Intro to Taranaki, Manawatu & Wairarapa

Taranaki is the "bulge" on the west coast of the North Island. It is dominated by Mount Taranaki (formerly called Mount Egmont) - which is a classic volcanic cone (even a stand in for Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai). The main centre is New Plymouth but there are lots of other smaller towns. Taranaki has a lot of farming (particularly dairying which is exported around the world) and is also home to New Zealand's small oil and gas industry. To the southeast is the small city of Wanganui. Being exposed to the prevailing westerlies, and at the western entrance to Cook Strait, Taranaki has a wet climate and can get rather windy (but not as bad as Wellington).

Manawatu is a large plain wedged between sea and mountains, to the northwest of Wellington. The main city is Palmerston North which is home to the Massey University. There are many small towns supporting the farming and agriculture of the region. The Manawatu River has a unique distinction of flowing through the main divide of the North Island (at the Manawatu Gorge).

Wairarapa is to the northeast of Wellington and is a mixture of plain and hills. Since it is surrounded by hills and mountains the pace is quieter. There is a lot of farming, and also wineries. There are no cities but several towns.

What to see?

The Rhododendron Garden at New Plymouth (flowering season is xxx).

Black ironsand beaches along the Taranaki coast.

The Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre in inland Wairarapa has nice bush and see rare native birds including kiwis.

Have a coffee and a bit to eat inside an aeroplane at the cafe at Mangaweka (on State Highway One between Bulls and Taihape).

See all the wordplays on the name of Bulls township in Manawatu (on State Highway One).

What to do?

Surf on the west coast, climb Mount Taranaki (be prepared for changeable weather at any time), take a boat cruise along the Whanganui River. Bungy jumping and jet boating on the Rangitikei gorge at Mangaweka.

Where to stay?

New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, and Masterton have a few hotels (no major chains). Other towns are limited in the accommodation.

How to get around?

New Plymouth, Wanganui and Palmerston North all have airports. Palmerston North has flights to/from a number of centres but New Plymouth and Wanganui are limited to Auckland and Wellington.

Major events

Tips & tricks


Links

When is the best time to visit?

Best weather - summer
Best music and public events - xxx
Least crowded - winter