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
affluence. New Plymouth is the regional hub, home to an excellent art gallery and provin-
cial 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 num-
bers.
Further east the history-rich Whanganui River curls its way through Whanganui Nation-
al 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
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Mt Taranaki is one of NZ's wettest spots, and frequently cops snowfalls, even in sum-
mer: weather on the mountain can be extremely changeable. Ironically, New Plymouth
frequently 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
)
»
Tramping in Whanganui National Park (
Click here
)
