Taranaki

Taranaki is situated about 130 miles (209 kilometers) north of Wellington, the national capital, and 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Lake Taupo.

When the weather is good, pack some sunscreen and head to some of the popular beaches nearby, such as Oakura Beach and Opunake Beach. Kick a ball with the kids, breathe in the fresh air and stroll along the beach. You'll feel invigorated and refreshed.

Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sunshine in public parks such as Pukekura Park or Pukeiti. Have a picnic, admire the flora and fauna or simply take a seat on a bench at these two great parks in Taranaki.

For a real taste of the Taranaki region, join local and visiting wine enthusiasts at Sentry Hill Winery, one of the area’s most acclaimed local wineries. Visiting and local wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards and learn about the art viniculture, before tasting the wines, but, don’t forget to ask if there’s “something special” you can try - every winemaker has something really interesting tucked away!

For those interested in native and exotic animal fauna, add Brooklands Zoo to your list of places to visit to discover an interesting collection of animals. The residents here will win over the whole family so plan a good few hours to explore this interesting and educational animal encounter.

Located near the ocean, this destination also offers some carefully protected marine habitats for nature lovers. Book a trip out to a local gem named Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve.

No visit to the city would feel complete without a visit to Observatory. It is one of the most famous attractions in the area. Read up about it in your guidebook and take some pictures before seeing the rest of the interesting places to visit in Taranaki.

To get inspired, go and see the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, one of the most popular museums in Taranaki. Study the displays, admire the art and try the interactive exhibits.

Get ready to learn something new at Puke Ariki, one of the most remarkable cultural destinations in Taranaki. Wander the halls, lose yourself in the exhibits, then ask for tips from the locals to uncover some of the more eclectic museums in the vicinity.