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New Zealand in Focus

 

 

Taranaki: Like no other

Family enjoying the sunset on Fitzroy Beach New Plymouth – Credit Rob Tucker

This month we set the team at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park the impossible task of giving us their top 6 reasons to visit them and the Taranaki region in 2017!

 

Here’s the thing – they already know that you are going to love your stay in their little piece of paradise, so instead of giving us a rundown of what you can expect when you stay at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park they have given is this awesome mini event guide to so can plan your stay around what’s on in New Plymouth during 2017. How cool is that!

 

Before you start planning your trip, let me tell you a little bit about New Plymouth and one of our newest editions to Family Parks in New Zealand, Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park.

 

The city of New Plymouth is situated in the Taranaki region on the west coast of the North Island. Renowned for its nature, heritage and sunshine it is also home to Mount Taranaki, the stunning conical shaped mountain that sits proudly in the background of the city reminding locals and travellers alike of the rugged beauty awaiting them on their next hike.

New Plymouth City – credit Rob Tucker

 

Now, don’t just take our word on how awesome this place is, Lonely Planet has named Taranaki #2 in the world’s best regions to visit in 2017. You can read more about what they had to say here.

 

So now you’ve made the decision to visit, you need to book your stay at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park. Just a short 5 minute drive from town and boasting a tranquil and sheltered setting adjoining New Plymouth’s award-winning Coastal Walkway. Fitzroy Beach is a delight to both swimmers and surfers with a gnarly surf break and patrolled swimming areas.

 

New Owners, John and Jan Crawford, have carried out many major upgrades around the park over the past few years including adding a new communal kitchen, upgrading bathrooms and adding new European styled cabins. With a range of accommodation and over 100 powered and non-powered sites all situated within the meticulously kept grounds, there is something to suit all travellers.

 

Taranaki is home to a number of unique festivals and attractions so make sure you know what is waiting to delight you before you go any further.

 

AmeriCarna

21-25 February 2017

2017 celebrates the 10th year of this huge event! Think American cars, culture and of course a heap of rockabilly style.

Check out the event schedule here and get along to celebrate the America of yesteryear: http://americarna.co.nz/

 

WOMAD

17-19 March 2017

WOMAD – World of Music, Arts and Dance, known as the ‘Worlds Festival’ is an incredible celebration of the arts held every year in the beautiful Pukekura Park. The internationally established festival brings together artists from all over the globe and this year’s line-up looks sure to delight!

For event information or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.womad.co.nz/

 

Happy Chaddy’s Charters

September – June, 8am – 4pm

Chaddy himself is a local icon. He takes visitors out exploring the Sugar Loafs on his restored English life boat and he sure can tell a tale or two. In fact this little rhyme on Happy Chaddy’s website really sums things up quite nicely!

‘Happy Chaddy has a lot to say, with many tales to tell along the way. He could keep you there most of the day, it depends on how long you want to stay. You could catch a fish or two, it’s really up to you.’

To book your next tale of the high seas, visit: http://www.chaddyscharters.co.nz/

 

Puke Ariki

Open daily (closed on public holidays)

Puke Ariki brings people together through exhibitions, artifacts, history and literature. It is much more than a library, it is an exhibition and event space and an information centre too. You will be sure to find something here to stimulate the minds and souls of kids and adults alike.

Check out the website to see what exhibitions are on when you are visiting: http://pukeariki.com/Exhibitions

 

NZ Tattoo and Art Festival

26 – 27 November

This is Australasia’s biggest tattoo event featuring hundreds of the world’s finest tattoo artists and a line-up of amazing entertainment. This is suitable for all ages and makes a great family day out.

To see all the event details visit: https://www.nztattooart.com/

 

The Len Lye Centre

Open Wednesday – Monday (Closed Tuesdays and Christmas Day)

The only dedicated art gallery in New Zealand to one artist. They call it ‘pioneering and daring’ and what Len Lye called the ‘swingiest art gallery in the antipodes’. This contemporary art museum is on the ‘must do’ list for any visitor to the region.

Learn more about Len Lye, the collection and the gallery here: http://www.govettbrewster.com/len-lye/centre

 

 

For more information on the Taranaki region visit Venture Taranaki

Photo credits: Rob Tucker, Jeremy Beckers and Patrick Reynolds via Venture Taranaki  &  Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park

 

See Member Rewards in the Taranaki region