The stunning Taranaki region is a motorhome enthusiast's dream. Its rugged scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences surround its central figure — the perfectly formed Mount Taranaki.
In this motorhome holiday guide, we chat about how to get around Taranaki in an RV. We also discuss what you can see, do and eat in the region, annual events and festivals, and where to stay overnight in your motorhome.
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The Naki
The flourishing scenic region of Taranaki, affectionately known as The Naki, is located about halfway between Auckland and Wellington on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
The area offers adventurous motorhome travellers plenty — from the rural landscapes of the Forgotten World Highway to the dozen world class surf breaks to the spectacular topography of Mount Taranaki.
Māori began living in the area in the late 1200s, and the once densely forested Taranaki region became sacred to the people.
Early European settlers cleared much of the forest for farming in the 1870s, but the land was formally made a reserve in 1881. Two decades later, the reserve was expanded and became Egmont National Park — New Zealand’s second national park.
Egmont National Park was eventually renamed Te Papakura o Taranaki, which translates to the highly regarded and treasured lands of Taranaki.
Dairy farming has been a significant part of Taranaki’s economy, and today, hydrocarbon exploration and production are also important. The region’s also now a haven for campervan and motorhome holiday makers — with opportunities for adventurous outdoor activities like hiking, surfing and exploring its famous national park.
In 2003, Taranaki became the location for the blockbuster Hollywood film The Last Samurai. Locals jumped on the bandwagon, calling the region Nakiwood.
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How the Whanganui River came to be
According to Māori legend, Taranaki’s volcanic mountain, Taranaki Mounga, was initially known as Pukeonaki. Pukeonaki once lived alongside the other skyscraping mountains of Tūrangi, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Pihanga.
Pukeonaki and Tongariro vied for Pihanga's love, but Tongariro was stronger. A battle-scarred Pukeonaki retreated underground, excavating what would become the Whanganui River with his tears — on his way to the west coast.
When Pukeonaki surfaced, he was captivated by the beautiful Pouākai range — so he stayed and became Mount Taranaki. |
Getting around Taranaki
With its well-maintained roads and dramatic coastal shores, Taranaki can be an ideal holiday destination if you’re travelling in a motorhome. Getting here is a picturesque drive whether you’re coming from the:
- North or southeast via State Highway 3 (SH3)
- Northeast along the remotely beautiful State Highway 43 (SH43) — the Forgotten World Highway.
The region’s main town is New Plymouth which has a great choice of campsites and holiday parks within easy walking distance of the CBD. Any one of these camping grounds is an ideal place to park up while you explore this vibrant, contemporary city on foot.
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Essential scenery — Sunrise at Mount Taranaki
A visit to this part of New Zealand isn’t complete without photographing the breathtaking snow-tipped cone of the Taranaki Maunga. A few popular places where you can capture the perfect snaps are:
• Mangorei Road — simply park up your motorhome and take your best shots from the roadside
• Pouakai Tarn — a truly iconic spot that takes a few hours hiking to reach but offers stunning reflections of the mountain on calm mornings
• Te Rewarewa Bridge — a beautifully-different perspective of the Mount Taranaki and its reflection in the river
• Lake Mangamahoe — a more accessible lake with tranquil views of the mountain as it wakes up.
If you get the right shot from the right angle, you may even be able to sell the image to your friends as Mount Taranaki’s identical twin, Mount Fuji. |
Things to see and do in Taranaki
Taranaki is a land of hidden wonders — a vibrant region featuring a diverse landscape of lush forests, rugged coastlines and small towns.
Experience Te Huanui Takutai Coastal Walkway
Te Huanui Takutai is an award-winning coastal walkway in New Plymouth. It stretches 13.2km along the sea’s edge from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach.
What makes this coastal walkway particularly special is that it’s literally right on the beach — and is generally away from the road, traffic and related noise.
Hugely popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, you’ll find numerous access points with motorhome and campervan parking spaces available along the route. The walkway:
- Incorporates three swimming beaches, four playgrounds, a golf club, farmland, rivers and accessways to several shopping areas
- Has plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you energised and hydrated
- Is wheelchair and mobility scooter-friendly.
Every section of Te Huanui Takutai Coastal Walkway has something to see. The 45m tall kinetic Wind Wand, designed by renowned Kiwi artist Len Lye, is an unmissable New Plymouth icon — and is especially spectacular when lit up at night.
Visit Puke Ariki
Take a detour off the coastal walkway by the wand into central New Plymouth, where you’ll find artworks, galleries and museums to enjoy.
Puke Ariki is a museum, library, research centre and has an i-SITE where you can find information on anything in the region. At Puke Ariki you can:
- Learn more about the heritage of Taranaki
- Take an interactive trip underwater with Reef Alive! — to get an epic insight into what goes on under Taranaki’s dramatic surf
- Check out the museum’s exhibitions.
Explore the gardens at Pukekura Park
One of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens is often described as the jewel in New Plymouth’s crown. Pukekura Park has been named a garden of national significance and is home to:
- Gardens covering 52 hectares — that include a diverse range of plant collections, exotic specimens, formal gardens and native bush walks
- The acclaimed Bowl of Brooklands — where you may be able to see a local musical performance
- Brooklands Zoo — which has wildlife to amuse visitors of all ages.
Scope out the surf
The Taranaki coast is a surfer’s dream, with multiple surf beaches, arts and crafts stores, walking tracks and appealing small towns hugging the coastline. With 180 degrees of ocean swells, a motorhome drive along with spectacular Surf Highway 45 is an absolute must.
Fitzroy, Ōakura and Ōpunakē beaches are all popular surf spots with life saving patrols over summer. Ngāmotu and Kaupokonui beaches are more sheltered and suitable for kids. Most Taranaki beaches don’t have designated motorhome parking available — so a solution may be to park up a back street where there’s enough space.
On your journey along the Surf Highway, take time to enjoy the short walks like Stony River Walkway and Lucy’s Gully. Climb the Hāwera Water Tower for a unique perspective on the landscape and Mount Taranaki.
Marvel at Cape Egmont Lighthouse
While driving Surf Highway 45, take a short detour to Pungarehu and turn towards the sea to visit Cape Egmont Lighthouse. This beacon has been guarding the westernmost point of the Taranaki coastline since 1881 — flashing its light nightly.
Cape Egmont Lighthouse is a budget-friendly Taranaki motorhome activity because it costs nothing except the fuel to get there.
Stroll the Ōpunakē Loop Track
The Ōpunakē Loop Track is the longest of the South Taranaki walks. It features beautiful lake and beach scenery, along with a dose of history, including:
- The Cottage Hospital — the birthplace of legendary New Zealand 1500m and 800m runner and multiple Olympic champion Peter Snell
- Te Namu Pā — the site of a famous battle where Wiremu Kingi Matakatea repelled 800 Waikato Māori and successfully withstood a month-long siege armed with a single rifle
- Waiaua River Mouth — with its stunning views of the natural Taranaki coastline.
The loop walk has multiple access points, making it one of the best motorhome-friendly walks in Taranaki. An ideal place to begin is near the boat ramp by Ōpunakē Lake on Layard Street.
Stop in at Fun Ho! National Toy Museum
Need something for the kids to do on a rainy day? Visit this toy museum in Inglewood, where they can see a variety of toys that have been made on-site.
Interactive displays are also a highlight — with a slot car track, sand pit, theatrette and machinery.
Bike or walk around Lake Mangamahoe
Lake Mangamahoe is a charming lake that’s circumnavigated by a well-signposted walk through production forest, native bush and ornamental tree plantings — to picturesque lookout spots.
Park your motorhome near the picnic area during opening hours and enjoy the 6km walk in:
- April to September — from 7am to 6pm
- October to March — from 7am to 8.30pm
Alternatively, head to the Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park on Plantation Road, where you’ll find trails ranging from gentle to very challenging.
Both locations are only a ten minute drive south of New Plymouth on SH3.
Hike the Pouakai Crossing
Within the national park of Te Papakura o Taranaki, a rewarding 19km one way hike gives you a real taste of the environment on Mount Taranaki. Known as the Pouakai Crossing, it’s a long day trek if you have a motorhome to reach before sundown — taking anywhere from seven to ten hours.
You’re best to begin at the North Egmont Visitor Centre where you can chat to the local staff about the trail, weather conditions and transport at the trail end. You’ll want to arrange a pick up around a planned finish time at Mangorei Road.
Beginning at the visitor centre and walking towards Mangorei Road, via the famous Pouakai Tarns, will also mean less climbing. Walking poles are recommended as the track has stairs, steep sections, loose rock faces and spectacular scenery.
Learn more about the Pouakai Crossing in our best hikes and walks blog.
Be immersed at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery—Len Lye Centre
The contemporary art museum Govett-Brewster Art Gallery—Len Lye Centre on Queen Street is dedicated to pioneering NZ filmmaker and sculptor Len Lye. Lye’s motion compositions and exhibitions from local and international artists are worth taking your time to enjoy.
The centre is open seven days a week except Christmas Day. You may be able to park your motorhome on a nearby city street, though it may be metered. The easiest option is probably to set up at a city campground like Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park and walk from there.
Wander botanical gardens
Pukeiti Park is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of rhododendrons and exotics.
July sees the awakening of the enormous flower trusses of large-leaf rhododendrons — followed by camellias and magnolias. In December, giant Himalayan lilies up to three metres tall fill the air with the scent of honey.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the treehouse trail and the rainforest tracks to explore. Freedom camping is permitted at Pukeiti in certified self-contained motorhomes and campervans.
Drive to the Goblin Forest and Wilkies Pools
Travel in your motorhome from Stratford along Pembroke Road and up Taranaki Maunga. The starting points for many walks are located along this stretch of road — and a motorhome holiday wouldn’t be complete without letting your imagination run wild in the Goblin Forest.
This gnarled and twisted forest is also known as the Kamahi Loop Track. It’s a fantasy wonderland with its hanging mosses, liverworts and curling ferns. Even if you’re the most hardened of cynics, you’ll wonder what magical creatures may inhabit this eerily enchanting forest.
Continue walking up to Wilkies Pools. These are a series of natural mountainous plunge pools formed by waterborne sand and gravel — an ideal spot for enjoying a waterside picnic. In summer, you may even be tempted to take a refreshing yet brisk swim, or a slide down the natural waterslide.
Climb Mount Taranaki
The call of Mount Taranaki’s summit can be irresistible. To take on the challenge of this advanced track and conquer the 2,518m summit, January to April is your ideal window.
A full-day strenuous climb, you’ll need to be fit and well-equipped. Snow, ice and avalanche risks are present during winter months, but anytime of year can bring cold snaps that blast the summit. Checking the weather forecast and visiting the North Egmont Visitor Centre for the latest information and to let the staff know your plans are smart moves.
You can also freedom camp in a self-contained motorhome at the North Egmont Visitor Centre. There’s a first-come, first-serve basis for a maximum of four nights in any calendar month.
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Essential activity — Visiting Taranaki markets
Whether you’re looking for seasonal fruit and veggies, artwork for back home or something delicious to eat, make time to visit as many Taranaki markets as you can.
The Seaside Market at Ngāmotu Beach in New Plymouth offers a smorgasbord of art, fashion, crafts, food and music. The market is held on the first and third Sunday of each month.
Taranaki Farmers’ Market at Huatoki Plaza in central New Plymouth is a foodie mecca. You can indulge in fresh baking, locally-grown mushrooms, cured meats and free range eggs every Sunday from 9am until midday.
Prospero Market in Stratford is held on the last Saturday of each month. It supports local food and craft businesses in an inviting rural setting. |
Where to eat in Taranaki
From dainty bites and dangerous doughnuts to caffeine hits and innovative brews, the Taranaki region has plenty of good food and drink to enhance your motorhome travels.
Liardet Street Projects
For a place that’s great when you can’t agree on what food to eat and is also kind on your wallet, call into Liardet Street Projects in New Plymouth. Options include:
- Healthy takeaways from Kahakia Poke Bowl
- Beer and pizza from Neon Robot
- American burgers from Gamma Ray’s
- Vietnamese street food from Viet Nom Nom
- Fresh juices from JuSea.
Toret Cocina Italiana
For some homemade pasta treats and some antipasti alternatives, book early for a table at popular Toret Cocina Italiana in Ōakura. They offer some of the highest quality Italian food you can find in New Zealand.
You can also find the folks from Toret selling fresh semolina pasta, cannoli and pasta sauces at the Taranaki Farmers’ Market.
Social Kitchen
Social Kitchen has become Taranaki’s must try meat-eatery. It’s situated in the former Salvation Army Citadel where you can enjoy shared dining in this cosy flame and charcoal restaurant.
Meat is unsurprisingly the main draw at Social Kitchen. However, trust the locals who’ll point you to the homemade blue cheese gnocchi side dish.
Juno Gin
New Zealand is fast developing a reputation for its gin production. Well worth a visit is Juno Gin in Westown — where the gin is created with Taranaki mountain water and local botanicals.
Book in for a gin tasting or distillery tour to learn more about this increasingly-popular spirit.
The Ōkato Trencherman Chophouse
Sustainably caught seafood and local meats are a key part of this small town success story. The Okato Trencherman Chophouse inside the almost 150 year old Ōkato Hotel serves up wholesale food like slow cooked beef cheek, roasted potatoes with capers and sesame crusted market fish.
Snug Lounge
This Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge features a range of yakitori, dumplings and fried delectables to enjoy while sipping on your favourite beverage.
Friendly attentive service along with highly rated food make Snug Lounge a place to add to your motorhome road trip itinerary.
Shining Peak Brewery
This New Plymouth craft brew pub and eatery serves up small and large plates of tasty morsels like pan-roasted lamb rump and blue cheese mousse. To easily wash them down, order one of their home-brewed craft beers.
Shining Peak Brewery is often labelled the best brewery in town.
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Essential eatery — Monica’s Eatery
Inspired by arts patron and women’s rights advocate Monica Brewster, the locally sourced Monica’s Eatery offers the right flavours to start your day of Taranaki adventures.
Monica’s is situated in New Plymouth’s west end precinct next to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery—Len Lye Centre. The establishment has an all-day menu including smashed avocado on focaccia, salt and pepper calamari and beetroot falafel. |
Where to stay in Taranaki
You won’t find it difficult to park your motorhome overnight near one of Taranaki’s beautiful beaches. We highlight a few of the best campsites for motorhomes in Taranaki.
Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
If you prefer to stay in the city, Belt Road is one of New Plymouth’s best motorhome attractions. It’s within easy walking distance of the CBD and has exceptional sea views.
This family-friendly campground has excellent kitchen facilities, a barbecue area, spa pool and playground area — plus, laundry and dump sites. You’ll find it located above New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway.
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
A little further north but still in the city, Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park is a beachside campsite that can easily accommodate your motorhome rental. By choosing to stay here, you’ll enjoy direct access to the coastal walkway and the beach.
A jumping pillow, trampoline and playground ensure heaps of fun for the kids.
Ōakura Beach Holiday Park
Join local Kiwis on their summer camping holidays at this traditional beachside campground. Ōakura Beach Holiday Park has powered and non-powered sites with modern conveniences and ocean views.
The camp is not far south of New Plymouth and is very popular with fishing enthusiasts.
Ōpunake Beach Holiday Park
Southwest of Mount Taranaki is the small surf town of Ōpunake. Right by the beach in a fairly sheltered area is Ōpunake Beach Holiday Park.
A friendly gem of a camping ground with well-kept facilities, excellent attentive service and reasonable prices compared to other commercial camps in the region.
Whangamōmona camping ground
Although technically just outside the Taranaki regional border, we’ve included this camp as it’s the only one on the epic Forgotten World Highway. Whangamōmona camping ground certainly won’t break the bank — in fact, you may even be tempted to stay a few nights to get to know the interesting people of the Republic.
Learn more about the mysterious Forgotten World Highway.
Taranaki freedom camping spots
You’d probably expect a surf highway to feature a few freedom camping spots — and that’s exactly the case in Taranaki. While exploring the area, plan to stay overnight at:
- Tongapōrutu Domain — this scenic stopover about an hour’s north of New Plymouth is near the iconic landmark known as Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock
- Waverley Freedom Campground — here you’ll find a cliffside camp offering views of the sunset over the water and beach caves to explore
- Lake Rotomanu — if you prefer to stay in New Plymouth and freedom camp, this lake option may be your best.
Events and festivals to go to in Taranaki
The current tagline for the region is Taranaki — like no other and for good reason. There’s never any shortage of action in this vibrant part of New Zealand. Music, art and wellness are cornerstones of the area, but rarely a week goes by without something new on the Taranaki calendar of events.
World of Music, Arts and Dance
The city of New Plymouth and the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) have been coming together for more than 20 years.
Hosted annually every March at the Bowl of Brooklands, this family-friendly festival celebrates diverse cultures and their artistic offerings from around the globe. You’ll get to enjoy musicians, artists, dancers, storytellers, speakers, food and drink from across the world for three days.
You can also camp on an unpowered site in your campervan rental.
Taranaki Garden Festival
The well-attended Taranaki Garden Festival is a spring celebration of glorious gardens from tropical oases to private gardens — taking place in October or November.
Centred at the Plymouth International Hotel on Courtenay Street, this award-winning festival features gardens, sustainable backyards and events. They’re divided into several categories, like new, vegetables and special interest.
The Taranaki Garden Festival doesn’t offer motorhome accommodation, so your best option is to check into one of New Plymouth’s commercial campgrounds.
Festival of Lights
Not to be missed, New Plymouth’s Festival of Lights takes place every winter in June — and every summer across December and January.
Taranaki Arts Trail
If you’re into art, you can explore what the region has to offer during the Taranaki Arts Trail in November.
This event showcases the work of artists inspired by the wild coastal beaches, native forests and crystal-clear streams of the Taranaki region. Some artists’ methods include pottery, photography, ceramics, jewellery and painting.
Sustainable Backyards Trail
Using scraps saved from landfill, nature’s bounty and creative experiments, the Sustainable Backyards Trail:
- Hosts crop swaps and farmers' markets
- Introduces food and garden communities
- Provides ideas for anyone wanting to transform their backyard into a sustainable masterpiece.
New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival
New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium hosts the NZ Tattoo & Art Festival every November. The event features over 250 of the world’s premier tattoo artists, plus some of New Zealand’s finest artists and designers.
FAQs for travelling by motorhome in Taranaki
We answer some standard questions from visitors like yourself planning to travel in a campervan or motorhome to the Taranaki region.
