Taranaki’s Must Do Experiences Found
Press release Venture Taranaki
1 November 2010

Thousands of Taranaki residents and expats have voted on what visitors to the region simply ‘Must Do’, and have judged a helicopter flight over Mount Taranaki number one.

“Almost 10,000 votes were received, showing just how passionate Taranaki people are about their region and its attractions,” says Venture Taranaki Tourism Leader Paul Stancliffe.

“The final results, as voted by the Taranaki community, show a good spread around the region, and for a wide range of uniquely Taranaki activities and experiences.

The majority of the highest-polling experiences make the most of Taranaki’s natural environment – whether through a scenic tour by car or helicopter, a walking or cycling adventure, heading to a beach or sampling local delicacies like whitebait fritters or fish and chips.

“In a region that features both a picture-perfect mountain and a coastline filled with surfing and scenic opportunities, it’s not surprising that experiencing the landscape was rated so highly by voters.

“Also as expected, Mount Taranaki featured heavily, with six mountainous experiences making it to the top 50.

Venture Taranaki will now develop an illustrated regional map showcasing the top 50, which will be available online and in hard copy to visitors from late November.

The top 50 experiences, as nominated and voted by the Taranaki community, are listed below.

Taranaki’s Top 50 Must Do Experiences

1. Helicopter Flight over Mt Taranaki
See Taranaki’s beloved icon from a new angle with one of the region’s helicopter tours.

2. Dawson Falls
Take a walk to discover the 18m waterfall on the southern slopes of Mount Taranaki.

3. TSB Bank Festival of the Lights
Check out the lights and sights at this nationally renowned festival.

4. New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Wander or ride the award-wining Coastal Walkway and new Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.

5. Pukekura Park

Stroll through this botanical wonderland or relax in a row boat on the lake.

6. Summer Concerts at TSB Bowl of Brooklands
Enjoy a world class concert or festival like WOMAD at this stunning natural amphitheatre.

7. Our Favourite Beaches
Enjoy a game of beach cricket, eat fish and chips, beachcomb, swim, surf or fish on our favourite beaches.

8. Puke Ariki
Discover Taranaki’s history, stories and traditions through a range of exhibitions.

9. Climb Paritutu Rock
Get the best views of Taranaki from the top of this volcanic outcrop.

10. Summit Climb up Mt Taranaki
A sunrise from the summit of Mt Taranaki offers a view like no other.

11. Round the Mountain Road Trip
Go town hopping around our magnificent mountain by car or bike.

12. Tawhiti Museum and 'Traders & Whalers'
Sample Taranaki’s heritage through uniquely realistic and engaging displays.

13. Ice Cream from the Iona Dairy
Enjoy super-sized scoops from New Plymouth’s Iona Dairy.

14. Lake Mangamahoe
Take a picturesque walk or a fun-fuelled mountain bike ride around the lake.

15. Chaddy's Charters
Tour of the Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve in a restored English lifeboat with colourful guide Chaddy.

16. Len Lye's Wind Wand
Watch this iconic 45m tall artwork as it sways on its Coastal Walkway vantage point.

17. Stockcar Night at Stratford
Enjoy a hotdog and chips and the non-stop action at the Stratford Speedway.

18. Stay in a hut on Mt Taranaki
Enjoy an overnight stay with a view high up in Egmont National Park.

19. Coffee at a Coastal Cafe
Grab a coffee or a meal at a one of the handily located cozy coastal cafes.

20. Pukeiti
Wander the pathways of this internationally renowned rhododendron garden.

21. Pouakai Zoo
Meet the extensive range of exotic wildlife at this family friendly zoo.

22. Whangamomona
Drive through spectacular scenery to discover the rich history of Whangamomona.

23. Whitebait Fritters in Mokau
Sample a local delicacy - locally caught and locally loved Whitebait fritters

24. Feeding the Ducks at TSB Bowl of Brooklands
Pack a picnic at feed the ducks at this beautiful concert venue.

25. Whitecliffs Walkway
Admire the sea and mountain views from this stunning coastal walkway.

26. Surfing a Taranaki Wave
Paddle out at one of Taranaki’s famous (or not so famous) surf breaks.

27. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Enjoy the latest contemporary art ay our internationally acclaimed art museum.

28. Waves Cafe
Enjoy a leisurely coffee and a waterfront view in an antique armchair.

29. Taranaki Thermal Spa
Soak your body and relax your mind in 29,000 year old mineral water.

30. Todd Energy Aquatic Centre
Enjoy the wave pool, spa and gym or take on the Kamikaze hydro slide.

31. Goblin Forest
Walk through the eerie Goblin Forest in Egmont National Park.

32. Meeting of the Waters
Go swimming or white water kayaking at the point where two rivers meet.

33. Wilkies Pools
Hike up to sample the pristine cooling waters of Wilkies Pools.

34. Cape Egmont Lighthouse
Visit one of New Zealand’s last working lighthouses with a vivid history.

35. Mt Damper Falls
This towering waterfall is a stunning scenic detour from the Forgotten World Highway.

36. Lee Breakwater
Enjoy a family fun day fishing at Port Taranaki

37. Urenui Mudflats
Have a mud fight in the mudflats and wash off in the ocean.

38. Bike down Te Henui Walkway
Grab your mountain bike and helmet and explore the Te Henui Walkway.

39. Dam Dropping
Experience the thrill of dropping down the 8 meter dam on the Waingongoro River.

40. Taranaki Pioneer Village
See how Taranaki’s early settlers lived at this recreated pioneer village.

41. Mainland Cheese Bar
Experience one of Eltham’s best kept secrets - cheese fresh from the factory.

42. Mike's Organic Brewery
Discover the taste of an organically produced, truly Taranaki beer.

43. Helicopter Flight to Jurassic Falls
Land beside an isolated waterfall and search for ancient fossils.

44. Farmers Market Taranaki
Enjoy the finest locally grown produce in a vibrant market setting.

45. Singer Songwriters at New Plymouth Little Theatre
Be entertained by Taranaki’s most talented performers on the last Friday of the month.

46. Manaia Kai
Eat fresh bread still warm from the ovens of Yarrows (The Bakers).

47. Pouakai Tarns
Capture a unique view of Mt Taranaki and its reflection in a lake along the Pouakai Track.

48. Strathmore Saddle
Admire the scenery from this vantage point along the Forgotten World Highway.

49. Horse Riding
Enjoy the breathtaking Taranaki backcountry by horseback.

50. Hawera Water Tower
Climb the 215 steps to the top of South Taranaki’s best known landmark.

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