Top Reasons to Go to North Island's West Coast

Caving: Beneath Waitomo, underground passageways, fossils, limestone formations, and glowworms await. Explore by walking, boating, "black-water" rafting, or rappelling.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Ideal for beginners, the Whanganui is New Zealand's longest navigable river. Paddling trips promise amazing scenery and historic Māori settlements.

Walking and Hiking: Take a short walk or multiday trek through the wetlands, alpine fields, and lowland rain forest of Egmont National Park.

Surfing: The black-sand surfing beaches here are among the world's best. Near Raglan try Whale Bay and Manu Bay; in Taranaki "Surf Highway 45" accesses premier breaks.

Scenic Drives: Rolling green farmlands, dense forests, mountain ranges, river gorges, and dramatic coastlines—you can see them all from the comfort of your car.