Travel experts Lonely Planet have revealed their annual guide to the Best in Travel for 2017, and one special New Zealand region got a mention.
Focusing on travel trends for the year ahead, the guide is divided into the top 10 regions, cities, countries and best value locations.
And while New Zealand was left out of the top 10 countries to visit in 2017 in favour of Canada, Colombia, Finland, Dominica, Nepal, Bermuda, Mongolia, Oman, Myanmar and Ethiopia, one quirky Kiwi region was tipped as the second best area to head to.
Closely following the Incan town of Choquequirao, Peru; Taranaki was recommended to travellers who wanted something ‘a little bit out there.’
Despite the joke going that people who hit Taranaki must have taken a wrong turn along the way, the west coast of the north island region was tipped as a great spot for travellers who wanted to get off the beaten track.
The offbeat new gallery dedicated to painter, poet and filmmaker, Len Lye, gives culture vultures something to talk about, while hikers can enjoy walking in Egmont National Park, where a new trail is being hailed at the country’s finest one day walk.
Described by Lonely Planet as a region of “rolling dairy farms, easygong residents and sleepy side roads,” the guide recommends enjoying the surf beaches, the views of Mt Taranaki, and the surprisingly artsy New Plymouth.
Top things to do in Taranaki:
Puakai Crossing: the route around Mt Taranaki while taking in the awesome views
Dining at Social Kitchen in New Plymouth
Visit the Len Lye art gallery in New Plymouth
Head to one of the local breweries for a pint
Drive down Surf Highway 45
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