Location: Taranaki Region
Top Things to do in Taranaki Region
Top 9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Taranaki Region, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand including Tawhiti Museum, Te Henui Walkway, Te Henui Cemetery, Pukeiti, Forgotten World Highway, Percy Thomson Gallery, Tupare, Lake Mangamahoe, Mike's Brewery.
Restaurants in Taranaki Region
1. Tawhiti Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Tawhiti MuseumWidely acclaimed as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand, Tawhiti uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super-realistic displays. All the displays – including the life size figures created from moulds cast from real people – are designed and built on the premises. Whether the subject is shipping, farming, railways, or just a small corner of a colonial kitchen, the attention given to research and detail is the same. “I hope my enthusiasm for local history comes through the displays. I’m particularly aware of drawing children into our exhibits – they mustn’t feel museums are old buildings, full of old dusty junk. Historical display should be exciting and relevant – I’m always looking for more creative ways of making it just that” Nigel Ogle.
Reviewed By sheepgalore - Paihia, New Zealand
This has to be the best museum in NZ. You need the entire day to fully appreciate the uniqueness of the displays, the social history of Taranaki, the wars fought in the area, the Traders and Whalers boat ride and experience through underground rivers and enjoy tea at the charming tea room. The detail in the many dioramas is exceptional and cannot be described. The interesting information explained in an innovative way...absolutely wonderful. Make time for this experience.
2. Te Henui Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By picturepaints1000wds
On a hot day, this is a lovely walk around the city - away from the cars and shopping area winding its way along the stream.
3. Te Henui Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By shonaglenys - Beachlands, New Zealand
This is an absolute must visit. Wonderful informative chat with Susan one of the fabulous volunteers. Every town & city should do this. So beautiful with all the flowers, shrubs & statement trees among the grave sites. The hard work of the volunteers is evident in every aspect. So much respect for all their hard work.
4. Pukeiti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Explore a wonderland of rhododendrons planted within 360 hectares of rainforest, located between Mount Taranaki and the coast, just south of New Plymouth. Established in 1951, Pukeiti is an internationally recognised garden with one of the most diverse collections of rhododendrons on display anywhere in the world. Take a short garden walk or a more challenging adventure and with either, sense another world and time. Feel the spiritual significance of Pukeiti to local tangata whenua and learn some of the language, knowledge and stories which are part of the land. Find out about pioneering Europeans, passionate plant-collectors and garden-makers. Discover the property whilst doing a fun activity or make use of the facilities for a private or community event. Pukeiti is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Share Pukeiti – a truly unique part of Taranaki’s heritage.
Reviewed By gracelA258PT
For those who both love connecting with nature - this lovely garden is a certain stunner - recommended visit is from July to October to witness the beauty of this world-class rhododendron collection.
5. Forgotten World Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Reviewed By Bertavv - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We did the drive from Stratford to Taumarunui in the mother-in-law's 2004 Toyota Corolla and it handled the road perfectly. I-sites at either end have a guide to the Heritage Trail as there is some very interesting history in this area. It takes you through a mixture of NZ backcountry, farmland, native bush, hills, tunnels and over saddles, with just a touch of gravel road and one-way bridges. Take your time and have a look up some of the (rare) side roads, and make sure you stop in the Republic of Whangamomona. There is currently (mid Nov 2019) a detour at the Taumarunui end of the Highway - signposted before Ohura. But when we drove down the Highway from the Taumarunui end the following day the detour was very poorly signposted.
6. Percy Thomson Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By nin132 - Whanganui, New Zealand
What a delightful unexpected find! We stopped on a wet day looking for an art fix and discovered this wonderful classy gallery with adjacent art shop and cafe. Great spot to while away some time - and the shop was a fun browse as well. We didn't try the cafe this visit but will be back. A bonus - clean loos :-) and a very helpful information centre in the same complex. Recommend.
7. Tupare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Experience the beautifully restored garden and Chapman-Taylor home. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, this is a premier landscaped garden. Sense the prestige, lifestyle and stories of the property's original developer, the prominent businessman Sir Russell Matthews, and his family. Enjoy a game of tennis, make use of the free barbeque on the River Flat, find a quite spot to read a book or just appreciate the beauty of Tupare. Owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Enjoy it - it's yours.
Reviewed By mykiwitrip - Wellington, New Zealand
Beautiful garden and easily accessible. It amazes with every turn and detailed spaces. Enjoyed the swing and the grass meadows. A must see in New Plymouth.
8. Lake Mangamahoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By OzDi - Castle Hill, Australia
Beautiful views of lake, trees and mountain in the distance. The lake has ducks and swans on it which makes a scenic photo. Go for a wander through the forest. Very peaceful. Unfortunately the day we visited there was a drone buzzing around. I recommend at least a drive here for a quick photo stop if you have limited time.
9. Mike's Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By TaranakiFoodies - New Plymouth, New Zealand
Tasting board of four beers from Mike's Brewery matched with the meat platter of sausages, smoked brisket, sticky ribs, pulled park empanadas and crumbed gherkins. Exciting spicy flavours and cooling hops. All accompanied by live music of Unity Wara. Perfect way to spend Friday night!
