New Plymouth Parks, Taranaki Parks
Things to see and do
Lake Rotorangi
Off Ball Road, near Patea. 90 minutes drive from New Plymouth. 46 km
long lake, boat ramp, hydro dam, walkway and fishing.
Lookouts (City)
Churchill Heights, Cutfield Road; Marsland Hill, Robe Street; Mt Moturoa,
Scott Street; Paritutu Rock, Centennial Drive.
Lucy's Gully
State Highway 45, 3 km south of Oakura. Picnic area and trails in dense ferns and redwoods.
Maori Experiences
Two day Taranaki marae stay at the beautifully situated Maniaroa Marae in Mokau (minimum 20 people). Other options available. For further information and bookings contact Kiwi Tours Ltd ph 755 1525, 0800 868 754.
Marine Adventures
Dolphin and shark watching, diving. Wild West Tours phone Don 025 474 532.
Meeting of the Waters
5 minutes south of New Plymouth on State Highway 3. Picturesque reserve on Waiwhakaiho River. Attractive picnic area, walking tracks, canoeing and swimming.
Merrilands Domain
Mangorei Road. Riverside picnic area suitable for swimmers. Barbeque facilities.
Mount Bryan Domain
Octavius Place. Lawns and rockery gardens overlooking foreshore.
Mount Taranaki Adventures
Guided alpine bush walk and bicycle tour all in one, phone 06 764 6585, mobile 027 414 0304. www.mttaranaki-adventures.com
Mount Taranaki/Egmont and Egmont National Park
Contact the New Plymouth Information Centre or the Department of Conservation if planning to climb, hike etc. DAWSON FALLS Manaia Road, Kaponga. Public display, lodge, waterfall, lookout, trails and picnic area. Public display open Wednesday - Sunday 8 am - 4.30 pm. Open public holidays and 7 days during summer school holidays. Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge - restaurant, accommodation and refreshments. EAST EGMONT Pembroke Road, Stratford. Trails, lookout, picnic area, ski field, Mountain House Lodge and restaurant. NORTH EGMONT VISITORS CENTRE Egmont Road, Egmont Village, phone 06 756 0990. 25 minute drive from New Plymouth. Geological and botanical displays related to the park on permanent display. Trails and picnic area, historic "camphouse" acommodation. Closest mountain access to New Plymouth. Centre open 7 days - 8 am to 4.30 pm . Extended hours during Easter and peak summer periods. Cafe.
Mountain Guide
Mountain Guides Mount Egmont - Chris Prudden. Website - www.mountainguides.co.nz Email - mguide@voyager.co.nz Mobile - 025 474 510. 5 day mountaineering programmes.
Mountain Guide
Top Guides - Ross Eden. Website - www.topguides.co.nz Email - info@topguides.co.nz Mobile - 021 838 513. Phone - 0800 448 433.
Ngamamaku Gardens
1521 Surf Highway 45, Oakura, phone 06 752 7873. One of Taranaki's premier landscaped gardens, blending formal and informal, native and exotic. Open by appointment.
Paritutu Rock
Centennial Drive. A track leads to the top of this prominent landmark. Adjacent to Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park.
Personal Tours
Eco walks, farms, gardens, golf, culture, holistic retreats. A top quality, unique and personal experience awaits you in an unspoiled, undiscovered part of New Zealand - Taranaki. First class guided tour packages customised to your preference for groups of up to 7 people. Door to door luxury transport. Email malcolm@personaltoursnz.com. Contact Malcolm phone 06 7522534 www.personaltoursnz.com
Pukeiti - A Garden for All Seasons
Carrington Road, New Plymouth, ph 752 4141. 30 minutes drive from New Plymouth and world renowned for an amazing collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Restaurant, souvenirs and plant sales. Open 1 April - 31 August 10 am - 3 pm, 1 September - 31 March 9 am - 5 pm. Adults $8, seniors $7, children free.
Pukekura Park
Fillis Street, New Plymouth. World renowned gem of 20 hectares offering in-season splashes of azaleas and rhododendrons amongst native floral and lakes. Open daily. Tea house open daily except Tuesday. Display Houses open daily 8.30 am - 4 pm except Excellent Friday and Christmas Day.
Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve
Off Cowling Road. Picnic area. Round trip walk through a magnificent bush area.
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park
Cruise the Sugar Loaf Islands and Marine Park Reserve and view the seal colony in its natural habitat - weather permitting. Contact Chaddy's Charters, boatshed ph 758 9133. Sea kayaks available for hire. Cafe.
Tandem Surfing
Surf Highway 45. Contact Greg phone 06 752 7734. The only tandem surfing opportunity in NZ. We guarantee you will stand up. Fun for all ages.
Tangaroa Adventures
Taranaki Surf Tours. Contact Doyle Harris ph 06 278 1285 or 021 701 904.