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We are
presently upgrading the entire
website to include information and links to recommended accommodations,
activities, and events so you will know who you can trust and enjoy to
provide you with the best!
Any requests on any of it gladly answered.
Welcome to
the constantly traveling website -
Taranaki
from Awakino to Hawera
The
area circles the classic volcanic cone of Mt. Taranaki and the Egmont
National Park with the town of New Plymouth being the focus point
for the area. The region can be reached by Route 3 coming south
from Hamilton.
This route meets the coast after a beautiful drive from Te Kuiti
and reaches Awakino. From here it is a pleasant rural area until
crossing Mt. Messenger and dropping down into the outskirts of New
Plymouth.
If you are coming south from the Rotorua/Lake Taupo area Route 32
to Route 41 to Route 43 winds you through the back blocks of the North
Island to reach Taranaki at the town of Stratford.
To circle Mt. Taranaki or Mt. Egmont as it is called both names is the
ultimate adventure in this area. The coastal highway is Route 45 and is
known as the Surfer's Highway. Quite obviously surfing is in high
regard here with the natives.
Taranaki is where the world's first synthetic fuel gas-to-gasoline
plant is located at Motunui just past Waitara north of New Plymouth.
The Methanex Visitor Centre is open daily. At Opunake, on the
other side of the mountain, the gas from the offshore Maui natural gas
fields comes ashore. that also offer a Visitors Centre.
The mountain is the focus for a visit especially if you feel like doing
a little climbing. If the weather is favourable someone fit and ready
can climb to the top in four hours. The weather is quite unpredictable
so if a climb is your plan check with a local expert. The Mount Egmont
Visitor Centre is 15km off Route 3 on the north side near Inglewood.
Well worth a visit.
For those less apt to tackle the peak there are plenty of walks around
the mountain to enjoy.
The trip around the mountain will take the better part of a day so we
recommend a base in New Plymouth at the Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
that is located right on the beach and in walking distance of shops.
Check out their website at: Fitzroy Beach
Holiday Park .
At the north of the Taranaki region when entering at Awakino the
beaches are of black sand down to Mokau. A cast-iron lighthouse, built
in 1864, dominates Cape Egmont the North Island's most western point of
Route 45 between Okato and Rahotu.
Further around the mountain south from New Plymouth are the small town
of Oakura,Oaonui and Opunake. Oakura has some of the most fascinating
shops and cafes in the region. Further along is the largest town in
south Taranaki, Hawera that has the Tawhiti Museum of interest.
Some interesting sites along the way as we swing around the mountain
are the Ngaere Gardens established in 1880. Fabulous layout with
fountains, lake, 100 year old rhododendrons and more. Then at Stratford
they have created the Taranaki Pioneer Village with over 50 buildings,
many original, in a historical setting.
New Plymouth itself is abustling community that provides top shopping,
cafes and restaurants plus the museum is extemely well done right
downtown. There is a walkway along the ocean for miles. One of the
finest in the country and used by everyone in the area especially on a
good day.
Check out the Visitors Centre for complete information.
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