Te Matatini whānau – welcome to Taranaki
We know you’re here for the haka, but if you’re keen to explore more, we’ve put together tailored itineraries to help you experience the very best of our Like No Other region. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, kai, or relaxation, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to go, what to see, and the best places to eat. Keep reading to find your perfect Taranaki experience during Te Matatini!
Creative Kapa Seeker
Head to Puke Ariki to explore the fantastic array of Te Matatini exhibitions, including ‘Te Ihi, Te Wehi, Te Wana: Ngā Kapa haka o Taranaki’, an exhibition that showcases captivating performances of eight kapa haka groups from the lens of renowned Taranaki photographer, Tania Niwa. Te Whatu Pareārohi ‘the shimmering braid’, explores how kapa haka enriches peoples connection to their whakapapa. And 'Tapuae Horanga-nuku' an outdoor photography exhibition by Tania Niwa, unveiling a selection of significant historical sites within Te Kāhui Maunga through large-scale aerial imagery and narratives. This exhibition is illuminated for night viewing.
Join whānau of Hana Te Hemara, a local wahine Māori leader to learn about her inspiring life and legacy, plus a visit to a giant mural painted in her honor by renowned artist, Mr G. Bookings essential.
Art lovers are in for a treat with exhibitions galore during the festival week, the must-visit Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre features Lalaga Le Hui Fono, a striking Pasifika exhibition. Over at Lysaght Watt Born to Create, Catalyst for Change showcases vibrant portraits of women who defied societal norms.
Want to get hands on? The Collaboration is hosting a contemporary Weaving Wānanga workshop (24 and 25 Feb – bookings essential), plus hosting a dedicated Toi Māori exhibition.
Ultimate Kapa Nan
Glorious gardens, inspiring art and culture, and decadent dining await in Taranaki. Take an early morning stroll along the Coastal Walkway, followed by a brekkie burger and coffee at Bleached Cafe or the perfect eggs benny at Emmalou Coffee House.
Take time to explore the region’s glorious gardens from the pristine Tūpare, to Pukeiti on the slopes of Taranaki Maunga with its world-renowned rhododendron collection. If you have moko's/grandkids in tow, Te Popo Gardens’ sprawling 13 hectares is the perfect adventure.
Finish up with a $15 tasting at Known Unknown’s House Wine Bar, featuring Māori owned wineries including Huntress, Tawhiti, and Kurukuru. Open from 3pm, Wed – Sat.
Kapa by day, kani by night
The festivities continue after dark at one of our region’s vibrant events and venues. Tūpare garden’s Summer Jam on Sunday 23 Feb sets the perfect vibe before the festival, while Sons of Zion are set to take centre stage at Butlers Reef on Saturday 1 March - Be sure to get your tickets quick!
Head to Crowded House for Karaoke Nights from 9pm on Tues and Weds, DJ Nights from 10 pm on Thurs 27th and Sat 1st, plus daily meal specials throughout the week. Kani kani the night away at The Good Home on Friday with DJ Heps FX on the decks, or enjoy a live band and DJ on Saturday night until late. Meanwhile, Icons Sports Bar will have karaoke each night from Tuesday – Saturday.
Looking for more? Unwind with a cold brew at Frederics, The Hour Glass, Mike’s Brewery, Shining Peak, Three Sisters Brewery, Colonel Malones, The Ōkato, or The Burnt Place.
Haka to shaka
The famous Surf Highway 45 has the perfect wave waiting for you. Follow this 105km coastal route to discover sheltered swimming spots, legendary surf breaks, and creative coastal communities. Kickstart your roadie with a coffee at Dawn Cafe in Ōakura before exploring dozens of iconic surf breaks like Stent Road, the Kumara Patch, Fitzroy Beach, Mangahume, and Arawhata Road. Kite surfers will love East End Beach, while families can find relaxed swim spots at Fitzroy, Ōakura, Ngāmotu, Ōpunake, Kaupokonui Beaches, or run down the sand dune at Back Beach.
Come for the haka stay for the kai
The Taranaki food scene is bursting with fresh flavour, but remember to book well in advance, especially if you’re dining in large groups.
Head to Puke Ariki Landing for food truck eats daily from 11am – 9pm, grab lunch at Haukai Bistro, epic savories and raw slices at The Unbaked Bakery, vegan feasts at Wildpear Kitchen, or traditional Māori fried bread at George’s Moturoa.
Get your caffeine fix at Ozone, or Proof and Stock, and refuel with Elixir’s famous chicken and bacon sammy before heading up to the Bowl of Brooklands for the festival.
Enjoy dinner with a view at Okurukuru Winery, Arborio, Salt, Black Sand Pizzeria, or a variety of delish food truck eats at the vibrant Liardet St Projects. Head to the West End Precinct courtyard for shared dining at Snug Lounge, Ms White’s, and Public Kitchen. For something special, Social Kitchen or India Today never disappoints.
Heading South? Hāwera’s Upside Down Eatery, The Burnt Place, Tika, It's Ramen Time, and Someday Café are must-visits, while Sugar Juice and Arty Tarts in Ōpunake are firm favourites. Hungry for more? Follow the Taranaki Tastes Map to uncover local coffee roasters, distilleries, and field-to-fork gems around the region.
Haka to Whakatā – Relax and rejuvenate
Take some time to reset and recharge. Experience weightless bliss at the Flotation Sanctuary with float pods, infrafred saunas, and hot and cold therapy. Sweat it out at the Sauna Project overlooking the beach, or unwind with traditional Rongoa Māori at Mihi’s Place. Kickstart the day at one of the region’s many yoga and pilates studio, or relax in nature along one of the region’s many trails.
Stroll the lush Hollard Gardens, and explore scenic walkways like Te Henui, Ōpunake Loop Trail, and the historic Pātea riverside. Of course no trip to Taranaki is complete without exploring the many trails around Taranaki Maunga, including the spectacular Manganui Gorge Bridge.
For the shopaholic
Pick up a unique keepsake at one of the many vibrant boutiques or galleries including, Kina NZ Design + Art Space, Home Love & Mette K, Fenton Street Arts Collective, Gallery Pātea, Bianca Lorenne, Objects Design Store, The Collaboration, Percy’s Place, or The Virtue. Head to Eltham for vintage shopping galore, with an eclectic mix of shops including El Smoove, Second Impressions and eclectic design store and art gallery The Bank.
Check out the buzzing Seaside Markets on Puke Ariki Landing, Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 4pm, showcasing local arts, crafts, and gourmet treats.
Take home a piece of Taranaki with our Taranaki Like No Other Merchandise - tees, caps, bucket hats, jibbitz, and hoodies that celebrate our region’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks are available to purchase online, at the New Plymouth iSite, or Novotel.
Whānau Fun
There’s no shortage of whānau fun in Taranaki. Take a wildlife boat cruise with Chaddy’s Charters around the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf islands, or enjoy some family competition at The Hillsborough Hideaway with its downhill luge, 18-hole mini-putt, and impressive collection of Holden vehicles.
Hire bikes from Cycle Inn to explore on two wheels – The Stratford Children’s Bike Park and Bell Block Bike Track are both perfect for young riders with exhilarating pump tracks. Discover the Kids’ Treehouse Trail at Pukeiti, an interactive nature trail with activity satchels available in both English and Reo, or explore the brand-new Destination Kāwaroa playground, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step back in time at Tawhiti Museum, Pioneer Village, or Fun Ho! Toy Museum. Keep the kids entertained at Bowlarama with indoor bowling, mini-putt, laser tag, and arcade games, or test your problem-solving at Escapinator escape rooms. Cool off at the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre New Plymouth, Hāwera Aquatic Centre, or Wai o Rua Stratford Aquatic Centre, or at one of the many outdoor community pools found around the region including Waitara, Eltham, Ōpunake, Pātea, and more.
What's On Guide
Download our Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga What's On Guide for everything happening around Taranaki during the festival week, including live music and nightlife, exhibitions, extended opening hours, and special deals.