The ‘Naki and more

If you like to get the blood pumping while taking in nature, then make the Whitecliffs Walkway in north Taranaki – so named for its sheer white cliffs (Parininihi) – a priority. When the Kāpuni-to-Auckland gas pipeline was being laid, it opened up access to some fairly dramatic forest and coastal scenery. Whether you walk all or just some of the track, make sure you take in the Three Sisters, near Tongapōrutu; large rock formations jutting up on the beach. Be aware the track is closed from July through September.

Further inland, the route from Taumarunui to Stratford, along State Highway 43, is known as the Forgotten World Highway. It’s 149 kilometres of remote and isolated road, and takes in some extraordinary scenery along the way: the Tāngarākau Gorge with its sheer walls on either side; intermittent glimpses of the peaks of Taranaki, Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro mountains; and passing through the single-lane 180-metre-long Moki tunnel, to name but a few. Not to be missed is a pit stop at Whangamōmona Hotel, the most remote country hotel in New Zealand. You can stay here or just stop for a drink and a classic pub meal.

Head even further inland for a brush with some native wildlife. At Blue Duck Station you can see the work the team there are doing to conserve the threatened whio (blue duck). The bush safari tour takes in the efforts being made to look after the flora and fauna, plus the everyday workings of this sheep and beef station. There’s accommodation that sleeps up to eight people and a café on site too.