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Taranaki

Mount Taranaki/Egmont (2518-metre) is an almost perfect cone shaped volcano protruding out of the western coastline of the North Island of New Zealand. Taranaki is also the name of the 7260 km² region surrounding this dormant volcano. New Plymouth, located on the northern coast, is the largest settlement and the main centre for this region. Its 241 km south-west of Hamilton and 352 km north-west of Wellington. It is home to almost half of Taranaki’s 107,000 people. Other towns in this region are Oakura, Opunaki, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Normanby, Hawera, Patea and Waverly.

Mount Taranaki/Egmont is the second largest mountain in the North Island. Maori legend states that this mountain once resided at the south end of Lake Taupo with Ruapehu, Tongarero and Ngauruhoe, but was evicted after it was involved in a fight with Tongarero. This volcano was last active about 1750 when she rumbled and billowed smoke for a few days, previous to that she last erupted properly in 1653. Geologists predict that there will be another significant eruption within the next 50-70 years.

Maori have been present in the Taranaki Region since about 1350. Taranaki has extremely fertile volcanic soils. Mt Taranaki attracts plenty of rain from the west, creating perfect growing conditions. This attracted the Maori to this region. The main tribes or iwi are Taranaki, Te Ati awa, Ngaruahinerangi, Ngati Tama, Nga Rauru, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Ruanui and Ngati Maru, These tribes had plenty of problems after the arrival of European settlers in the 1840s. They had land confiscated from them by the government after a couple of land wars took place, where many Maori and British Imperial soldiers lost their lives.

In 1769 Captain James Cook arrived here aboard the Endeavour, whilst on his mission of mapping the coast line of New Zealand. Cook decided to name the mountain Egmont, after the Earl of Egmont, who was the First Lord of the British Admiralty, previous to Cooks voyage. The name Egmont was used up until the mid 1980s when it was decided to change the name back to Taranaki. Geologists still refer to it as Egmont Volcano, the park around is called Egmont National Park. Taranaki means “shining mountain peak”. The official name is "Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont“.

Today Taranaki is a thriving dairy farming region, the milk factory at Hawea is the second largest in the southern hemisphere. Offshore are several natural gas and oil fields. Port Taranaki is the only deep water port on the western coast of New Zealand. Almost six million tonnes of cargo pass through this port every year, making it one of the busiest ports in the country.

New Plymouth is a go ahead city, with a comprehensive shopping centre, along with many boutique stores, specialty shops, interesting arcades, and a good range of supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are some lovely parks in and around the city. The 149 hectare Pukekura Park is a popular recreational venue for locals and visitors alike. There is a small Zoo for the kids, a lake and plenty of picnic areas. Within the park is the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, a natural amphitheatre which has hosted such big acts as UB40 and Crowded House, this is the venue for the world famous WOMAD festival and the Taranaki Festival of the Arts, held here every year.

Mount Taranaki and the Egmont National Park has over 300 km of walking tracks over and around the mountain. Surrounding the volcano is lush temperate rainforest, which gives way to alpine herb meadows, up to 1800m. It is not difficult for a reasonably fit person to reach the summit and return in a day, but the weather can change very fast, so you must go fully prepared for all kinds of weather. Climbers die on this mountain regularly. You can get track and weather information from either the Visitor's Centre at Dawson Falls, or the Visitor's Centre at North Egmont. There are many other activities to enjoy, you can go abseiling, climbing, skiing, tramping and its great for photography. There is also a natural waterslide at Wilkies Pool.

The road which follows the coast around the base of the mountain is known as Surf Highway 45. This area boasts the best all year round surfing coastline in New Zealand. As it is shaped like a half island, Taranaki has more then 180° swell window and the mountain has its micro climates which tend to produce perfect offshore wind conditions somewhere on its coastline regularly. Competitions are held here annually and the waves here have attracted big names like Occy and Kelly Slater.

Taranaki has 20 magnificent golf courses. People come here from all over the world to play in such spectacular surroundings.

Taranaki’s Sugar Loaf Marine Park is a group of islands just offshore from New Plymouth city, they provide a unique habitat for marine life, seabirds and plants. There is exceptionally good diving here.

The Taranaki Region has a wide range of accommodation, from an international standard resort hotels and conference centres, historic inns, hotels, motels, luxurious lodges, holiday homes, apartments, bed and breakfasts, homestays, farmstays, back packer, hostels, holiday parks and camping grounds. Enjoy your stay in our slice of paradise.