All content tagged with "Environment"
The East End Surf Life Saving Club has installed a new rainwater storage system funded by NPDC's Community Climate Action Fund to wash down rescue gear and reduce mains water usage.
A silent underground water leak outside the New Plymouth District Council Civic Centre was losing 5,000 litres of water an hour before blowing the site's water meter.
Rotokare Scenic Reserve is appealing for community support after its only on-road vehicle was stolen in Rotorua and destroyed by fire.
Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced a 12-year offshore petroleum exploration permit for EnZed Energy in the Taranaki Basin, marking the first since the exploration ban was lifted.
New Plymouth's Brooklands Zoo is hosting special Keeper Talks to share tips on how locals can protect native ruru from hazards like pest species and sticky parapara tree seeds.
The Green Party has launched an ambitious election energy policy proposing a state-owned power generator and a transition away from natural gas.
The Coalition Government has blocked existing and pending Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into New Zealand's new planning framework.
Residents are invited to help plant native trees at Lepperton's new Manutahi Park this Saturday, marking a major step in the development of the community greenspace.
New Zealand has detected its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a brown skua found on Petone beach, though officials advise the public health risk remains low.
UK-based Sunda Energy has applied for a petroleum exploration permit off the North Taranaki coast, marking the sixth application since the offshore exploration ban was lifted.
New Plymouth District Council has partnered with KDH and Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū to daylight the Huatoki Stream and redevelop adjacent sites on Devon and Brougham streets.
An Australian energy firm has applied for a petroleum prospecting permit covering nearly 10,000 square kilometres of deepwater ocean off the Taranaki coast.
A stunning Taranaki sunset was captured near Back Beach and Paritutu Rock by photographer Tony Skilling.
The Taranaki Regional Council has approved a landmark Joint Management Agreement with Ngāti Maru to establish a shared framework for environmental decision-making across the Waitara River catchment.
Launched in late 2025, Korito-based social enterprise Green Loop is now diverting 1,000 litres of commercial food waste from landfills each week to create nutrient-rich soil.
Latest progress photos show the ongoing work on the Metro Plaza Demolition and Huatoki Daylighting project on Devon Street.
New Plymouth Airport has been awarded a Silver award in the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026 programme for Climate Change Adaptation.
Ageing alder trees along Devon Street East are being replaced with native planting as part of the Devon Street Green Masterplan.
A stunning sunset was captured over the Coastal Walkway by Taranaki Media.
Taranaki iwi have placed a temporary rāhui across the entire Pouākai Range following the death of a tramper in Egmont National Park on Friday.
A beautiful sunset captured over the coastal city of New Plymouth.
Firefighters are working through the night to contain a large vegetation fire near Waiinu Beach in South Taranaki, with residents urged to stay indoors and prepare for potential evacuation.
Lake Rotomanu is being emptied for the summer to allow scientists to survey a gold clam infestation and conduct fish harvesting with local hapū.
Lake Rotomanu will be drained this week to allow scientists to investigate the full extent of a freshwater gold clam infestation, the first detection outside the Waikato River.
An intense burst of solar activity means Taranaki residents may have a chance to see or photograph the Aurora Australis tonight, particularly from darker rural locations with clear southern views.
A wildfire in Tongariro National Park has now burnt an estimated 3000 hectares, with photos showing widespread devastation and crews continuing to battle the active blaze amidst road and track closures.
The Tongariro National Park wildfire has rapidly expanded to an estimated 1600 hectares, leading to further precautionary evacuations and an escalated aerial firefight amidst challenging conditions.
A wildfire in Tongariro National Park has surged past 1000 hectares overnight, remaining out of control and forcing air evacuations, road closures, and a major aerial response on the Central Plateau.
A beautiful evening scene captured at Lake Rotomanu.
The Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, named New Zealand’s Favourite Event in 2023, is now open until November 9, showcasing 43 gardens and over 30 talks, tours, and workshops across the region.
Tunnel crews on the Te Ara o Te Ata (Mt Messenger Bypass) project have successfully broken through the top section of the 235-metre tunnel, marking a significant step towards a safer and more reliable State Highway 3 route.
Taranaki food rescue charity On The House is opening its fourth Free Store in Stratford on November 5, providing local residents with access to surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfill, while also reducing emissions and water wa
New Plymouth District Council has secured a five-year deal with the New Plymouth Airport solar farm, enabling the TSB Festival of Lights and other council operations to run on 100% renewable electricity, achieving zero emissions for the upc
Ageing alder trees in the New Plymouth CBD have been replaced with native shade trees and street-level greenery.
New Plymouth's CBD is getting a green facelift, replacing ageing Italian alders on Devon Street with native shade trees and greenery to enhance safety and amenity as part of the City Centre Strategy.
A beautiful day brings scenic coastal views around the Taranaki region.
Visitors enjoy a beautiful sunny day at Lake Rotomanu and the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
The Pump Track is the newest addition to Aotea Park in Waverley, perfect for riders to build confidence, develop skills, and have a blast. Grab your bike and check it out.
Once known as the Old Waterworks Reserve, the name was changed in 1989 in recognition of Audrey Gale, a longstanding councillor and active community member. A commemorative bronze plaque at the park entrance outlines Mrs Gale’s outstanding career.
Voted one of New Zealand's favourite beaches, Back Beach is a must visit.
Relaxing location with breathtaking sea views. A great range of modern accommodation to suit each person’s unique requirements providing a perfect choice for the ultimate Taranaki experience.
Following the Waingongoro River at Cardiff, approximately 6km from Stratford, this is a pleasant 3km walkway through farmland and natural bush which gives access to points of local historical significance.
A looped urban and river bush walk encompassing native bush as well as introduced European and American species. Along the walkway discover some impressive views of Taranaki Maunga.
Walk to Curtis Falls and enjoy a dip in the shallow pool beneath the falls. This track also leads to Maketawa Hut.
This 250m one way track is an easy walk down a series of steps. Walk to the lookout point or the base of Dawson Falls/ Te Rere o Noke in Egmont National Park.
Discover this epic new play area, overlooking New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway that offers a huge interactive space for the whole family to enjoy.
A patrolled swimming beach in summer, this spot is also becoming known as a kite surfing destination.
EGMONT ECO LEISURE PARK & BACKPACKERS “The Ultimate Exclusive Retreat to Ensure your Holidays and Stay become a Memorable Experience.” Our peaceful sanctuary epitomising an environmentally friendly, secure environment.
Everett Park is located 8km east of Inglewood and sits on the banks of the Manganui River. It is a popular picnic and swimming area as well as bushwalking and fishing. At night, thousands of glow worms shine in the large cave by the third carpark.
Take a splash with the family at Fitzroy Beach.
We're New Plymouth's only holiday park on the beach with facilities for the whole family and a range of accommodation to suit your needs. Guests love our great location and friendly service. Book now to make your own great memories at Fitzroy Beach.
Originally part of the home garden of community leader and farmer Charles Goodson, the Dell was first developed as a swimming pool by damming a small spring.
Established in the fertile rural landscape south of Mt Taranaki by Bernie Hollard in the 1920s, this property boasts a plant collection of national importance. It features many rhododendrons and unusual plants, and offers delightful contrasts.
The 5km walkway follows the meandering Huatoki Stream from the city foreshore, winding through the city, parks, native bush and surrounding suburbs.
The first homestead of Taranaki pioneer Harry Atkinson, who later became Premier of New Zealand, the cottage has an attractive garden, period furniture, family mementos along with graffiti from the New Zealand Wars.
Kamahi Loop Track, also known as Goblin Forest, is a magical walk through moss-draped trees and lush native bush on Taranaki Maunga, offering an enchanting rainforest experience for all ages.
A pleasant drive to 900m above sea level on Taranaki Maunga/Mount Taranaki's south-eastern slopes brings you to the Dawson Falls road-end. This is the starting point for many walks on this side of the mountain. The Kapuni Loop track meanders its way down the right bank of the Kapuni River where alpine plant species can be found out of their vegetation zone due to water- and wind-borne seed distribution. Witness the river carving its way down the ancient lava flows to Dawson Falls/Te Rere o Noke.
A hidden piece of paradise located just off SH45 in South Taranaki. Great for families, tourists, couples & solo travellers. Located next to the Kaupokonui River with access to the beach for swimming, fishing, kayaking & surfing.
King Edward Park offers pleasant picnic spots in tranquil locations, spectacular floral borders and rose gardens, dramatic seasonal changes and a wide range of amenities and attractions.
Located within easy reach of the town centre King Edward Park is an ideal sanctuary to experience countless varieties of plants, mature trees, birdlife, and fast-flowing mountain streams.
Near Okato part way along the legendary Surf Highway 45, the Kumara Patch is a left-hand point break with a sandy beach.
This established private garden has a backbone of mature trees, the lake lapping on one side, the homestead and wedding barn in one corner.
Lake Mangamahoe is a popular location for mountain biking, walking, and running, and has a bridle path for horses, a scenic lake and park, not to mention the multiple lookout vantage points that offer iconic and spectacular views of Taranaki Maunga across the lake.
Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve is a peaceful 230-hectare predator-free environment, where you will be surrounded by native and endangered flora and fauna, an impressive predator-proof fence, the lake itself and various wetlands.
This is an attractive, short (1.5km) lakeside loop-walk located at the southern end of Lake Rotorangi. The walkway crosses the 82m-high Pātea dam and through virgin bush filled with tawa and hīnau. A feature of the walkway is a grove of black beech or tawhairauriki, which flower in a burst of brilliant red in October and November. The campground located by the dam offers toilet facilities, showers, and tent sites.
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Named after Lucy Stevens who lived in Oakura in the early 1900s, Lucy's Gully is a popular picnic spot and can be used to access the Waimoku and Sefton Ridge tracks.
This is a good day or overnight tramp, with fantastic views of Taranaki Maunga from Maketawa Hut.
Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park is Taranaki’s premier single-track riding venue. Located in the plantation forest east of Lake Mangamahoe, it contains over 30km of tracks, from beginner-friendly green trails to double-black advanced lines.
This track takes you to the Manganui Gorge suspension bridge then on to the ski field. On a clear day this walk provides great views of North Taranaki and up the coastline.
Only minutes away from the Bell Block residential area, these routes travel through farmland and coastal plantings, offering picturesque vantage points and intriguing historic sites.
On a fine day enjoy spectacular views of Taranaki and the Pouākai Tarn on this day hike or overnight tramp.
First settled in the 1730s by Ngā Pōtiki-taua hapu, Marsland Hill was originally known as Pukaka Pa. Since then the strategic position of the hill has seen it given many uses and today it is a popular, accessible and scenic recreational reserve.
Matekai Park was established in 1980 with subsequent land being purchased to create a 6.5 hectare area that is a popular link between Oakura village and the beach.
Maude Track leads from the end of Maude Road to the pretty Mangakotukutuku Falls.
Enjoy a picnic beside the Waiwhakaiho River and choose from two short walks suitable for all abilities. Both walks can be accessed from the Meeting of the Waters car park.
Nestled in the northern Taranaki forests, just off the Forgotten World Highway, the 74m high Mt Damper Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island and is a must-see for travellers.
Renowned as a goblin park and a native plant park, Naumai Park offers an overwhelming sense of being in an untouched native bush environment.
The award-winning Coastal Walkway is an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching almost the entire length of New Plymouth. Ideal for walking, running, cycling, skating, or simply enjoying the view of the dramatic west coast, the walkway is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Our holiday park accommodation options cater for camping, motorhome or caravan, comfortable cabins and self-contained units. We offer you a variety of accommodation to suit your holiday style, family and your budget.
Nikau Grove is a peaceful surprise nestled in the suburbs of New Plymouth. Set in a gully of lush native rainforest, this mature garden of approximately one and a half acres incorporates a variety of intimate and larger spaces, with an emphasis on native plants, which link seamlessly into exotic plantings.
Enjoy this short walk through a growing bush area.
Situated just 2km from the South Taranaki coast, this established garden shelter creates a haven from prevailing winds. The striking private garden has developed a style that reflects owner Jenny Oakley’s formal horticulture and landscape design training and is recognised as a Garden of National Significance.
Oakura Beach is a popular beach, especially for families.
Welcome To Oakura Beach Holiday Park. With New Plymouth just 15 minutes away, Oakura Beach Holiday Park is great for a fun and relaxing family beach holiday. You'll be staying at one of Taranaki's most popular and spectacular beaches.
Just 11.5km north of Waitara, Onaero Bay Holiday Park is in a spectacular location, on both sides of the Onaero River and surrounded by native bush.
Opunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park is an ideal family park, unique beachfront location on a safe surf patrolled beach (over summer) in a sheltered sandy bay. Great fishing & surfing with children's playground.
Climb to the top of Paritutu in around 15 minutes to enjoy a bird's eye view of New Plymouth and its coastline from the top of this distinctive volcanic outcrop.
Experience the unique landscape and community of Pātea off the beaten track and right on the iconic river side.
This barrier-free track starts at the Potaema picnic area about 3km from the national park boundary on Pembroke Road. The fully accessible, wheelchair/pushchair-friendly track is suited to all abilities and exhibits a rainforest environment lush with its hanging gardens and carpets of moss and ferns dwarfed by a towering forest. It is the perfect short walk for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Taranaki Maunga without committing to a hike.
The Pouākai Circuit displays centuries of volcanic activity with the active erosion scar of the Boomerang Slip, the towering columns of the Dieffenbach Cliffs and the red water of the Kokowai Stream caused by manganese oxide oozing from the earth. The circuit takes you through the fragile Ahukawakawa Swamp, golden tussocks, summer flowers with a side trip to the Stony River’s Bells Falls.
The Pouākai Crossing is Taranaki Maunga/Mount Taranaki’s premier one-day walk that takes in the highlights of the longer two to three-day Pouākai Circuit. If you’re only completing one tramp in Taranaki this is the one to do.
Renowned for its rhododendron collection, Pukeiti is a 360ha rainforest property located between Mount Taranaki and the coast, just south of New Plymouth. Established in 1951, Pukeiti is an internationally recognised garden and plant collection.
Pukekura Park is a world-renowned park located in the heart of New Plymouth city. Beginning its life as a barren and swampy valley, it has been shaped into one of the best inner-city parks in New Zealand and is the backdrop for the annual TSB Bank Festival of Lights - a free light and entertainment event held from mid-December to late January.
Puketarata Garden - A Garden of National Significance located in South Taranaki. A large country garden. We are open during the Taranaki Garden Festival & at other times by arrangement. Check out the website www.puketaratagarden.co.nz
Learn about Pātea’s rich history and follow the lower end of the Pātea River through pastures and pine forest to several points of interest dating back to the 1860s. Start the walk at either end, and if you finish at the beach, enjoy a meal using one of the free electronic barbecues in the picnic area. Toilets are available at the beach.
This is a circular walk in a 36ha blend of open spaces, plantations, bush and a wetland area (Barrett Lagoon). The domain is also a wildlife refuge. Explore an abundance of native bird life, wetland and lake habitats and indigenous vegetation in this urban oasis.
With dappled light shining through nīkau palms, kohekohe trees and tawa, this lush temperate rainforest walk is very photogenic and looks like a walk in the tropics. It is an easy-to-follow track, but can be steep in places and has steps. It is well worth a visit.
Stark and Bridger parks provide a charming and restful centrepiece to Eltham’s historic retail precinct.
Enjoy lowland bush and views of Taranaki Maunga on this 3km walk.
Stratford Children’s Bike Park and Victoria Park Playground
The Stratford Heritage Walkway combines the unique features of Stratford: areas of parks and gardens, the crystal-clear mountain-fed waters of the Pātea River, the Shakespearean background reflected in street names, and the pioneering development of the town as outlined by many buildings and points of special interest.
Set in beautiful Park like grounds, choose from our Motels, cabins, backpackers lodge or camping. We are the gateway to Mt. Egmont National Park and have an accommodation option for every budget.
Hike Taranaki’s best tracks with the comfort of an all-inclusive package and the safety support of a small, guide-led group.
This climb is the most spectacular and adventurous in Taranaki but it is not to be taken lightly – Taranaki Maunga/Mount Taranaki is more difficult and dangerous than it may appear. It should only be attempted in good weather by fit and experienced trampers with proper equipment. The best time to climb Taranaki Maunga is from February to mid-April when the slopes are bare of snow (though ice remains year-round in the crater). It takes eight to 10 hours to complete. In winter and spring, snow and ice on the slopes requires mountaineering experience and equipment, and a different route into the crater than described below. You are strongly advised not to climb in winter and spring conditions unless you have appropriate experience, equipment and knowledge of Taranaki Maunga. Before you climb, check the weather forecast at the Metservice and check the DoC website for any current information or alerts.
One of New Plymouth’s hidden gems, Te Henui Cemetery covers approximately 24 acres and boasts an eclectic mix of plantings designed to provide a year-round display.
Te Henui Walkway is one of the most beautiful walkways in New Plymouth District, which winds its way up from the coast through a variety of native and exotic flora, past historical pā sites, and several picnic areas and swimming holes. It is also the access point to the coveted gardens of Te Henui Cemetery.
Te Kainga Marire, Māori for “the peaceful encampment", is a skillfully designed native inner-city garden that mimics New Zealand’s natural environment.
Te Popo Gardens & Accommodation is the largest privately owned garden in Taranaki, located only 15 minutes from Stratford.
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is an iconic pedestrian and cycle bridge in New Plymouth, perfectly framing views of Taranaki Maunga.
Te Wera Valley Lodge is situated along the scenic Forgotten World Highway, approximately 37km’s from Stratford’s town centre. Te Wera has a wonderful tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic surrounding...
Te Wera Valley lodge provides an opportunity for lodgers to experience a rustic, no frills lifestyle whilst still being able to access modern comforts. Stay at Te Wera Valley Lodge Campground whilst exploring the Forgotten World Highway (SH 43).
Developed in 2001, the Arboretum was made possible by a bequest to the community from the late Percy Thomson, a former mayor of Stratford who died in 1962. The bequest also funded a virtual herbarium which can be found at www.taranakiplants.net.nz
Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Tupare is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and distinctive gardens. It is one of three heritage properties owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.
Urenui Beach Motor Camp is a friendly family camp with clean and modern amenities, and a beachfront and river location. Our accommodation includes Standard Cabins, On-Site Caravans, Powered Sites, and Non-Powered Sites.
Dating back to 1885, Victoria Park gained its name and many of its trees in 1897, when £5 was spent on the purchase and planting of trees to commemorate 60 years of reign by Queen Victoria.
Waingongoro Hut is a good overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers - walk through goblin forest, see the lava-formed pools, and cross the highest swing bridge in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.
Uncover the stories of Waitara as you make your way from Marine Park on the coast to Waitara CBD, following the Waitara river on this unique eel-themed walkway.
This walkway takes in the stunning views of the dramatic Whitecliffs, and the protected Parininihi Marine Reserve. It crosses private land and is closed to access from 1 July to 30 September for lambing and other farm-related work.
Family-friendly and accessible for all, this loop track takes you to a series of remarkable plunge pools formed by the scouring action of water-borne sand and gravel on 20,000-year-old lava. Off the path, you have the option to scour the rocks around the pools. The higher you go, the better the view of the mountain.
Located on the bank of the Patea River, this small park gets its name from Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of Windsor. Gently sloping towards the river, and shaded by established trees, Windsor Park offers a tranquil escape. Sunny grassed areas can also be found and there are many picnic spots.
York Loop Track is within Egmont National Park and follows part of the old Egmont Branch Railway Line, which was constructed in 1901 to provide metal for roads and rocks for Port Taranaki. The quarry operated until the late 1920s. You will come across many of the tell-tale remains along the track, such as the site of old bunk houses and cottages, and an old crusher site where a large retaining wall remains.
There are several points of interest on the dramatic South Taranaki coastline between Ōhawe and Waihi beaches. For your safety, please ensure you do this walk two hours either side of low tide
Round up the family for some beach cricket or grab some fish and chips for a fun day out at the beach. Ōpunakē Beach offers safe swimming and is only a short walk from the centre of Ōpunakē township.
The Ōpunakē Loop Trail is the longest of the formal South Taranaki walks and takes you through beautiful lake and beach scenery. It travels around Ōpunakē Lake (popular for boating, swimming and water skiing) and across Ōpunakē Walkway heads, providing views of Te Namu Pā, Taranaki Maunga and the coastline.
