The sunniest region in New Zealand for two years running

Taranaki has recorded the most sunshine hours  for both 2022 and 2021, although we’re certainly not shocked. New Plymouth has been consistently in the top three for the past few years, giving other regions a run for their money and making Taranaki a year-round, like-no-other, holiday destination, and sought-after place to live and work. 

From apartment living and family bungalows through to farms and lifestyle blocks – the choice is yours in Taranaki.

And what’s more, the price tag on your new home won’t make your eyes water.

Median House Price

Taranaki’s median price decreased by 2.0% year-on-year to $632,000. Taranaki saw an increase in activity from all buyer groups. Confidence is gradually returning to the region, but interest rates continue to have a significant impact on the market.

Source: REINZ, QVNZ and RBNZ

Taranaki Region

$632K in Jan 2024, -2.0% compared STLY

In Taranaki a 10 minute commute to work is reality, even in New Plymouth.

Hāwera, Stratford, Inglewood, Waitara, Ōakura, Ōpunake, Urenui, and many of the other towns throughout Taranaki provide an inviting alternative to city living. In these smaller communities you will find affordable homes on spacious sections and lifestyle blocks with sea and/or mountain views. 

Taranaki has a modern, extensive healthcare network - you can be assured you and your family will be well taken care of. Taranaki has a regional hospital in New Plymouth. The hospital has new patient wards and is undergoing a major rebuild. There is a smaller hospital for emergencies in Hāwera, and general practitioners, dentists, and dental clinics located throughout the region. In larger centres, there is access to weekend and after-hours healthcare.

Families moving to the region will need to contact general practitioners in their area and enroll. There are also general practitioners and surgical specialists throughout the region. There are pharmacies in all towns, and a large number of excellent dentists, physiotherapists, dieticians, midwives, and psychologists available. 

The Taranaki Hospice, Te Rangimarie, offers on-site palliative care in New Plymouth and at-home throughout the region.

Building Networks

To meet new people and build new support networks many newcomers like to join groups such as the Taranaki Young ProfessionalsTaranaki Timebank or any number of other clubs and groups.

A great way to find out what’s available to do in your community is to contact your local library or district council: New Plymouth District CouncilStratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council

Free community newspapers are delivered to letterboxes throughout the region; they will have lists of upcoming events. Alternatively, the Taranaki Daily News is available in print and online. In New Plymouth, Live Magazine and Mood Magazine are free lifestyle magazines with stories and information about the community. 

Sport Taranaki list information about sports events and clubs in Taranaki.

Read how others have made Taranaki home

Live local, work remote.

Discover how Alex and Min have upgraded to the Taranaki lifestyle without giving up their jobs.

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A place for the kids

The Spicer family enjoy their new beach-front lifestyle.

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From Wellington to Warea

Find out why Masina and James traded Wellington for Warea.

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A Career without the Commute

Alicia and Lane trade long city commutes for rural living.

Read More

Moving here from overseas?

Get tips and practical advice on immigration and settling into life in New Zealand.

Working Here

Find your next career opportunity in Taranaki has to offer. We have a diverse range of thriving sectors along with a connected business community making Taranaki a great place to work, grow a business, and meet people in your industry.

Study in Taranaki

Considering learning in Taranaki?

Here's everything you need to know.

Taranaki Lifestyle Toolkit

The Taranaki Lifestyle Toolkit has been developed to help you discover what living and working in Taranaki is like, and what an amazing career and lifestyle you can achieve here. Download a copy, or view online.

Taranaki Lifestyle Toolkit