Taranaki - like no other

It’s no wonder that in 2017, Taranaki earned the second spot in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: Top Ten Regions globally. As one of the few places in the world where you can ski and surf in the same morning, with a decent coffee and brunch in between, this vibrant region is a destination in itself.  

The city of New Plymouth, half-way between Auckland and Wellington on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, sits between the picture-perfect peak of Mount Taranaki and the dynamic surf breaks of the Tasman Sea.

The city’s 75,000 residents are welcoming and active, so you’ll instantly feel at home. A perfect destination on the ITU calendar, the region has great training facilities, including endless quiet roads, a fantastic cycle park, a 13km coastal walkway, and stunning sheltered swim routes.

But Taranaki is more than just an excellent training ground! Visit the iconic contemporary art museum - Len Lye Centre, and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, stroll through the inner-city botanic gardens of Pukekura Park, experience the region’s history at the Puke Ariki Museum, or settle into New Plymouth’s thriving café culture.

Standing just beyond the city is Mt Taranaki, famed for its 2518m near-perfect cone and offering a year-round activity hub, with more than 200km of hiking tracks in the warmer months and a ski field in winter.

Taranaki is home to the TSB Bank headquarters, a large portion of New Zealand’s oil and gas production, and a strong dairy production sector – all of which contribute to the region’s booming economy.

Whatever your schedule, make time to explore one of the world’s best regions in beautiful New Zealand.