July 4, 2025

Day Trip Ideas Within 1 Hour Drive from Taradise

Looking for adventures close to home base? Whether you’re after nature, culture, great food, or a bit of everything, Taradise is perfectly positioned for easy day trips around Taranaki. Here are some of our favorite destinations—each within an hour’s drive from your cozy stay at Taradise.

1. Stroll the Opunake Coastal Walkway

Drive time: 0 minutes
Opunake is a vibrant beachside town with an artistic soul. The stunning Opunake Coastal Walkway offers clifftop views, dramatic surf, and peaceful countryside scenery. While you're there, visit local art galleries like from out of the blue studio gallery or grab a coffee at Sugar Juice Café. In summer, the beach is patrolled and great for a safe swim.

2. Explore the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery & Len Lye Centre (New Plymouth)

Drive time: 50 minutes
For art lovers, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the iconic Len Lye Centre are must-visits. This architectural masterpiece celebrates kinetic sculpture, film, and experimental art. Afterward, enjoy a walk down the Coastal Walkway or dine in one of New Plymouth’s many cafes.

3. Picnic at Hollard Gardens

Drive time: 20 minutes
Only a short drive from Taradise, Hollard Gardens is a beautifully maintained public garden with wide open lawns, exotic and native plantings, and a great picnic area. It’s perfect for a relaxing day outdoors, especially with kids in tow.

4. Discover Eltham’s Vintage & Cheese Trail

Drive time: 20 minutes
Known for its cheese, antiques, and charming main street, Eltham is a quirky little town worth exploring. Visit Eltham Cheese, rummage through vintage shops, and grab a bite at one of the local bakeries. It’s like stepping back in time—in the best way.

5. Hike Dawson Falls on Mount Taranaki

Drive time: 45 minutes
If you’re craving a dose of nature, Dawson Falls is one of the most accessible and enchanting spots on Mount Taranaki. Several short hikes start from the visitor centre, including the Goblin Forest walk and the waterfall trail. Bring a rain jacket and your camera—it’s magical in any weather.

6. Relax at King Edward Park, Hāwera

Drive time: 25 minutes
If you're looking for a calm, kid-friendly spot, King Edward Park in Hāwera offers a tranquil day out. Wander through the beautiful gardens, enjoy the playground, or take a paddleboat out on the lake. You can also visit the Tawhiti Museum nearby—one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

Final Thoughts

Staying at Taradise means you’re perfectly placed to discover some of Taranaki’s best-kept secrets—all within an easy hour’s drive. From coastal adventures and lush gardens to local art and mountain trails, there’s something for everyone just down the road. Take the day to explore, then return to Taradise to unwind in comfort. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

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