Western North Island Holidays

New Plymouth

At the foot of Taranaki, the modern and prosperous port of New Plymouth is the gateway to Mt Egmont National Park to which hikers are drawn to climb Mt Taranaki or walk the 5-day circuit around its lower slopes. The town is about an equal distance from both Auckland and Wellington and a good base from which to explore the region.

The town itself, though not large, has a very pleasant feel with shops, cafés and bars, which are often open late and provide an ambience all of their own. There are also several art galleries, befitting a region that has more artists per capita than any other region in the country. Indeed, the Govett Brewster Art Gallery is renowned as a contemporary art gallery and is one of the town’s “must-see” attractions.

Most visitors to New Plymouth, however, are probably drawn more by the natural attractions of which, there are plenty. The coastline for one is almost as big a draw as Mt Taranaki… well at least for surfers and windsurfers, with several world-class surfing beaches located nearby. Even for those less inclined to ‘riding waves’, these are beautiful beaches that are simply worth seeing.

There are several walking trails in the New Plymouth area, totalling over 60-kilometres. These are well marked out trails and are less demanding that the hike up Mt Taranaki. Alternatively for more casual strolling, New Plymouth’s parks and gardens are a delight with the perfect climate for flowers such as rhododendrons, azaleas and roses to grow.

Wanganui

To the south of the peninsula the city of Wanganui is justly proud of its Victorian and Edwardian heritage. The mighty river bearing the same name was once the main ‘highway’ inland for paddle steamers that used to transport people and goods up and down river. Today river trips up the Whanganui River (yes, with an ‘h’) provide the easiest access to a vast region of untouched forest, where the poignant ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ is a reminder of the pioneers’ struggle with nature.

The river is host to a number of activities including jet-boating, rafting and kayaking. Those looking for something a little more relaxed can indulge in trout fishing, horse-trekking as well as health and beauty treatments.

Palmerston North

Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River, Palmerston North is a university town, home to New Zealand’s second largest university, Massey. Though often overlooked by tourists, the town acts as a major crossroads, linking the North Island’s major roads in all directions. It has a relaxed feel and provides a pleasant stopover point on route to Wellington down highway 1.

The town is centred around ‘The Square’, a seven hectare green space at its heart and all roads into the city lead to here. The ‘Westside’ of city is best known for its arts and culture with several noted museums and theatres, while Manawatu Sports Stadium heads the list of the numerous sporting venues, including the All Blacks training ground at the NZRU Institute of Rugby. On the outskirts of the city, stretching along the shores of the River Manawatu is Esplanade Park, which is noted for its gardens, native bush and walking tracks.