Find hotels in Taranaki: walking and a coastal route

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Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

The Pouākai Crossing leads through the Ahukawakawa Swamp to tarns reflecting Taranaki Maunga. This route showcases a distinctive side of Taranaki’s landscape; other options include a challenging summit climb, a long coastal route, and places for garden and park walks. The region can therefore be explored according to different interests, without every trip having to focus on the same things.

Walks and Maunga

The Pouākai Crossing is an outstanding day hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park. At 19 km, it usually takes hikers between 7 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours 30 minutes. The trail passes through the Ahukawakawa Swamp and reaches tarns where Taranaki Maunga is reflected. The usual time frame makes this a full day’s hike, not a short detour.

The Taranaki Maunga Summit Climb is also a strenuous full-day hike. For the Pouākai Crossing, the time commitment can be gauged from its 19 km distance and usual duration; for the Summit Climb, the emphasis is on its strenuous rating. If you are choosing between the two, consider time and difficulty as separate criteria.

Transport to the starting point of the Taranaki Maunga Summit Climb can be arranged through several local operators; there is no scheduled transport service. Arrange this part of your journey separately with an operator, rather than assuming there is a fixed timetable. Visitors can also explore the walking trails of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park. Taranaki Maunga is an ancestral mountain with a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the eight iwi of Taranaki. This connection offers another perspective on the maunga, alongside the choice of a particular walking trail.

Coastal route: Surf Highway 45

Surf Highway 45 offers a different perspective: the 105 km coastal route connects New Plymouth and Hāwera. It passes dozens of surf breaks and beaches, as well as historic and cultural attractions, viewpoints and cafés in Taranaki’s villages. The route is therefore defined by more than its surf spots; culture and scenery are also part of its character. When planning, you can decide whether to focus more on coastal scenery or on historic and cultural attractions.

Gardens and park walks

Tūpare is an outstanding landscape garden with a unique homestead, and recently received the NZ Gardens Trust’s highest rating of six stars. The combination of a landscape garden and homestead offers a different focus from the walking and coastal experiences—a contrast for travellers who also want to include gardens in their choices.

Guided and self-guided walks are available in Pukekura Park; check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: New Plymouth District, Stratford, South Taranaki District, Okato, Kakaramea, Waitara, Waiongana, Omata

For the main travel overview: New Zealand.

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