Without a doubt, the heart and soul of Taranaki on the West Coast of the central NorthIslandis the magnificent Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont. This area is so famous, it even used to have a firework named after it!
Mount Taranaki Egmont NZ
Taranaki is a place drenched in history, tradition and a home-style beauty. It is dairy farm land, bathed in the warmth and charm of old world New Zealand. The character of Taranaki shows in the way the locals have designed a list of ‘top 50 things to do in Taranaki’ which includes eating ice cream at Iona Dairy, surfing and having a ‘whitebait’ fritter!
Whitebait Fritter
Maori legend tells the story of three mountains caught in a love triangle – Taranaki and Tongariro were both deeply in love with the lovely Mount Pihanga. After an almighty battle, proud Taranaki was defeated and, heartbroken and shamed, fled to the sea where he resides to this day, his head often hidden in the heavy cloud so no-one can see his shame. The tale continues that the swathe he cut in his retreat is now the magnificent Whanganui River.
The region is also famed for its arts and music, and hosts a number of festivals each year. One local music group, the Patea Maori Club, is responsible for putting Taranaki on the map of NZ music legend, when their song ‘Poi E’ became a runaway success and topped the charts in 1984. Ex Prime Minister Helen Clark nominated the song as her favourite in the last few years.
For those who enjoy driving, the circuit route from Hawera around the Tasman Bight to New Plymouth, following the Tasman Sea, is stunning. The sunsets over the Western Tasman are not to be missed; surf, beach walks and exploring the beach caves is an adventure for all the family, and there are countless activities to be tried for the more adventurous.
Climbers will love the challenges presented by this 2,518 metre conical mountain, but please remember the trampers code and be prepared for all conditions, let someone know where you are and when to expect you back. Climbing is a thrill to be taken with a good measure of caution! After your climb, head into Inglewood for a world-famous pie!
There are countless places to stay in the Taranaki area, and you will find one to suit your style and budget easily. Farmstays and ‘WWOOFING’ (working for keep on farms or Willing Workers On Organic Farms) will give you a taste of the true flavour of this region.
Whatever you choose to do on your visit to Taranaki, you will be pleased you took the time to stay a while in this unique area filled with genuine Kiwi warmth and hospitality, rich in tradition and humour like no other.
Yours truly,
The GO Rentals Guy
The photo you have of mount taranaki
Is it okay if i put this image on my face book page as my cover photo
Cheers and Thank you
Sure thing William! Feel free to
kia ora
I rented a car with you last week in wellington and saw this image on your page. I am printing a range of canvas prints as gifts for a group of guests who are visiting Taranaki this week and was hoping it would be ok that include this image. if it is ok is it possible to get a full resolution copy as the photo has to be around 2mb for good copy quality. we would of course also acknowledge your company on the back of the canvas if it was ok.
look forward to hearing from you. feel free to respond via email if that is easier.
Sure thing Leonie