TAKE THE FAMILY TO TARANAKI
Elisabeth Easther discovers all manner of fun things for families to do in Taranaki, an unspoilt region famous for its magnificent landscape, natural attractions and a wonderful variety of activities.
1The
Taranaki region sits on the remains of three volcanic cones, with the most recognisable, the fabulously symmetrical Taranaki Mounga/Mt Taranaki and, when Tom Cruise was shooting The Last Samurai there - partly due to the mountain’s resemblance to Mt Fuji - he was heard to say, “It’s absolutely stunning here, breathtaking. How could anyone not want to be here?”
This photogenic region is also crammed with visitor attractions, green spaces and natural wonders and, whether you’re travelling with big kids or little ones, you’ll find plenty to do.
To get your bearings, start in the vibrant port city of New Plymouth, with an exploration of the 12.7km Coastal Walkway where visitors can stroll, skate or cycle - and don’t worry if you’ve not brought your bike, because you hire them from Chaddy’s Charters. Pedal from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki in the west, past Len Lye’s Wind Wand all the way to impressive Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Is it a breaking wave or the skeleton of a whale? That’s for you to decide. And keep your camera handy as there are numerous Taranaki Mounga photo ops along this route.
2Walks
are understandably popular around these parts and, once you’ve viewed the striking peak of Taranaki from afar, you’ll definitely want a closer look, whether you opt for a short wander or a more serious hike. Kids are enchanted with the magical Goblin Forest on the Kamahi Loop Track. Set off from Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House - an excellent place to dine or stay a night or two – you’ll be walking for about 20 minutes until you reach the crystal clear waters of Wilkie’s Pools, sculpted by lava flow over 20,000 years ago and, along the way, you’ll be wowed by a symphony of greens from kamahi trees, mosses and ferns. 3Another popular leg stretcher is the six- kilometre loop track that wends itself around the shores of Lake Mangamahoe. Popular with mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders, the way is well signposted with thoughtful information panels. In winter Taranaki Mounga is also a special place to introduce kids to snow, but be sure you’re properly prepared because mountain weather can be unpredictable. From one peak to another, get some perspective and climb Paritutu Rock, part of the sugar loaf islands that extend out to sea beyond the port. At 156metres tall, it takes 20 minutes of vigorous climbing to reach the top where you’ll be rewarded with jaw- dropping panoramic views, including Taranaki Mounga, New Plymouth city, and the Taranaki coastline and Bight. Or how about a race to the top of Hawera’s 55m water tower, admittedly there are 215 steps but views from the top is a winner.
4Closer
to civilisation, smack bang in the heart of New Plymouth, 52-hectare Pukekura Park is one of New Zealand’s best-loved botanical gardens. With its wide- open spaces, fountains, bridges, formal gardens, walking paths and playgrounds, you can hug a tree, row a boat or enjoy an ice cream at the historic Lake Teahouse. Also in the grounds, Brooklands Zoo is home to everything from monkeys, parrots to reptiles and best of all, admission is free. Additional animal encounters can be had at Pouakai Zoo where lions, tigers, donkeys and gibbons all call the place home, as well as Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park where grooming the llama is a highlight. The park is also home to the TSB Festival of Lights, held every summer, with the park lit up with stunning light installations and displays, with free entertainment and music, food and activities.
5For
more fun in the great outdoors, Pukeiti Gardens on the lower slopes of Taranaki Mounga’s northern side are sublime. Boasting phenomenal mountain-to- sea views and over 10,000 rhododendrons and azaleas growing in native forest, there are many trails to wander along. A real highlight for the kids is the treehouse trail – grab an activity satchel from the Rainforest Centre and follow the instructions. The kids will be occupied for hours, and then everyone can refuel at the café which operates from September to March.
Lighthouses have always lit up youthful imaginations, so a trip to Cape Egmont Lighthouse on the rugged southern coast is essential. It looks like something from a storybook and, to keep those imaginations fizzing, stop by the wreck of the SS Gairloch, where remnants of the ship’s hull still protrude from the sand after it ran aground on a moonless night.
6Although
Taranaki is right up there for top sunshine hours, if the weather’s not playing nicely, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors. Puke Ariki Museum tells the stories of the Taranaki region using mesmerising interactive media and kids love the handson exhibits - handily you’ll find the i-SITE and library there too. Another impressive arts offering is The Govett- Brewster Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum that’s also home to the Len Lye collection where kids’ minds will be blown by the works of the renowned filmmaker and kinetic artist. Over in Hawera, Tawhiti Museum is considered the country’s top privately owned museum and kids love to see the past revealed through the Whalers and Traders exhibit. There’s also a bush railway and an impressive underground canal boat ride, inclusive of firing cannons!. For more settler fun, Pioneer Village in Stratford is a lively outdoor heritage museum and on weekends they host ‘living village day’ where visitors dress up in their olden day’s finery and engage in old- school activities. But don’t think for a minute it’s time to head home yet, because you’ve still got the Hillsborough Holden Museum and Bathurst themed miniputt complete with café while over in Inglewood you’ll find Fun Ho! Toy Museum. Once New Zealand’s biggest toy manufacturer with a staff of over 200, Fun Ho! opened in 1939 and you can still watch toys being made there today. Back in New Plymouth Bowlarama offers traditional ten pin bowling as well as an 18-hole Black Light Mini Putt course, a seriously bright idea and do bring your togs when you travel to Taranaki, whether you swim in the sea or a creek or the magnificent Todd Energy Aquatic Centre.
Don’t worry about your own energy flagging either because Taranaki people pride themselves on their cafe culture and the region is awash with good coffee and great food, so you’ll have no trouble keeping up with the kids. Escape Coffee even has an indoor skate bowl – so you’ll never be bored!