The tranquil, beautiful Taranaki region has joined such locations as The Azores in Portugal, Choquequirao in Peru and The Tuamotus, French Polynesia, in being named amongst travel bible Lonely Planet's top 10 rising international destinations.

The fertile volcanic region in the west of the North Island was hailed by the publishing giant in 2017 as an underrated gem they labelled “New Zealand's secret paradise”. Lonely Planet was effusive in its praise of both the region's cultural and natural charms, singling out regional centre New Plymouth for its events calendar, Puke Ariki museum, Len Lye Centre and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, and excellent dining scene, and the surrounding region for its superb hiking, surfing, and of course the majestic Mount Taranaki itself, among other off-the-beaten-track attractions.

Read more on the unique charms of this special part of New Zealand here.