Leave the beaten trail behind and journey into a region of dramatic landscapes, pristine wilderness and genuine New Zealand culture. Taranaki, jutting out on the west coast, is visually dominated by the perfect volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki and surrounded by black sand surf beaches. As the coast curves to the east, rolling dairy farms give way to rugged hill country and valleys cloaked in rainforest. Whanganui National Park and the Whanganui River are a national treasure, hauntingly remote and resonating with deep cultural significance for Maori. Further south, the Manawatu is an important agricultural area known for lush gardens and down-to-earth New Zealand country towns.

REST & RELAX

Sink your feet into sun-warmed black iron sand and feel yourself soothed by the rhythm of the waves on one of Taranaki’s many surf beaches.

LUXURY EXPERIENCE

Fly by helicopter to the front lawn of a five-star luxury accommodation estate and end your day in a bubbling spa pool, sipping a cool glass of wine under the stars.

NATURAL EXPERIENCE

Lace up your hiking boots and take to the trail in Whanganui National Park against a backdrop of lush rainforest and a soundtrack of melodious native birds such as Bellbirds and Tui.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Paddle your kayak along the unforgettable Whanganui River with a local Maori guide, stopping overnight at riverside marae (traditional Maori settlements).

BUDGET TRAVEL

Breathe the sea air as you stroll New Plymouth’s popular Coastal Walkway, stopping to contemplate the 45-metre-high Wind Wand sculpture by world-renowned kinetic artist Len Lye.

ADRENALINE-RUSH

Test your nerve with adventure activities in the canyons of the Rangitikei River, near Taihape: from jet boating to bungy jumping and a 160 kph flying fox!