A rich explorative journey from playful sandy beaches to a beautiful lake walk with a smattering of history along the way.

Shapes of the Sea

Ōakura Beach is a popular surfing and swimming spot just fifteen minutes south of New Plymouth. There are great places to play for all ages, including a skatepark with a bowl, pump track and a half pipe.

Beach Songs and Stones

Paritutu Beach (also called Back Beach) is one of New Plymouth's brightest coastal gems. Sitting at the outskirts of the city, this stretch of black sand reaches southwards from Paritutu Rock and is a popular spot for surfers and sunset-spotting.

Reflections and Viewpoints

Managed by the Cape Egmont Boat Club and attended to by friendly local volunteers, the Historic Cape Light and Museum houses a trove of local coastal history.  (Note: The museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.)

A Loop Around the Lake

The Ōpunakē Lake is a nice calm spot, home to all sorts of birds and water creatures. There is a lovely river swimming spot on the other side so bring your togs if the weather is nice, but we don't recommend swimming in the lake itself. Dogs are allowed on the walk, but please keep them on a leash.

From the sandy coast to the lush slopes of Mt. Taranaki, this journey will take you from some special jewels to a playful exploration of Taranaki's native flora and fauna.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

A Crafty Township Tour

Ōakura is a charming seaside town that bustles all year round, especially in the warm summer months when the beach is a hive of swimmers and the waves perfect for beginner surfers.

Fauna Exercises

There is much to explore at the Pukeiti gardens, from amazing rhododendrons and other exotics, to waterways, rainforest tracks and special surprises for all ages to enjoy.

Inspiring Jewellrey

Ringcraft Moana is home to Rob Wright and Belinda Lubkoll - manufacturing jewellers, designer and artists using the natural inspiration of the Taranaki region to create handcrafted, unique works of art.

From historic shipwrecks on the beach to luscious gardens with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, this epic journey is full of creative play and natural wonders.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

A Mystery of Colours

The Cape Egmont Lighthouse sits at the western-most point of Taranaki and still operates today after more than 140 years.

Of Roses & Fairies

Named after the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, King Edward Park is rich with gardens, play spaces and artefacts from over a hundred years of history.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

Capturing the Moments

The Kaupokonui Beach Camp is nestled into a beautiful haven where the Kaupokonui Stream reaches the sea. Especially popular over the summer months, it is a gorgeous, safe space to play and explore from river to beach and the dunes in between.

Textures of Time

A fantastically preserved skeleton of a shipwreck right on the stony shoals of a beautiful stretch of beach. (Note: this destination is best visited at low tide.)

The Art of Design

The famous surfboard wall and the iconic Dreamtime Surf shop celebrate the local surfing culture of Ōpunakē.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

A playful journey up the coast exploring artworks, local history, getting creative on the coast and playful with a cheeky fox.

Ōpunakē Mini Mural Tour

Ōpunakē is well known for its creative community and open air art. With over two dozen murals on display, it's a great place to spend time exploring the streets and rich history of the area.

A Riverside Town

Nestled in the Northern outskirts of Ōakura, Corbett Park hosts local sports grounds and provides a cosy, safe swimming spot at the mouth of the Ōakura River.

A journey full of art and nature, starting in the heart of Hāwera before heading up to glorious vistas from Mt Taranaki.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

Mini Art Tour

Hāwera has a rich and thriving art community, from local art, to curated galleries of international artists and public murals and installations.

Moments in Nature

Dawson Falls is one of the many magical destinations in the sprawling Te Papakura o Taranaki/Egmont National Park and a great starting point for many trekking adventures.

A Photographic Safari

Hollard Gardens is listed as one of the New Zealand's 'Gardens of National Significance', freely open to the public every day of the week. History and ingenuity combine to create a unique experience for all ages.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

Playful Nature Tour

This destination is a combination of three amazing places to explore. Goodson Dell is an garden oasis with a rich history, the Talking Poles are a fun creative community arts initiative, and Naumai Park is an amazing place for an afternoon exploration famous for its duck feeding spots.

From lush seaside gardens, giant sculptures and special world-class artworks, this Journey take you on a special adventure from the past into the future.  Please note, this Journey has one destination that has a cost associated with it when you get there.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

A Secret Garden

The Ōpunakē Clifftop Gardens are a secret surprise for visitors able to find them. Planted and maintained by volunteers, there is something special here for all ages.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

Quirky Bread

Manaia is officially the bread capital of New Zealand and so it is fitting to celebrate this with a giant loaf of bread statue.  

Fanciful Conversations

This amazingly detailed creation of artist and historian Nigel Ogle is renowned as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand and a must-see destination for any visit to Hāwera and South Taranaki.

Future Tourists

Ōhawe is a unique little spot catering to the small Ōhawe village, nestled next to the outlet of the Waingongoro River. A popular spot for locals and adventurous tourists, with impressive seaside cliff views in all directions.

From bird's eye views to stories of the past, this journey celebrates the discovery of unexpected artworks and artefacts of South Taranaki.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

Bird's Eye Views

The Hāwera Water Tower is an iconic beacon for the city and can be seen from far around. With a rich history and providing amazing views, it is a must-visit attraction even for long-term locals.

Artful Inspirations

Pātea has a rich local art scene, as well as a rich history told through public artworks on display right on the main street.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

Tales of the Past

Aotea Utanganui (the Museum of South Taranaki) is a modern museum celebrating the rich local history and embodying the spirit and energy of the South Taranaki region.

Mana Bay is situated just South of Pātea, at the mouth of the Pātea River, a historically important river port that was one of the busiest in the region exporting cheese, wool, meat and flax.

An epic journey from the memorable sounds of Manaia through the special small sights and finest sands of Taranaki.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

Letters Back In Time

Manaia has a rich history and the Band Rotunda in the middle of town is a great starting point for exploring stories of what life was like a hundred years ago.  This is a quick, creative stop on today's journey.  (Note: make sure to take the scrapbook/paper and the pens you brought with you.)

A playful, creative journey with a splash of fascinating history starting at the coast and heading inland for a tricky twisty on a classic holiday game.  Please note, this Journey has one destination that has a cost associated with it when you get there.

(NOTE: remember to bring a scrapbook or paper and some pens for some creative challenges)

A Tricksy Mini Putt

The Hideaway is a fantastic destination for all ages. The main attraction is a truly impressive car museum with dozens of prime condition Holden cars surrounded by a hoard of amazing memorabilia. For the more active in the familiy there is a super fun downhill luge and one of New Zealand's top mini-putt courses - a full 18 holes worth.

A Sculptors Pose

Te Kupenga Stone Sculpture Society's mission is to 'Revive, preserve, promote and foster the art of stone carving using Taranaki Andesite and the understanding of its properties and values.'  Their outdoor working space is open to the public to explore artworks at all stages of design.

Creative Storytelling

Big Wave Territory is a 2011 public place artwork by New Zealand artist John Reynolds. Installed at the southern end of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, it is full of references to local Taranaki history and culture.

A Curated Tour

Puke Ariki is an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. It is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone.

Make sure to have your walking shoes ready for this journey from some special secret local walkways through to a creative adventure in Ōpunakē 

Wandering Explorations

The Manaia Domain Walkway is a hidden gem well known and loved by locals, many of whom volunteered to create the walkway.  Circling the renowned Manaia Golf Course, the walkway hides many wonderful secrets to be found by adventurous visitors.

Clifftop Viewings

A great lookout spot for spying far up and down the coastline, this lookout was erected by the Ōpunakē Lions Club in 1984.  Perfect for a quiet contemplative break while enjoying clifftop views.

Natural Wonders

Once the surrounds of a small lake, local schools and community groups came together to conduct riparian planting to create a lush series of walkways open to the public.

Creative Inspirations

As two of the most visible galleries on the Ōpunakē main street, The Emporium and Mawhero Gallery showcase the creative talents of the region and host artists studios open for public viewing.

From popular holiday destinations along the coast to a special home full of wonder, this journey will show you some of the most magical spots Ōpunakē has to offer

Home of Wonder

More than just gardens for growing Lavender, Pihama Lavender is a gallery, studio, venue, home, nature space and a place of historic importance.

Artistic Explorations

From out of the blue studio gallery is a space devoted to all things fibre and fabric.  With regualar rotations of contributing artists, workshops and inspired new works, the studio gallery is an essential visit whenever passing through Ōpunakē.

Beachfront Play

Ōpunakē Beach and the Holiday Camp nearby are popular Summer holiday destinations and a gem for surfers just a short walk from the town centre.

Trip-to Taranaki

What Will You Discover Next?

Beaches to Lakes

Jewels to Forests

Shipwrecks to Roses

Statues to Foxes

Murals to Waterfalls

Gardens to Histories

Towers to Driftwood

Bandstands to Burgers

Waves to Greens

Walkways to Lookouts

Dragons to Lavender