Taranaki, Its Mountain and Travel Information

Taranaki, the district with a heart as big as a mountain, is literally true.



At the extreme South-west corner of the North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui) of New Zealand (Aotea-roa), stands the magnificient volcanic cone of Mount Egmont ( Mount Taranaki ), that dominates the coast for many miles, north and south.

The subterranean fires that originated this noble mountain have long ceased their action, leaving as their handiwork, a symmetrical cone that rises to a height of 2518 metres, the top of which is ever covered with a cap of snow.

This dominant but extinct volcano is to people of this region what Fujiyama is to the Japanese.

Although it may be less frequently climbed than its noble counterpart, Taranaki people are well satisfied to have it in their daily lives; cradle of storms that nourish their rich pastures; symbol of noble symmetry of outline; focal point in any scenic view.

Abel Janszoon Tasman did not see the mountain in December 1642, but he named its neighboring cape after a Batavian counciller, Peter Boreels.

Succeeding navigators were more fortunate: In 1770 Captain James Cook named the mountain Egmont, after a First Lord of the Admiralty, John Perceval, the earl of Egmont, and a year later the ill fated Marion du Fresne sighted it and called it Mascarin Peak.

But this awesome mountain is not the only thing that attracts travellers from all over the world.

With its ancient, Maori culture and history, natural wonders, lush forests, world class surfing, amazing wildlife and black iron-sand beaches, Taranaki is the ideal haven to unwind and have fun..

And if your a shopping fanatic like me, then this region has that in abundance too, from interesting arcades, boutiques, specialty shops, a broad range of supermarkets and an exciting shopping centre.

Plus, for those who love their food, there's a huge variety of restaurants and cafes, which include the kids favourite, Mc Donalds, Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Read more on the fascinating Taranaki

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Tongaporutu Whitecliffs Farmstay New Zealand