Photo Credit: Rob Tucker
Spring in Taranaki
Summer in Taranaki
Autumn in Taranaki
Each of the region's three districts provides a unique perspective on Taranaki's past, present and future. And Egmont National Park with Mt Taranaki at its heart is a world unto itself.
The Sugar Loaves, off the coast of New Plymouth, are the eroded stumps of a 2000-millennia old volcano crater. With deep canyons, numerous lava-rock caves, and the convergence of warm northern currents and cold southern currents attracting diverse marine life, the Sugar Loaves are also a marine park.
In the east, eleven rivers drain from the steep beef and sheep hill country. Cast your gaze across the fertile plains where over 2,700 dairy farms produce almost 20 percent of New Zealand's total milk solids. To a cow, it's heaven. To a visitor, it's green, lush green.
Photo Credit: Rob Tucker
Spring in Taranaki
The major city of New Plymouth ranks consistently as one of New Zealand's sunniest spots. For this reason, Spring can also be a beautiful time for travelling through this region, exploring the art galleries and funky cafes that are found right around Mt Taranaki.
Spring in Taranaki is a time when gardeners rub their hands with glee as the annual Rhododendron Festival approaches. The Festival runs from late October through early November, featuring an astounding 10,000 varieties of Rhododendron growing around Taranaki with more than 70 gardens and parks participating.
Visitors can hop on the "Flower Power" bus or self-drive around the gardens. Guided walks are also scheduled around top gardens such as Pukeiti.
Summer in Taranaki
The warm weather starts as early as September, though summer does not officially begin until 1 December. This is the time to explore the many beaches and rivers of the region, or venture onto Mt Taranaki for dips in crystal clear pools and stunning views of the central North Island volcanoes.
With the sun rising before 6.00am and lingering until after 9.00pm in the summer you can pack a lot into a single day. When the day is over, sit back and watch the sun dip majestically into the Tasman Sea.
Autumn in Taranaki
Autumn in Taranaki offers a great time to interact with the region. In New Plymouth you'll discover a lively art world, with galleries and talent to freshen up your creative views.
Autumn offers an ideal opportunity for hiking in Egmont National Park, which encompasses the mountain and the land around it. Lush rainforest covers the foothills of the mountain, with the landscape changing the higher you go. The forest on Mount Taranaki's middle slopes is affectionately known as Goblin Forest because of the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss.
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