the city, the moody volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki demands to be visited. Tarana-
ki also has a glut of black-sand beaches: surfers and holidaymakers swell summer numbers.
Further east the history-rich Whanganui River curls its way through Whanganui National
Park down to Whanganui city, a 19th-century river port that's ageing with artistic grace.
Palmerston North, the Manawatu's main city, is a town of two peoples: tough-talkin'
country fast-foodies in hotted-up cars and caffeinated Massey University literati. Beyond
the city the region blends rural grace with yesterday's pace: you might even find time for a
little laziness!
When to Go
»
Mt Taranaki is one of NZ's wettest spots, and frequently cops snowfalls, even in summer:
weather on the mountain can be extremely changeable. Ironically, New Plymouth fre-
quently tops the North Island's most-sunshine-hours list. Expect warm summers and cool
winters.
»
Over in Whanganui the winters are milder, but they're chillier on the Palmerston North
plains. Sunshine is abundant hereabouts too - around 2000 hours per year!
Best Outdoors
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New Plymouth's Coastal Walkway (
Click here
)
»
Surfing along Surf Highway 45 (
Click here
)
»
Walking on Mt Taranaki (
Click here
)
»
Canoeing the Whanganui River (
Click here
)
