Taranaki.

This region is dominated by the peak of Mt Taranaki, (also known by its Anglicized name of Mt Egmont), This now dormant volcano with it's classic conical shape peaking at 2518m was thought to have last erupted in the 1700's. Set in the Egmont National Park, snow caps the mountain for much of the year, it hosts skiers in the winter and climbers and hikers in the summer.

Whilst much of the area is now highly productive dairying country, thick bush still remains on the rugged hills in the east. The area produces high volumes of dairy products especially cheese and butter. In addition to this offshore fields supply  New Zealand's main source of domestically produced oil, natural gas and petro-chemicals.  The centre for commerce, with it's busy port is the city of New Plymouth with a population of around 45,000. Well known for it's proliferation of public parks and gardens, in particular the 21ha Pukekura Park. Taranaki has a rhododendron festival the first week in November.

The rugged coast provides opportunities for surfing, fishing, diving, windsurfing and swimming at patrolled beaches.

Taranaki was extensively settled by Maori before the arrival of Europeans and the areas was the site of much conflict in the wars of the 1860's. A number of fortified sites may be visited in south Taranaki, a Heritage Trail guides you around the remains of ancient Maori and European settlement.

Forest, Maritime & National Parks.

Egmont National Park surrounds Mount Taranaki and the slopes of the mountain features regeneration of native bush still taking place since the last eruption of the mountain in the 1700s.

Whanganui National Park  Features some of the most colourful lowland forest in New Zealand. The focus of the park is the Whanganui River the largest continually navigable river in the country.

Other items of interest.

Dawson Falls, 24km west of Stratford, a popular attraction 902m up the south eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki. The 18m falls are accessible by road.

Museums the district has eleven museums showcasing everything from local history to bowls and toys. Including the outdoor Pioneer Village at Stratford featuring 50 historic buildings located to the site and furnished appropriately for the ealry 1900's era the village depicts.

Gardens, and nurseries, open to the public abound so if plants and gardening are of interest there's plenty on offer.

Taranaki
 

	Taranaki Tours Ltd 48 Buller Street New Plymouth We provide personal passenger tour services to the traveller who wants to get out and discover the less travelled paths- places like Taranaki. We take people of all ages right up and around our dormant volcano - Mt Taranaki finding treasures, while our friendly maori tour guides provide scenic, historical and maori cultural information. Your Maori Tour Guide is knowledgeable, friendly, humourous and has first aid certification for your safety.  'Phone:   (06) 757 9888 ;e-mail:   contact@taranakitours.com :Website:   http://www.taranakitours.com
	Okau Horse Treks provides unique equine adventures for any occasion. We personally tailor every trek to suit your age, mood and level of experience. 1282 Okau Rd Ahititi, Tongaporutu  'Phone:   06 752 5990 ;e-mail:  okauhorsetreks.taranaki@xtra.co.nz :Website:  http://www.okauhorsetrekstaranaki.com
	Ngamamaku Garden 1521 Surf Highway 45 Natural nikau palm walk. Native bush stream. Maple fringed pond. Rhododendrons & roses. Formal hedged gardens. Traditional Japanese garden. Stunning hybrid clivias. Birds & bird song. Peace & tranquility. We’ve got it all but don’t take our word for it. You’re welcome to come and see for yourself.
	Whitecliffs Walkway Whitecliffs/Pukearuhe, a scenic walk across northern Taranaki’s sheer cliffs and bluffs, was once the site of a Maori pa and subsequently Pakeha fortification and settlement. The tramp takes five hours, and progresses over open farmland to Mt Davidson, the Whitecliffs Conservation Area and the Waipingau Stream. Depending on the tide, you can return to the starting point by following the stream to the coast and walking along the beach. Note: beach is only safe 2 hours either side of low tide.
	Mokau River Cruises, Mokau River excursions to Mackford Cottage Garden and Weaving Studio. weekends and holidays. October to April 'Phone: 06 7529036 'Phone:  0800 mokau big boat  (0800 66528 2 ) :Website: http://www.mokauriver.co.nz/
	Taranaki Outdoor Adventures Taranaki-New Plymouth Fishing Charters, New Plymouth The fishing off Taranaki coast is incredible with almost every type of fish in New Zealand available, and the beauty is you don't need to travel far. 'Phone: Phone +64 6 752 7876 'Phone: Mobile 027 3636 034 :Website: Fishing http://www.toa.co.nz/Adventures%20in%20Taranaki/FISHING.htm
	Kaitaki Adventures -Dam drop - 436 Stent Road, Okato, Taranaki its a life experience! Dam Dropping is a form of river surfing, more commonly know as river sledging, we here at Kaitiaki Adventures offer you an experience of a lifetime, through some of New Zealands most picturesque river scenery, down the Waingongoro River, under the shadow of Mount Taranaki in New Plymouth. 'Phone: +64 752 8242 'Phone: +64 274 706899 ;e-mail:  enquiries@damdrop.com :Website:  http://www.damdrop.com/
	Eastern Taranaki Exprience, Cassandra St, Stratford. Walking and non-walking tours including 'Bridge to Nowhere' 'Phone: 06 765 7482 :Website:   http://www.eastern-taranaki.co.nz/day.htm
	Windyglen Farm Horse Trekking, RD43, Waitara. 1hr to 3 days. No experience necessary for short trips.  The guided rides include open New Zealand dairy farming country, a towering old eucalyptus plantation, historic battle sites and native bush as well as panoramic views of the New Zealand countryside. 'Phone: + 64 6 843 2510
	Walking
	Pukekure Park, New Plymouth, 49ha of lakes, bush easy tracks and viewpoints.
	Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve 45 mins, loop track located off Cowling Road on south side of New Plymouth. Track meanders beside small stream amid groves of Nikau Palms and through sub tropical rainforest.    Te Koru Pa, inland from Oakura township on SH45. One of the most outstanding Maori pa in New Zealand. 10 min over farm land to a bush covered hill pa. A short track past some buttressed walls, onto terraces with house sites and food pits. Pukerangiora Historic Reserve off Sh3 nr Waitara. A pa site above a cliff with spectacular views over the Waitara Valley.   Dawson Falls, 24km west of Stratford. 902 metres up the southeastern slopes of Mount Taranaki. The 18m falls are accessible by Road

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Revised: November 12, 2008