Local Tourism

Taranaki boasts magnificent gardens, the iconic Mt Taranaki, a spectacular national park, three marine reserves, iron sand beaches fringed with great surf, wonderful lakes, a vibrant art and cultural scene, gourmet cafes and restaurants, museums and galleries, and a range of activities for those with a sense of fun and adventure.

South Taranaki is rich in cultural history.  Original blockhouse redoubts, monuments and sites tell the tales of early South Taranaki.  A visit to Tawhiti Museum will give you an authentic glimpse of onother past with the use of life size exhibits and scale models.  The South Taranaki Museum in Patea is another must-see for those interested in the history of South Taranaki.

Farming and Energy are the mainstays of our province and the world's largest multi-product, single-site dairy factory is located at

Whareroa, on the outskirts of Hawera.

South Taranaki is an area where everything is at your doorstep and a drive around the Surf Highway from Hawera to New Plymouth and back around the other side of the moutain through the picturesque rural towns of Inglewood, Stratford and Eltham is only a 2 hour round trip with views of a changing mountain and national park.

Kingfisher Cottage is close to the slopes of Mt Taranaki, and less than 20 minutes to the sea, local attractions and natural landscapes.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes.  The following activities and attractions are nearby or within 1 hour drive from Kingfisher Cottage.

Tawhiti Museum:  www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz

A visit to Tawhiti Museum will give you an authentic glimpse of New Zealand history with the use of life size exhibits and scale models.  Nationally renowned as the "best private Museum".  (10 minute drive)

South Taranaki Museum: www.stdc.co.nz

(40 minute drive South to Patea)

Elvis Museum: www.digitalus.co.nz/elvis/

(15 minute drive to Hawera)

Hawera Water Tower: www.stdc.co.nz

Climb the water tower and see views over Hawera. (15 minute drive)

The Possum Factory: www.envirofur.co.nz

Custom made quality naturally tanned possum fur and leather products, fur coats, vests, hats, footwear & possum merino knitwear.

Taranaki Country-Music-Hall-Of-Fame: www.thehive.co.nz

Opry show every Thursday 7.30pm.

Dawson Falls:

Walk South Taranaki:  www.stdc.co.nz

A network of delightful walking tracks and pathways provides visitors with a link between many attractions and a unique perspective of the dramatic landscape.

Patea River Walkway                  1.5km         Easy/Moderate              1.5 hours

Lake Rotorangi Hydro Walk          1.5km         Easy                            40 mins

Lake Rotokare                           4.2km         Easy/Moderate               1.5 - 2 hours

Ohawe Beach to Waihi Beach      5.0km         Moderate                       2.5 hours return

Opunake Walkway                     7.0km         Easy/Moderate                3-4 hours

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