The rolling surf thunders in on glistening black sand beaches, pounding, rhythmical, soothing. Towering Mt Taranaki (pr: 'Tah-rah-nah-key') stands sentinel inland, majestically overseeing the surrounding land. The Taranaki region is bordered by unspoiled West Coast beaches to the east and centred by Mt Taranaki. Rise to the unique challenge of surfing, swimming and snow skiing all in one morning. New Plymouth is the main city in the region and offers some of the best conference facilities of any provincial city in the country. Choose from purpose-built complexes, top class hotels and small boutique venues. The city is a conference venue with a difference, with its excellent conference facilities, central location and spectacular scenic setting. And once the working day is over there's plenty to do. If the outdoors appeals there's snow skiing, tramping, abseiling, big game fishing, golf and a great new adventure called 'dam dropping'. Or if a relaxing walk in the fresh air is more what you're after then head to one of the many unspoiled beaches or beautiful gardens and parks.

Pukekura Park (pr: Poo-keh-koo-rah'), in the centre of the city, is the jewel in New Plymouth's crown. A sprawling 49 hectares of native bush and groomed gardens, it is beautiful, especially over the Christmas/New Year period when the 'Festival of Lights' transforms the park to a magical wonderland. Also in the heart of the city you will find the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, one of the country's top contemporary art galleries and home of the world-renowned Len Lye Kinetic art collection. Picturesque gardens, native bush walks and a tranquil riverside setting are the trademarks of the town of Wanganui (pr: 'Wahng-ah-noo-ey') - it offers a perfect escape to the small and intimate side of New Zealand life and culture. Inhale the fresh air and absorb the sights as the paddleboat Waimarie gracefully plies the waters of the Wanganui River. Caves, waterfalls and historic Maori settlements drift past; the 'Bridge to Nowhere' takes your breath away with its dramatic setting. Taranaki is easily reached by road and air. It's midway between two of New Zealand's largest cities, Auckland in the north and Wellington in the south, and a four hour drive or a short hour flight from both.

GARDENS  
For an all-year-round garden experience, visit one of the regions eight nationally or regionally recognised gardens of signifcance. The NZGT has assessed that 24 gardens in New Zealand have reached the highest standard of "Garden of National Significance" with a further 20 being of Regional Significance. Taranaki has 7 of the Gardens of National Significance and 1 of Regional Significance, putting it at the forefront of the garden sector in New Zealand. To achieve "Garden of Significance" status the gardens underwent an onsite assessment by two professional assessors. The assessment process evaluates all the aspects that go into making a garden a great place to visit. We invite you to visit Taranaki and our gardens to experience these wonderful treasures for yourself. Please contact the Taranaki iSITES for further information: New Plymouth: 06 759 6060 Stratford: 06 765 6708 South Taranaki: 06 278 859

Events
Taranaki Rhodendendron and Garden Festival - October 6 to November 4, 2007
Fringe Garden Festival 2007 - October 26 to November 4, 2007
Lets Hear It For the Girls Expo
The Beach Boys and Christopher Cross - November 17, 2007
Elton John The Rocket Man - Solo Tour - December 6, 2007
TSB Bank Festival of Lights
Parihaka International Peace Festival - January 11 to 13, 2008
AmeriCARna - February 23 to 24, 2008
World of Music Arts and Dance (WOMAD) - March 14 to 16, 2008