LOWER LOWER NORTH ISLAND

Pouakai Crossing one-day walk looking towards Mt summit © Jeremy Beckers Tour the Lower North Island HAWKE’S BAY NAPIER ART DECO FESTIVAL Whether it’s picture-perfect Mt Explore the Hawke’s Bay where CAPE KIDNAPPERS GANNET LEADING ATTRACTIONS Taranaki or black-sand beaches, a art deco and opulent fruit groves COLONY full-on events calendar or fabulous meet world-class surf beaches and EXPLORE STRIKING gardens, you can’t help but soak up abundant wildlife. This is one of New HAWKE’S BAY WINE TRAILS the energy of the Taranaki Region. Zealand’s leading food and wine MT TARANAKI, TWO WINE Then there’s the waves that famously regions and when you add captivating TARANAKI REGIONS, ART DECO AND wrap around Taranaki, giving Surf architecture and prime lookouts, ’S COASTAL Highway 45 its name. tantalising beaches, an accessible ABUNDANT WILDLIFE ON WALKWAY The charming historic river city, gannet colony and one of the world’s YOUR JOURNEY SOUTH TO Whanganui, rests near the sea and is top-ranked golf courses, it’s hardly LEN LYE CENTRE renowned for its art, especially glass surprising that Hawke’s Bay is doing OUR COOL CAPITAL CITY. WOMAD art, with artists opening their studios pretty well for itself. Make sure you every year in March. Enjoy the great take in the majestic views from the FORGOTTEN WORLD outdoors in the Tararua Forest Park sleeping giant Te Mata Peak near HIGHWAY and throw yourself into adventure Havelock North before you leave the region. GOBLIN FOREST tourism on the Rangitikei River. is nestled between a WHANGANUI dazzling harbour and a striking amphitheatre of pretty tree-lined hills. BRIDGE TO NOWHERE Our capital city offers up bountiful art, culture and heritage, together WAIRARAPA with boundless natural beauty. You PUKAHA MT BRUCE can easily stroll from one side of NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE Wellington to the other in this city that embodies all the warmth and CASTLEPOINT SCENIC RESERVE personality of a village with the energy and sophistication of the world’s CAPE PALLISER biggest cities. Wairarapa is a boutique wine region at the heart of the Classic WELLINGTON Wine Trail and offers a KAPITI ISLAND NATURE peaceful retreat from city life just an RESERVE hour’s drive from Wellington. BEEHIVE AND PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL TE PAPA TONGAREWA, MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND ZEALANDIA COOK STRAIT

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White Cliffs of Mokau © Rob Tucker / ROAD TRIP GAMES Facade of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery – Len Lye Venture Taranaki Centre in New Plymouth © Patrick Reynolds INSET: Waterfall at TSB Bank Festival of Lights © Rob Tucker / Venture Taranaki 1 ALPHABET WORDS Pick a letter and find words or objects starting with that letter. Move through the alphabet. Or play as a memory game – A is for apple; B is for.... The second player must remember what “A” was for, and so on through the alphabet.

BUILDING WORDS 2 Build a word one letter at a time. Each successive player adds a letter and must have a real word in mind.

BUZZ 3 Try to reach 100 without making a mistake. Every time you get to a number ARTISTIC SPLENDOUR that’s divisible by seven (7, 14, 21) or has a seven in it TSB FESTIVAL (17), say “Buzz” instead of the North Taranaki number. New Plymouth OF LIGHTS Since 1993 the annual TSB HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT Bank Festival of Lights has THE CAR NEXT DOOR MORE THAN 74,000 PEOPLE RESIDE IN THIS VERY LIVEABLE CITY The city is proud of its Govett- 4 been wowing hundreds Invent stories about WHERE OLD ARCHITECTURE MELDS WITH MODERN DESIGN Brewster Art Gallery, which of thousands of visitors people in the car next to you. has been identified as one of AND EXCEPTIONAL ATTRACTIONS TO MAKE THIS A PLACE with an awesome mix of the world’s most prestigious ‘LIKE NO OTHER’. events, entertainment and, contemporary galleries. ith its intense Maori and was settled by four tribes, Ngati Mokau and many visitors arrive to tides if you’re planning a beach of course, a spectacular ew Plymouth is an alluring retain all the good things in life. The adjacent Len Lye Centre, colonial history, North Tama, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Maru either kayak or cruise the Mokau walk, and be weary of rockfall. N lighting display set against W mix of diverse cultures, New Plymouth is enhanced by the an international destination for Taranaki is an intriguing mix of and Te Atiawa, who can trace their River and enjoy the bush along the the backdrop of Pukekura Waitara was one of the first areas contemporary style and a 12.7km award-winning coastal experimental film and kinetic art, beaches, golf courses, art and ancestry to the Tokomaru Canoe. banks. Park. At night, fluorescent in the region to be settled by Maori traditional friendliness that walkway running from houses the collection by Len Lye, crafts, gardens, walkways and pebble paths sparkle Dairy farms, hill country beef and Just north of is the White and important heritage sites are has characterised New Zealand to Bell Block. one of the most original artists of sites of historical significance. beneath excited feet, sheep farms and energy make up Cliffs Walkway with, yes, dramatic found here, including Manukorihi since colonial times. the 20th century. A fine example of At the city’s hub is one of New magnificent trees and plants One of the first areas in New the economic base of northern white cliffs, the Three Sisters rock Pa and the carved meeting house his work is the red 45m-tall Wind This is a seaside city with a strong Zealand’s contemporary treasures, glow, and waterfalls and Zealand to be inhabited – even communities, but other sources formations and the historic Te Horo completed in 1936. The Waitara Wand that bends and bows to cultural core and a bustling port. It’s , an innovative museum- lakes shimmer beneath before the arrival of the great Maori have also made an impact. White- stock tunnel (no entry allowed as Railway Preservation Society runs the fickle sea breeze at Puke Ariki fast becoming a lifestyle destination library-information centre complex thousands of lighting fleets of the 14th century – the area baiting and fishing are popular in the tunnel is unsafe). Check the vintage train rides in the summer. Landing. for big-city escapees keen to adjacent to the sea. displays. leave the urban grind behind but URENUI after Tuurenui, son of the chief Manaia • 32km NE of New Plymouth OpenOpen all daily day, every day. Enjoy the variety and splendour of Free entry entry Taranaki’s regional gardens

Pukeiti Rainforest is an Tupare is a premier Hollard Gardens,a internationally recognised landscaped garden passionate plantsman's rhododendron collection with a Chapman Taylor garden with an events set amongst 360ha of designed homestead. facility. Friendly family camp with clean and modern amenities. Picturesque family camp 11.5km north of Waitara, 30min drive from native rainforest. Located off State Highway 3, 2km north of Urenui township, New Plymouth and situated on both sides of the bush‑surrounded estuary 30km from New Plymouth. 0800 736 222 of the River. Fishing and whitebaiting in season. 5min to Urenui Your Hosts: Ian, Teresa, Liam & Aidan Hayston boat ramp and golf course. Your Host: Brad Birss TaranakiRegionalGardens Taranaki Urenui Beach Rd, Urenui, Taranaki 4349 www.trc.govt.nz Regional Council 1147 Main North Rd, SH 3, Onaero Ph: +64 6 752 3643 Email: [email protected] Ph: +64 6 752 3838 Email: [email protected] Taranaki Regional Gardens are Gardens of National Significance, www.onaerobay.co.nz www.urenuibeachcamp.co.nz proudly owned and managed by Taranaki Regional Council.

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S outh Taranaki’s The name Hawera means breath While you’re here, don’t miss Outdoor pursuits are right on Aotea Utanganui - Museum Tawhiti Museum + catchphrase is ‘Alive with of fire, which is quite apt given ascending Mt Taranaki’s famous Hawera’s doorstep – both the of South Taranaki Traders and Whalers Opportunity’, which reflects the town has endured three peak (but always check with mountain and the sea are only a 127 Egmont St, Pātea 401 Ohangai Rd, Hāwera the dynamic nature of its devastating blazes – in 1884, 1888 the i-SITE Visitor Centre first), stone’s throw away and they offer industry, sights and activities. and 1912. To make fire-fighting or watching history come to life some of the best walks, surfing and Hawera is South Taranaki’s largest easier, the Hawera Water Tower through the realistic models at windsurfing you’ll find anywhere. town. It’s an important centre was built in 1914. You can climb the Tawhiti Museum – just a short drive A drive around the hemispherical for the district’s key industries, 215 steps of the 55m tower to get out of Hawera, Tawhiti is widely Surf Highway 45 leads to the including one of the world’s largest a bird’s-eye view of the region and acclaimed as the best private coastal gem of Opunake with its dairy factories, Fonterra’s Whareroa the coast. museum in the country (check legendary surf breaks. site. opening times).

HAWERA IMAGE ABOVE: Surfing a tube at Fitzroy Beach © Daily News/Destination Taranaki 71km SE of New Plymouth on SH 3 OPPOSITE: Mt Taranaki seen from Pouakai Track © Ross Henderson, Department of Conservation Mt Taranaki A FUN AND EASILY ACCESSED BEAUTY, MT TARANAKI IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS CHANGING WEATHER. VISIT THE Hawera Aquatic Centre Surf Highway 45 DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OR THE i-SITE VISITOR Pools, hydroslide, thermal pool. Home to countless classic 66 Waihi Road, Hāwera beaches and surf breaks CENTRE FOR ADVICE BEFORE CLIMBING ITS SLOPES.

t Taranaki and Egmont National Park have more than 300km Mof walking tracks taking in the clear streams, mystical forests and breathtaking views. There is a range of tracks from a 15-minute jaunt to a five-day hike around the mountain. Climbing to the summit is popular in summer, but it’s recommended only for the fit and well-prepared as it takes five hours to ascend and three hours to walk back down. Taranaki is renowned for its gardens. Tupare is a beautifully restored garden and home overlooking the River with magical art and craft-style gardens and a Chapman-Taylor designed house. Hollard Gardens is a densely planted treasure trove of beautiful plants which you can discover via meandering paths, open lawns, the children’s space and a food-growing area. has a new Rainforest Centre and Lodge to complement one of the world’s most diverse collections of rhododendrons in a lush rainforest setting. Te Kainga Marire is a skillfully designed inner- city garden that’s rated one of the top five in the country. Holiday Parks and Hawera’s Water Tower & Campgrounds South Taranaki i-SITE View various accommodation 55 High Street, Hāwera OPUNAKE 64km SW of New Plymouth on SH 45 options at www.southtaranaki.com T: (06) 278 8599 F: (06) 278 6599 OPUNAKE BEACH KIWI HOLIDAY PARK E: [email protected] With nine tourism awards to its credit, Tawhiti is now considered one • Friendly family park right on the beach. of New Zealand’s most innovative historical presentations. Its lifesize Clean, modern amenities block. Camp shop, figures, smaller scale dioramas and vast collection of artifacts is simply BBQ, playground, swimming (beach patrolled like no other. in summer), surfing, fishing & walks. • S/c units, cabins and sheltered sites available. 401 Ohangai Road, Hawera. Phone (06)278 6837 or email: [email protected] • Tariff: (2 persons) Sites $44-$50, Cabins $75-$130. For more things to see and do visit Museum website: www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz Beach Rd, Opunake • P: +64 6 761 7525 • Res: 0800 758 009 Traders & Whalers website: www.tradersandwhalers.co.nz www.opunakebeachnz.co.nz • E: [email protected] www.southtaranaki.com

82 PAGE 10 - NORTH ISLAND MAP 83 WHANGANUI WHANGANUI

Enjoy arts, music, the landscape and our rich heritage. Whanganui CULTURAL RIVER CITY Whanganui is big enough to entertain and small enough to keep it real. Spend a weekend. TAKE A NEW LOOK

LEFT: Victoria Ave, Whanganui • TOP: Durie Hill Tower; BOTH © Whanganui District Council BELOW: Trekking waterfall Whanganui National THE CHARMING HISTORIC RIVER CITY, WHANGANUI, Park © Visit Ruapehu RESTS NEAR THE SEA ON­­ THE BANKS OF THE RENOWNED WHANGANUI RIVER, AND IS ONE OF THE OLDEST PROVINCIAL CITIES IN NEW ZEALAND. Manawatu

hanganui has city’s generous collection of public almerston North has Science and History, or head to Wan international gardens, including the Bason The Square at its heart, a Himatangi Beach. In Feilding reputation for its art, Botanic Gardens with its wonderful picturesque park in the (16 times winner of New wide open spaces and quirky P including its well-known middle of a busy shopping and Zealand’s most beautiful town artworks, the Glenlogie Rose glass art. This is reflected business district dotted with award), check out the Coach Gardens and Paloma Gardens, in the Artists Open Studios theatres, cinemas, restaurants, House Museum and take a tour a private Garden of National cafés and bars. The inner city of the saleyards, the largest in the event held in March every Significance. Lined with cycleways year when artists welcome and boardwalks, the magnificent is also well known for its public southern hemisphere. Also take visitors to their studios. Whanganui River also provides a sculptures. Spend time at the a trip and see what’s brewing in wonderful, relaxed environment. New Zealand Rugby Museum nearby Mangatainoka’s iconic The event includes artworks and Te Manawa, Museum of Art, Tui Brewery. covering a wide range of forms, The nearby Whanganui National from carving, ceramics, painting Park is a landscape of river valleys, and photography, to jewellery, lowland forest and razor-sharp FEILDING after Lieutenant-Colonel Feilding • 19km NW of Palmerston North printmaking and glass art. The ridges. The Whanganui River FEILDING HOLIDAY PARK city’s leading gallery, the Sarjeant, snakes its way through the park • Peaceful surroundings. Playground. is well worth a visit and is and provides many activities, • Tariff: Cabins & Private bunkrooms – single adult $40, extra temporarily housed on Taupo adult $30, child U14 $15, child U5 free. Optional linen/bedding including jet-boat access (followed extra $10. Powered sites: adult $20, child $9. Tent sites: adult See much more at: Quay while its original building is by a 40-minute walk) to the $15, child $8. Dorm/Function Room – sleeps 20. being redeveloped. The green- famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. • Group Booking & Weekly Stay Discounts. www.visitwhanganui.nz fingered will be impressed with the 66 Arnott St, Feilding • P: +64 6 323 5623 • M: +64 27 6071 770 www.feildingholidaypark.co.nz • E: [email protected]

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