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Taranaki is a region of unlimited potential. Our thriving oil and gas and dairy sectors, strong engineering, energy and primary industries and growing tourism and creative sectors are a testament to this.

Venture Taranaki Trust exists to help Taranaki reach that potential. As Taranaki’s Regional Development agency we are here to boost the local economy. Our vision is to help businesses grow and prosper and to grow the tourism and global brand of Taranaki.

Made up of integrated teams working in economic development, tourism, marketing and events, Venture Taranaki works one-on-one with individuals, businesses, small groups,  media and industry sectors to grow the economic wellbeing of Taranaki.

Venture Taranaki is an initiative founded and principally funded by the New Plymouth District Council. The trust is also supported by the South Taranaki District Council, Stratford District Council, Taranaki Electricity Trust, TSB Community Trust, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, Business in the Community and many other private sector organisations.

Read the Taranaki Daily News online.

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Taranaki, but how do you know which experiences, adventures and attractions are at the top of the 'Must Do' list?

Ask the locals. We did just that, and got thousands of votes for the things visitors to the region simply must do.

This list highlights those judged the Top 50, but there are many more fantastic experiences to be discovered in Taranaki - a region 'like no other.'

A trip to Taranaki is not complete without experiencing the beautiful region from the air with Heliview. Fly over the city, amazing coastline, or over the 8500ft summit of spectacular Mt Taranaki. From sunrise to sunset - Heliview will give you a memorable experience that will be sure to take your breath away.

Heliview is a Qualmark endorsed scenic helicopter company operating a 7-seater helicopter, crewed by a very experienced pilot (20yrs Helicopter flying). Two great locations - one opposite Pouakai Zoo on Carrington Road, the main base at Port Taranaki, Ocean View Parade - at the start of the New Plymouth coastal walkway. Visit our website for great flight ideas, including deals from the Central Plateau - Mt Ruapehu. We can take you there!

Puke Ariki is a world-class knowledge centre where library, museum and visitor information are combined to tell the stories of Taranaki - past, present and future.

Setting an international benchmark in the delivery of information and heritage services, Puke Ariki attracts people of all ages and cultures through changing exhibitions, displays, collections, an award-winning website and interactive technology.

Puke Ariki is housed in a striking two-wing complex in the heart of the city. The New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located inside the building’s main entrance, which is off St Aubyn St.

Since its opening in 2003 Puke Ariki has won multiple awards for design, delivery, technology, innovation and architecture.

Stoney Oaks is a unique wildlife park that brings people and animals together in an extraordinary way. We adopt the hands-on approach so there are heaps of animal cuddles to enjoy. You can sit on a cow, tickle a pig’s tummy, hand feed possums, cuddle deer, Highland calves, sheep and goats, hold baby rabbits and guinea pigs. Row a boat amongst black swans. Take a native bush walk, enjoy the pet eel, goldfish and rainbow trout. Meet McGillie, the Highland beast and Taranaki rugby mascot By appointment for groups or schools.

xperience the beautifully restored garden and Chapman-Taylor home at Tupare. Sculptured from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, this is THE premier landscaped garden. Sense the prestige, lifestyle and stories of the property's original developer, the prominent businessman Sir Russell Matthews, and his family and the people who surrounded them...

Take in the stunning grounds, marvel at James Chapman-Taylor's architectural magic, enjoy a relaxed picnic with friends, or experience a superbly hosted corporate event or wedding in the house.

Russell Matthews had a strong vision, a sense of style, a good eye for landscaping and the skills and wherewithal for major construction. He enjoyed fashionable plants and liked to be first to acquire them, often buying two or three at a time because of the status they afforded the garden. His vision lives on at this grand property.

Tupare is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. It is open every day and entry is free.

Guiding Service on Mt Egmont/Taranaki, Guided Trekking Tours in the Egmont National Park.

Our tours on Mt Taranaki are one full day. Trekking tours are from 2 hours to 4 days including the Pouakai Circuit and Round the Mountain Circuit.

We provide a wide range of safe, fun, active guidance in kayaking, bush trekking, mountain, abseiling, bridge-swinging, eco tours plus more. NZOIA qualified. Also available for Schools and conferences.

A household name around New Zealand, Fun Ho! toys are a true piece of kiwiana.  

The museum, located in Inglewood, houses over 3,000 Fun-Ho! toys making this a must-see when visiting the region, or as a Taranaki resident looking for a great way to spend an hour or two.  

Displayed in the museum are hundreds of miniature lead models - footballers, bullfighters, soldiers and more.  Gleaming chrome and coloured midget vehicles; aluminium models from the smallest tractor to large trucks which kids used to ride on.  

There's plenty of fun for all - race car tracks; Thomas the Tank engine train; sandpit with plenty of toys - great for children young and old.  Demonstrations of toy making available - these must be pre-booked.

Souvenirs and Fun Ho! toys manufactured on-site are for sale in the shop and on the Fun Ho! website; a large variety of collectables are always for sale; and we can repair your Fun Ho! toys too. 

Have a splash at the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre! Here you'll find an awesome wave pool, spa, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools for all ages (including an outdoor diving pool), gym and cafe. Safe and warm year-round fun for the entire family!

Brooklands Zoo is a free, family focused zoo which is home to farmyard animals, oriental small-clawed otters, ring-tailed lemurs and both capuchin and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, as well as a selection of colourful birds housed inside a walk-through free-flight aviary

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is New Zealand's premier contemporary art museum, recognised internationally for its global vision and special commitment to the Pacific region.

The Gallery features ever-changing exhibitions by leading local and international artists. It’s also home to the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye, whose works are often on show.

Through the exhibitions and public events, the Govett-Brewster offers a responsive, dynamic and stimulating exchange of ideas and engagements with the art and cultures of today - nurturing innovation, research, creativity and dialogue for people from all walks of life.

You can browse through the art and design shop, have a coffee and cake or light meal at Café Govett-Brewster, or watch a film from the New Zealand Film Archive.

A true pathfinder in Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural landscape, you’re guaranteed to find something inspiring and entertaining.

Check the Gallery’s website to see what’s on during your visit. Entry is free.

ASURE Saddle & Sulky Motor Lodge offers spacious self-contained units with mountain and sea views, serviced daily. 11 studio units, sleeping 2-3 people, and 3 x 1 bedroom family units sleeping 4-7 people with fully equipped kitchen. All units with tea/coffee making facilities, microwave, SKY and Trackside TV, electric blankets, heating, iron/ironing board. Ample off-street parking. Small meeting/display room, seats 8-10, catering available. Family-friendly garden area.

Simply watch the waves roll in from New Plymouth's newest Hotel.  Taking pride of place on the shores of the Tasman Sea, the Waterfront offers attentive service, luxurious accommodation, and exemplary dining.

Most of our rooms have sea views and feature Super king-size beds or Queen and single, ensuite, minibar, 12 channel TV including Sky, coffee and tea facilities, hair drier, electric blanket, iron and ironing board, working desk and modem access, all are standard.

All 2nd and 3rd floor rooms have the added luxury of a separate spa bath and air conditioning. Our two Penthouse suites are spectacularly positioned at the front of the hotel with unsurpassed views of the coastline. Comprising of separate bedroom and living areas, double spa bathroom, full kitchen facilities, these spacious rooms are perfect for that special short break, longer stays or for small meetings and cocktail functions.

The Waterfront's trend-setting restaurant 'Salt' is open all day every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between - eat, relax, and watch the waves roll in...

We look forward to welcoming you to The Waterfront Hotel.

New Plymouth's most centrally located Motor Lodge.  Only 10 minutes drive from the airport. Easy walking to beaches, the world renowned Pukekura Park Gardens and Central Business District.

Catering to the family and corporate market. We pride ourselves on our personalised service and long term guest relationships and we are a Qualmark rated 4 star motel.

Our complex offers a wide variety of rooms and suites to suit the varying requirements of our guests, some with sea/mountain views. Ranging from hotel suites, hotel and motel rooms (with or without kitchens) and family units which offer one or two separate bedrooms.
We are pleased also to offer a three bedroom self contained spacious apartment complete with dishwasher and private court yard adjoining our indoor spa and heated swimming pool.

All rooms are fully equipped with mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities, along with a selection of complimentary video channels and Sky TV.

We have a wide variety of accommodation from luxurious suites with spa baths to the more budget conscious studio units. All rooms with access to the extensive Hotel amenities, including complimentary internet access, playstations, mountain bikes, gym access and a fantastic spa and pool complex.

We are the home of Marbles Buffet Restaurant open 7 nights a week.  You can relax by the fire in The Rocks Lounge with a coffee or a drink and nibbles.  We have 6 conference rooms that accommodate up to 400 people.  Let our team help you organise your wedding or you next conference, function, seminar, reunion, team visit or group tour.

Quality Hotel Plymouth International... New Plymouth’s  only 2010  Qualmark rated hotel, conference centre and wedding reception venue, providing quality affordable accommodation in Taranaki.

YHA New Plymouth Egmont Eco Lodge is a centrally located hostel in a seven acre valley surrounded by three acres of New Zealand native forest and a bubbling stream. Wake to the chorus of birdsong in the modern  backpacker hostel accommodation after a perfect night’s sleep. Relax on YHA New Plymouth’s sunny decks or laze in hammocks under trees. Dare to feed the monster Egmont eels by hand.