Regional Information
Taranaki Region
The Taranaki region lies on the West Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, equal distances between the main cities of Auckland 369km (220 miles) and Wellington 355km (213 miles). This distance equates to approximately five hours driving time.
The region stretches from Mokau in the North to Waitotara in the South and Whangamomona in the East.
Taranaki enjoys a temperate climate, with abundant rainfall, and land area of 723,610 hectares (3% of New Zealand’s area) and a population of approximately 105,000 people.
Protected by breathtaking and snow capped Mt Taranaki, steeped in historical significance and bordered by a 300 kilometre coastline of ragged surf beaches of the Tasman Sea, Taranaki offers a smorgasbord of outdoor recreation opportunities and the added bonus of a vibrant arts and crafts scene.
Population
Three districts make up the Taranaki region: more than 70,000 people or half of Taranaki, live in the main city of New Plymouth (the name derived from Southern England, where most of the first emigrant settlers came from in the 1840’s) the Stratford District (8,500) and South Taranaki District (27,000), the main population centres are New Plymouth and Hawera (11,000).
The Economy
Taranaki is one of the fastest growing regional economies and relies on its natural and physical resources, Dairying, oil and gas exploration and petrolchemicals along with engineering, contribute to its economic growth, serviced by a thriving port.
Links:
Venture Taranaki
Find all the information you'll need on what it's like to live in a region like no other. Plus much more....
New Plymouth District Council
Information about New Plymouth District Council and the vibrant district of New Plymouth, New Zealand
Puke Ariki - Information Centre
Puke Ariki is a ground-breaking knowledge centre where library, museum and visitor information are united to tell the stories of Taranaki - past, present and future.
