The name “Kaponga” means “tree ferns used for palisades”. Kaponga, nestled at the base of Mount Taranaki, is the southern gateway to the Egmont National Park and is a quaint little town with a population of approximately 300. Kaponga is located inland from Manaia and Eltham and is on the main road connecting Eltham to Opunake.
The town was once much larger town than it is today and there are only a few shops now, including a dairy and supermarket, a vet service, bed and breakfast and two rural supply businesses. It is also home to a garden of national significance, Hollard Gardens. There are many other businesses working in and around the village, mainly relying on the booming dairy industry.The small town of Kaponga was settled in 1882, and has strong Swiss connections. Some of the first settlers in the area were Swiss, and in 1952, the Taranaki Swiss Club was formed.
Things to see and do while visiting Kaponga:
Egmont National Park – A variety of easy, short walks branch off the main access roads. A number of beautiful waterfalls are in easy reach of Dawson Falls and it is worth walking through the Goblin Forest to Wilkies Pools - a series of plunge pools formed by the scouring action of water borne sand and gravel.
Kaponga Heritage
Fancy a game of golf? If golf is your favourite pastime there are good things in store for you in South Taranaki. Visit our separate webpage for a list of all the golf clubs in our area.
Hollard Gardens – Hidden paths, expansive lawns and swamp gardens are all part of the wonderful showcase of colour and horticultural drama that is Hollard Gardens. This garden of National Significance features an extensive collection of trees, rhododendrons, shrubs and perennials gathered over the past 77 years. Free admission.
Public Swimming Pool – Grace Avenue, Kaponga – open early December-mid March.
Taranaki Swiss Club– Grace Avenue, Kaponga. For club events and functions.
South Taranaki i-site Visitor Information Centre
For great advice, service and friendly tourist information wherever you are in the region, please phone or visit the i-Site Visitor Information Centre in Hawera. All South Taranaki libraries also offer visitor and tourist information throughout the working week and display boards are kept up to date with community notices and events.
Address: 55 High Street (PO Box 5), Hawera
Telephone: 06 278 8599
Fax: 06 278 6599
Email: visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz
Open Hours:
Monday-Friday 8.30 am-5.15 pm
Weekends and Public Holidays 9.30-4 pm (December-April), 10 am-3 pm (May-November)
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
