If New Zealand is known for the outdoors, Taranaki is where nature feels turned up a notch.

On the west coast of the North Island, this vibrant region delivers serious hiking variety without the crowds, from alpine crossings and mirror-still tarns to coastal clifftop walks where the Tasman Sea crashes below. It's a true maunga-to-moana (mountain to sea) experience, anchored by the near-perfect 2,518 metre volcanic cone of Taranaki Maunga (mountain), rising dramatically from the lush landscape.

Taranaki Maunga sits at the heart of the story and not just for the views. In 2025, the maunga was recognised as a legal person, reflecting its status as an ancestor and the deep cultural and spiritual connection held by local Māori. Visitors feel that difference on the ground. This is a place that invites you to slow down, tune in, and connect more deeply with both landscape and story.

For Australian travellers, it's a dream mix: big scenery, manageable distances, and hikes that fit easily around surf breaks, galleries, cafés. Whether you're chasing bucket-list treks or short walks with outsized rewards, Taranaki earns its reputation as New Zealand's natural playground.

Top 5 hikes in Taranaki

1. Pouākai Crossing
   For an unforgettable one-day adventure, the Pouākai Crossing is a must. This 19km hike takes you through the heart of Te Papa-Kura o Taranaki National Park showcasing diverse landscapes, from mossy forests and golden tussock fields to the famous Pouākai Tarn, where on a still day, you'll see a perfect reflection of Taranaki Maunga. The journey also includes the towering Dieffenbach Cliffs, expansive views across the region, and a descent through lush podocarp forest. If you're short on time, take the Mangorei Track for a 2-hour (one-way) hike directly to the Pouākai tarn.
2. Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge
   This short walk is quickly gaining popularity due to the striking 100-metre suspension bridge which offers stunning views. Here the landscape opens up to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding plateau and coastline before arriving at the Manganui skifield.
3. Whitecliffs Walkway
   This 6.5km track offers an epic coastal adventure, leading across private farmland, along the dramatic clifftops, and down to a black sand beach where you'll feel engulfed by the stunning white limestone cliffs towering beside you. This walk is a spectacular blend of wild coastline and stunning geological features, offering views that stretch endlessly across the Tasman Sea.
4. Rotokare Scenic Reserve
   This 230 hectare predator free sanctuary offers a variety of tracks and trails that weave around the stunning lake, surrounded by lush native bush and a thriving ecosystem of native birdlife and flora. Camp at the reserve overnight to hear kiwi calling after dark.
5. Lake Mangamahoe
   Lake Mangamahoe offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of Taranaki Maunga. The 6km loop track winds through pine forests, and along the lake's edge, providing plenty of picturesque viewpoints along the way. Whether you walk, run, or simply stop to take in the scenery, this trail is a favourite for both visitors and locals.

Discover more at www.taranaki.co.nz/visit/highlights-of-taranaki/top-5-hikes-in-taranaki/

Media Famils:
Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the Regional Tourism Organisation, welcomes Australian journalists on upcoming media famils. If you'd like to experience New Zealand's natural playground first-hand, get in touch to register your interest.

Holly Collins, Communications and Marketing Manager, holly.collins@venture.org.nz