Western North Island

At the northern end of this region, the more adventurous travellers are well catered for. With two great rivers providing plenty of opportunity for rafting excursions and exploration, the Rangitikei and the Whanganui bring this part of the region to life and is an exciting addition to any travel itinerary.

The Whanganui River, starting high up in the volcanic plateau of the central North Island at Mt Tongariro, passes through the native tree and fern clad hills of the Wanganui National Park.

The Ruahine and Tararua Mountain Ranges are found in the central area of this region, and pristine rivers wind through the surrounding farmland making for a scenic and peaceful journey.

To the far west of the region facing the Tasman Sea is a magnificent volcano, Taranaki, which dominates the province that shares its name.

This is a region with a blend of natural beauty, attractions and activities.

Western North Island - the 'real New Zealand'.

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TARANAKI

Located on the western seaboard of New Zealand’s North Island, Taranaki has in the past decade come into its own as a destination to live, work, play and enjoy. Protected by a proud picture-perfect mountain steeped in historical significance, and pounded by a dramatic coastline offering a huge array of aquatic activities, Taranaki is now recognised as a lifestyle destination of choice…a treasure trove ‘like no other’.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Population:	Taranaki has a population of 104,000, with 70,000 residing in the region’s main centre of New Plymouth City.
Climate:	Taranaki’s climate is very temperate in both temperature and weather. Temperatures range from an average high of 16 degrees Celsius in the winter, to the mid-20s or higher in the summer, with long balmy nights and crisp winter mornings.
Cultural Mix:	The region’s cultural mix is varied, given its migrant history over several hundred years. Cultures range from Maori, English, Polish, Swiss, Dutch, Chinese, Indian and New Zealand European.
Famous For:	Taranaki is famous for 2518m Mt Taranaki, Egmont National Park, top New Zealand surf breaks, ten out of 31 New Zealand Gardens of National Significance, artists, heritage attractions (Puke Ariki, Tawhiti Museum), New Zealand’s first themed touring route of Forgotten World Highway 43, and Surf Highway 45.
Transport:	Taranaki is centred nearly bang on halfway between Auckland and Wellington on the North Island’s western seaboard. By car or motorhome: SH3 from the north, via Te Kuiti SH3 from the south, via Wanganui Auckland to New Plymouth (spectacular route through Waitomo, Awakino Gorge and Mt Messenger) – five hours. Wellington to New Plymouth (through lush South Taranaki countryside dotted with oilrigs and horse studs) – four-and-a-half hours. If you are travelling to Taranaki, the following are tips to enjoy your specific driving routes: Forgotten World Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui – please note that there are no petrol stations along this highway, so you will have to refuel your motorhome in Stratford or Taumarunui. There are 12km of unsealed road on this route. Surf Highway 45 from New Plymouth to Hawera – please note that access to some of the surf beaches is over private land. Please ensure you lock your vehicle before heading to the beach, and take your rubbish home with you. Toilets are available at Fitzroy Beach, East End Beach, Oakura Beach, Weld Rd, Rocky Point (Rocky Rights and Rocky Lefts), Stent Rd, Opunake Beach and Ohawe. It is recommended that visitors unused to surfing should visit Oakura Beach, AhuAhu Rd, Weld Rd, Stent Rd and Opunake Beach.
The people:	Musicians Dame Melvina Major (opera singer), Victoria Girling-Butcher (singer), Midge Marsden (singer), Dalvanius Prime (singer) Actors Katie Wolfe (actor), Melanie Lynskey (actor), Ian Rey (actor) Artists Joyce Young (potter/artist), Margaret Scott (painter), Peter Lambert (painter), Michael Smither (painter), John McLean (painter), Sally Laing (enamel artist), Dale Copeland (artist), Chris Fuller (surf artist) Writers Deryn Hinch (Australian broadcaster), David Hill (children’s writer) Sports personalities Kieran Crowley (rugby), David Loveridge (rugby), Graham Mourie (rugby), Grant Fox (rugby), Michael Campbell (golf), Grant Moorhead (golf), Michael Walker (jockey), Adine Harper (netball)

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Related Information

Best of Every Region – Western North Island Transport yourself to another world: from lush greenery and spectacular beaches to the cone of Mount Taranaki.

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