The Moki Track Stock Tunnel

Lake Rotomanu

Tongaporutu Beach and Whitecliffs

Golfers are spoilt for choice by the 20 golf courses in Taranaki, that’s more golf courses per person than anywhere else in New Zealand. Lawn bowls also holds a high profile among local sports. But the most popular sport of all is rugby. Rugby Park is a venue that regularly hosts many local and national games.

Stony Oaks

New Plymouth is the holiday destination with something for everyone. Sun, sea, sand and snow, a spectacular cone mountain, magnificent parks and gardens, walking tracks, great shopping and vibrant nightlife. We have a superb lifestyle and every possible service right on our doorstep. The population of New Plymouth is approximately 70,000. The indigenous Maori were first attracted to Taranaki because of its mild climate and the abundance of seafood along the coastline. They inhabited the region from around 800 AD and were joined by Europeans about 150 years ago when New Plymouth became one of the first settlements in New Zealand. Richmond Cottage was built in the 1800’s for Christopher Richmond and his wife. It still stands today and many of the furnishings and artefacts on display in the cottage are associated with Richmond-Atkinson families and other early New Plymouth colonial settlers.

The historic White Hart Hotel

Lake Mangamahoe

Because Taranaki has so many lakes, rivers and surf spots, watersports play an extremely important part in the Taranaki lifestyle. Local conditions are ideal for every kind of watersport including boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, surfing, windsurfing, surf lifesaving, dam dropping and whitewater rafting. If you’re into watersports action, Taranaki is the place for you.

Oakura Beach

Rugby Park

Ferdinand, Taranaki Rugby Mascot

A selection of wildlife parks are also available for your enjoyment. A great family day out visiting Brooklands Zoo, Pouakai Wildlife Park or Stony Oaks Wildlife Park.These photographs are compliments of Stony Oaks Wildlife Park, Inglewood.

New Plymouth

Richmond Cottage

New Plymouth's Clock Tower

New Plymouth District’s stunning natural attractions, its history, heritage and strong community spirit mean there is something special to be found for every visitor.

Mount Taranaki Around-the-Mountain Track

Heli-fishing, Taranaki style

Try Heli-fishing in Taranaki for the unusual, a test of endurance for the skilled and courageous. For the true fisherman ...

Taranaki is a leading province for horse stud development in New Zealand. As a province we feature regular gallop and trot meetings at either New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera or Waverley raceways. Locals enjoy a day at the races and we welcome visitors to join in the fun atmosphere.

Mount Taranaki resplendent over TSB Stadium and Pukekura Raceway in New Plymouth.

Stony Oaks

New Plymouth is the major commercial centre for Taranaki, situated on the west coast with Mount Taranaki/Egmont dominating the landscape to the east. New Plymouth is a great place to visit, hold a meeting, convention or to live in. Many of New Zealand’s leading companies were formed here and continue to export around the world. We are internationally renowned here for the strength of our oil and gas sector, our manufacturing expertise and of course our dairy industry. The energy sector is particularly important and provides the base for New Zealand’s oil, gas and petrochemical industries which in turn provides a solid commercial and employment base for the region. Overseas investment is encouraged in Taranaki and has created a flourishing energy industry and associated businesses.

Off shore Oil Rig