Taranaki Region is an area located on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island, characterized by the centrally located Mount Taranaki. This active volcano has a symmetrical cone shape and is very beautiful, often compared to Japan's Mount Fuji, serving as a symbol of the Taranaki region and the centerpiece of its natural scenery. Due to the influence of Mount Taranaki, the area has fertile soil, supporting active dairy farming, and the harmonious blend of coast and mountains allows for various outdoor activities and enjoyment of natural landscapes. Recently, with the development of arts, culture, and creative industries, it has also gained recognition as a modern tourist destination.

1. Mount Taranaki

   Located at the center of the Taranaki region, this active volcano has an almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape, making it an iconic landmark. The mountain is popular for trekking and hiking, and is one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand. Egmont National Park, which surrounds the mountain, boasts a rich ecosystem and offers various landscapes depending on the season.

2. Rich Agriculture and Dairy Farming

   The Taranaki region has highly developed dairy farming thanks to its fertile soil. Taranaki is a major milk and dairy product producing area in New Zealand, and agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy.

3. Growth of Arts and Creative Industries

   Recently, arts and creative industries have been actively growing, centered around New Plymouth. Especially, many artworks and cultural events reflecting Taranaki’s unique natural scenery and cultural background are held, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a travel spot where art and nature harmonize.

4. Natural Scenery Harmonizing Coast and Mountains

   The Taranaki region is an area where the west coast and Mount Taranaki harmoniously blend, with mountains and sea close to each other, making it ideal for enjoying various outdoor activities. This place is developed for activities such as surfing, hiking, climbing, and camping against a natural backdrop, and depending on the season, skiing and snow experiences are also possible on the mountain.

1. New Plymouth

   The central city of the Taranaki region and the largest city on New Zealand's west coast. New Plymouth is close to Mount Taranaki, offering beautiful natural scenery, and features vibrant arts and culture along with modern facilities. The city is filled with numerous art galleries and public art installations, creating an artistic atmosphere, and hosts the international music festival WOMAD every year, attracting many visitors.

2. Stratford

   A town located at the foot of Mount Taranaki, it is the only town in New Zealand named after Shakespeare's hometown. The town reflects themes related to Shakespeare's works throughout, with streets named after Shakespearean characters. Stratford is also a key gateway to Egmont National Park.

3. Hāwera

   A small town located in the southern part of the Taranaki region, it is one of New Zealand's dairy farming centers. Hāwera is home to the largest dairy processing plant in New Zealand, and features exhibitions and museums related to dairy farming, helping visitors understand the importance of agriculture.

1. Mount Taranaki

   An iconic volcano of the Taranaki region, notable for its beautiful conical shape. Mount Taranaki offers diverse scenery throughout the seasons and is popular for hiking and trekking. The route to the summit is challenging, but various trekking paths on the mid-mountain are easily accessible to everyone. In winter, snow accumulates on the summit, allowing for skiing and snow experiences.

2. Egmont National Park

   A national park centered around Mount Taranaki, with well-preserved trekking routes and forests. Inside the park, there are streams, waterfalls, and diverse plant species, and the walking trails are well maintained, making it great for hiking and nature exploration. The visitor center at Egmont National Park provides information about Mount Taranaki and trekking routes.

3. Pukekura Park

   A large urban park located in New Plymouth, equipped with various botanical gardens, ponds, and walking paths, making it a great place for strolls and relaxation. Every summer, the Festival of Lights is held, where the park is decorated with splendid lights, offering a special nighttime walking experience.

4. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

   A contemporary art gallery located in New Plymouth, exhibiting works by Len Lye, one of New Zealand’s representative artists. It is also famous for its unique metallic exterior, and visitors can enjoy Len Lye’s films, installation art, and kinetic art (moving artworks).

5. Bowl of Brooklands & Coastal Walkway

   Bowl of Brooklands is an outdoor concert hall in New Plymouth, a special place to enjoy performances in nature. The surrounding coastal walkway is a path along the New Plymouth coastline, allowing visitors to enjoy both sea and city views. Especially from the Paritutu Rock lookout, you can see both Mount Taranaki and the coast simultaneously.

6. Dawson Falls

   A waterfall located within Egmont National Park, situated on the mid-slope of Mount Taranaki, harmonizing beautifully with the forest scenery. The area around the falls has well-maintained trekking paths suitable for short walks, and relevant information is available at the visitor center.

7. Hawera Dairyland Museum

   This museum located in Hawera exhibits the history and artifacts related to New Zealand’s dairy industry. It offers a great opportunity to understand the history of dairy farming, a major industry in the Taranaki region, and introduces various dairy production processes.