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If scenic driving routes or themed highways are of interest to you, Taranaki is the ideal region to visit.
Two major State Highway 3 routes access the huge cloak of grass-green surrounding the feet of Mt Taranaki – the first from the north through TeKuiti and the second from the south through Wanganui.
If you are driving from Auckland to New Plymouth, allow four-to-five hours of driving time to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Awakino Gorge, Mt Messenger and the stunning Taranaki coastline that on a clear day showcases the mountain, surf and the panoramic White Cliffs.
Tongaporutu offers 25m tall pinnacles known as the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock, and old Maori rock carvings in hidden caves, whilst the North Taranaki towns of Urenui, Onaero, Mokau and Waitara boast such things as an award-winning organic brewery, beaches, golf, art and craftspeople, gardens, walkways, museums and historic points of interest.
The journey from Wellington to New Plymouth takes approximately four-and-a-half hours of driving time, and passes through the historic towns of Waverley, Patea, Hawera, Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood.
Another unmissable driving route is Surf Highway 45, a 105km road that hugs the coastline between New Plymouth and Hawera in South Taranaki. Known throughout the world as one of New Zealand’s best and most consistent surf coastlines, this road links the region’s urban centres with legendary surf spots, sleepy seaside settlements, arts and crafts trails, Egmont National park’s track network, the Maui Production Station visitor centre, Cape Egmont lighthouse, Parihaka Pa and superbly deserted beaches.
If history is your passion, don’t miss Forgotten World Highway 43, which travels inland from Stratford to Taumarunui taking in historic pioneering districts and passing through Whangamomona. More than a look back in time, this highway both charms and thrills with its isolation and stark beauty.
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