Mount Taranaki

From mountain snow to surf in a day

It sits majestically and picture-perfect in the centre of this region, its profile as sharp as an acrylic painting, surrounded by fertile green pastures.

Mt Taranaki is a mere 30-minute drive from just about any town in the region; a utopia for trampers and hikers, skiers and snowboarders.

From a 15-minute jaunt to a five-day around-the-mountain circuit, you will enjoy the clear streams, mystical forests, and breathtaking views.

Mt Taranaki is a very accessible playground, but do take heed of its changeable weather and take adequate provisions for any circumstances.

At the foot of this grand mountain, where the land meets the ocean just south of New Plymouth, is a 105-km ribbon of tarseal hugging the coast — Surf Highway 45.

New Zealand’s only dedicated surf driving route, it captures the swells from the Tasman Sea as they roll in relentlessly at a perfect angle to provide those legendary surf breaks.

On any day, you'll see boards loaded atop cars heading to where the surf is pumping — beaches such as Kumara Patch, Stent Road, Weld Road and the Graveyards.

Taranaki's beaches are for everyone. Take in a tandem surfing lesson, go fishing, beachcombing, horse riding, or just take an invigorating beach stroll or watch a fiery sunset.

Roads that climb away from the highway to the mountain lead to the ring of dense rainforest that marks Egmont National Park. In Oakura, visit an artist studio on the arts and crafts trail, and stop for a bite at one of several trendy cafes.