With its iconic maunga, surf beaches, world-class gardens, events, galleries, and walks, Taranaki offers the best of NZ in a single regional destination.
In 2017, Lonely Planet judged Taranaki the second-best region in the world to visit, lifting the lid on the largely undiscovered region. The result of this accolade rapidly built our reputation as a destination hotspot; one that provides something a little different as visitors look to connect with its rich Māori culture and history, enjoy authentic experiences, and sample its laid-back, relaxed but sophisticated culture.
Tourism has almost doubled in value during the past decade, but it is still relatively underdeveloped. In a post-COVID-19 travel climate, the visitor industry in Taranaki is well placed to respond and recover, and there remains huge potential for growth.
Opportunities in the Visitor Sector:
Nature-based tourism offerings: Showcasing the region’s natural landscape.
Arts and culture and heritage attractions and tours: Tapping into Taranaki’s rich creative sector and history
Health and wellness offerings: Many opportunities throughout the region.
Soft-adventure tourism: Leveraging investment in trails and outdoor facilities.
Eco-tourism and biodiversity: Working alongside the region’s many projects.
Hotels and accommodation: From hosted to major hotel developments .
Central and local government and local authorities are laying the foundation for this by investing in the region. More than $19 million will see upgrades to hiking tracks and facilities in the national park that surround Taranaki Maunga, to enhance the more than 200km trail network and establish The Taranaki Crossing. This will introduce an iconic multi-day 41km Maunga ki te Moana – mountain to sea – walking experience, increasing both domestic and international visitor numbers.
Taranaki is becoming more accessible and attractive to visitors, aided by major development of the northern route of State Highway 3 to New Plymouth and State Highway 43 – the ‘Forgotten World Highway’ – to the east of Taranaki, a new modern airport terminal, investigations into extending the airport runway, and Port Taranaki bringing more cruise ships to the region.