North Island's West Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in North Island's West Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
4 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Puke Ariki
The stories of Taranaki’s compelling volcanic and cultural history are revealed here, in the region’s heritage, research, and information center. From the landscape’s violent volcanic formation and the tragic Māori versus English settler/soldier Land Wars to the discovery of natural oil and gas deposits and today's internationally acclaimed surfing culture, it’s all here, including interactive science exhibits for children. Located across the road from the beach and popular Wind Wand kinetic sculpture, the in-house Arborio Café is worth a stop, too, as demonstrated by the presence of locals.
1 Ariki St., New Plymouth, Taranaki, 4310, New Zealand06-759–6060Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
2. Whanganui Regional Museum
This museum offers a superb overview of the region's history and one of the country's best collections of Māori artifacts. It contains taonga (Māori ancestral treasures) of the river people and re-creates 19th-century pioneer-town Whanganui. There's also Te Pataka Whakaahua (the Lindauer Gallery), featuring 19th-century paintings of Māori leaders by respected artist Gottfried Lindauer. Entry is free, but the museum offers guided tours for an extra charge if you want to gain more insight into the exhibits.
Watt St., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4540, New Zealand06-349–1110Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, guided tours NZ$10 -
3. Tawhiti Museum
This isn't a boring old museum but rather an outstanding presentation of Taranaki’s lively history. It’s the creation of former schoolteacher-cum-historian Nigel Ogle, who has created life-size fiberglass figures and set them into historic scenes: dioramas depict the huge intertribal wars of the 1830s and European–Māori land wars of the 1860s, for example. More than 800 model warriors, none of them the same, have been created. In "Traders and Whalers," you glide by lantern light on a boat through an eerie world of traders and whalers and witness their first encounters with Māori tribes. Outside, Tawhiti Bush Railway highlights historical logging operations in Taranaki (runs the first Sunday of each month). Mr. Badger's Café, with its Wind in the Willows theme, and a quaint gift shop, can bring you back to the present. To reach the museum, in southern Taranaki, head south on State Highway 3 for 30 km (18 miles). It's a fascinating stop, but well off the beaten path.
401 Ohangai Rd., Hawera, Taranaki, 4672, New Zealand06-278–-6837Sight Details
Rate Includes: Museum NZ$15, Traders and Whalers NZ$15, Bush Railway NZ$6, Closed Mon.–Sat. June–Aug. -
4. Waimarie and Riverboat Centre
The coal-fired paddle steamer, Waimarie, is one of the original riverboats that operated here. Sunk in 1954, it was salvaged from the river bed and restored in the 1990s. Throughout summer (late Oct.--early May) you can enjoy a historic, two-hour cruise, just like the old days. The Waimarie Centre displays photographs and related artifacts from the era when riverboats thrived here. Opening hours are variable at this volunteer operation; summer weekends are your best bet.
1A Taupo Quay, Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand06-347–1863Sight Details
Rate Includes: Cruise NZ$45, museum by donation, Museum closed Tues. late Oct.--early May, closed Sun., Tues., Thurs., and Sat. early May--late Oct. No cruises early May--late Oct. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
