Excursion Egmont national park & te kainga marire garden tour at New Plymouth

Discover New Plymouth with a trip to Mt. Taranaki and the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre, experience the lush native forest and admire the stunning views. You will then travel to Te Kainga Marire Garden, an inner city native garden, whose name translates in Maori for "the peaceful encampment".

Egmont National Park

Leave the pier for the short and scenic drive to the iconic peak of Mount Taranaki, stopping to discover the legend of the mountain at the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre, surrounded by lush native bush with stunning views. The Visitor Centre offers comprehensive displays, a small café and retail area, and friendly staff who can help with track and weather information. Take a self-guided walk on small loop. Enjoy some stunning views at the lookout before hopping on the bus and driving to a local café to enjoy a morning tea selection of filtered coffee, tea or juice and a selection of savory and sweet bites.

Te Kainga Marire Garden

Next, make your way to Te Kainga Marire Garden on a comfortable 45-minute drive. Echoing the native theme is Te Kainga Marire - Maori for "the peaceful encampment", one of only five 6-star gardens in New Zealand. The skillfully designed inner-city garden has been hand-crafted from bare land over decades by Valda Poletti and Dave Clarkson, who live amidst the lush ferns, wetland plants, alpine treasures and native trees. Valda will welcome you personally and answer any questions as you meander through this wonderland, a true gem of Middle Earth.

At the end of your visit, re-board your coach for a return drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Mt. Egmont, Visitor Centre, Te Kainga Marire Garden

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We suggest guests be in good physical condition to take full advantage of this tour, guests can choose the type of walk they wish to participate in based on own ability. Approximately 1500 metres (1 mile) will be covered over uneven surfaces and uneven ground with some stairs at the visitors centre.