Taranaki great, but not for adventure
Taranaki may be the second best region in the world to visit but its adventurous outdoors lifestyle has received scant coverage from Lonely Planet’s latest publication ‘Atlas of Adventure’.
The 320 page hardback released on Thursdaydraws up a long list of adventure-packed sites to visit among 150 countries.
Whether it was climbing in Thailand, mountain biking in America, or sailing off the south coast of Britain, it’s all included to help any traveller make a choice on the best adventure thrilled break.
New Zealand doesn’t miss out with all the top spots for tramping, mountain biking, skiing, climbing and other adventurous activities included in a 12 page chapter, accompanied by a detailed map.
Twelve pages in the Atlas of Adventure are devoted to New Zealand’s outdoor activities.
Taranaki’s paddle board and surfing spots are highlighted on the map but that’s as far as the coverage for the second best region in the world to visit, as judged by Lonely Planet Best in Travel in 2017, gets.
The region was also judged second best family adventure destination in the world.
But there’s no recognition of the province’s other numerous adventurous tourism activities, including the newest jewel in the crown, the Pouakai Crossing, in the Atlas of Adventure.
Lonely Planet Publication’s spokeswoman Laura Hamilton said the ‘Atlas Of Adventure’ aimed ‘‘to strike a balance.’’
‘‘In selecting the regions to be included in the book, Lonely Planet has aimed to strike a balance between larger, well-known countries and activities, and smaller, lesser-known regions and activities.’’
In 12 months to July, tourism contributed an estimated $349 million for the Taranaki region.