Things To Do In Hawera

1. The Forgotten World Highway

This quiet route includes a number of interesting stops along the way. It passes through four mountain saddles, Tangarakau Gorge, and a 180-meter single-lane tunnel. After 50 years in the construction, the Forgotten World Highway was finally completed in 1945.

The Forgotten World Highway connects Stratford with Taumarunui and is 150 kilometers long. It's more than just a route connecting two towns; it's a comprehensive experience, packed with heritage and historical insights. The journey is twisty and secretive, and the sights of pristine native bush are breathtaking; it's unusual to come across country that has been unaffected by the modern world.

The Matemateonga Track, located off the Forgotten World Highway at Stratford and leading into Whanganui National Park, is a 3- to 4-day hike for the adventurous to tackle.

2. Hike Paritutu Rock

Paritutu Rock, a massive volcano remnant, is located just around the corner from our vacation park. Seven Sugar Loaf Islands, which are also volcano relics, keep company with the 156-meter renowned sight.

The 360-degree views from the top, where you can see the coast wrap around the city as the majestic mounga looms towering in the background, make this short but steep climb worth the 20-minute endeavour.

On a clear day, the North Island's Central mountains, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe, can be seen. If you're an early riser, the sunrise scenery is spectacular.

3. Opunake Walkway

The Opunake Walkway is a great way to make the most of your stay in Opunake. Discover some of the city's most important landmarks on this 7-kilometer one-way walk with many entry points that you may take as long as you choose to complete. Circumnavigating Opunake Lake, the Old Armed Constabulary Cemetery with tombs dating back to 1850, Opunake Shore, and the spectacular lookouts on the coastal cliffs on either side of the beach are all highlights of the walk.

4. Opunake Beach

Opunake Beach, one of Taranaki's most popular beaches, is a safe bathing beach and popular surf area. There are also free barbecues, picnic tables, and a children's playground, so there are lots of reasons to settle in for the day!

The beach is made mostly of refined volcanic black sand with big rock pools at the north-west end to paddle and rest in. At low tide, the summit of our magnificent Maunga Taranaki can be seen and admired!

5. The Three Sisters

Take a picnic lunch and visit the Three Sisters at Tongaporutu. You can find the formations by walking alongside the river and around the point at low tide.

A rock etching of a strange six-toed foot can also be found in neighboring caverns. But check the tides first, as the formations are only accessible during low tide.

6. Pukekura Park and the Bowl of Brooklands

This 52-hectare park, located in the center of New Plymouth, is one of New Zealand's best botanical gardens. Fountains, lakes with bridges, open lawns, walking routes, formal gardens, a fernery, and a large variety of native and exotic species may all be found here. A lakefront tea shop and three children's playgrounds are also available. Pukekura Park hosts the TSB Festival of Lights from mid-December to late-January. WOMAD, an internationally known three-day music festival, takes place in March at the park's enormous outdoor stage, the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, and there's almost certainly a terrific headline act or two performing during the summer.

7. Tawhiti Museum

Thousands of super-realistic scale models and life-size displays bring much of the area's history to life at this award-winning, privately owned museum. Their Whalers and Traders experience is a must-do, as you board a small vessel and sail into the darkness before being transported back in time for a glimpse of life in Taranaki between 1820 and 1840. Tawhiti Museum is open Friday to Monday from September to May and on Sundays from June to August, and is rated as one of the top things to do in South Taranaki for visitors of all ages.

8. Hawera Water Tower

The Hawera Water Tower, an iconic building of the town, is a fantastic photo opportunity! After paying a nominal admission charge at the i-SITE, ascend the spiral staircase to the summit for breathtaking views of Hawera, the Tasman Sea, and Mt Taranaki!

9. Ohawe Beach

Ohawe Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the Hawera area if you're looking for some beach time. The black-sand beach is a superb example of Taranaki's rough coastline, making it an excellent spot for a picnic or a stroll down the beach. If you wish to fall asleep listening to the waves, there is also a campsite.

10. Tangahoe Valley Road to Lake Rotorangi

A car drive down the Tangahoe Valley to New Zealand's longest lake promises to be a fun day out! While boating and water skiing are popular activities on Lake Rotorangi, people who want to stay on dry land may picnic or camp in the Tangahoe Valley campsite.