What to see and do in New Zealand

Maori settled throughout Taranaki before the arrival of Europeans. The wars of the 1860s began here and some of the fiercest engagements took place in the area. A number of fortified sites may be visited and museums throughout the area preserve the history of the region. New Zealand's only known petrochemical deposits lie in the Taranaki region, offshore from Oaonui and at Kapuni and Stratford. Synthetic fuel is produced at the Motunui plant where there is an information centre. Taranaki also hosts the Rhododendron Festival in late October/early November, and the biennial Festival of Arts is held in March.