For four months, I called the Taranaki home. Housesitting in New Plymouth with a westward view of the Moturoa Harbor, the Taranaki quickly became one of my favorite regions in New Zealand. A stunning coastal walkway with picture-perfect visions of Mt. Taranaki framed by the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Claiming more lives than any other mountain in New Zealand, Mt. Taranaki is dangerously beautiful. In summer, trails to the summit track through the Goblin Forest, across the Puakai peas and golden valley floors. In winter, it’s icy presence is menacing, but with enough snowfall, it becomes secret local ski-slope. Part of the Taranaki’s charm is it’s low profile on the tourism front. New Zealand’s most beautiful hidden gem.

Welcome to the Taranaki