Our District
On the south side of the “nose” of the North Island lies a little known paradise that is South Taranaki.
Whether you want to escape the rat race for a holiday, attend one of the region’s exciting festivals, go fishing, tramping, skiing, shopping or anything in between, South Taranaki offers it all. Its stunning natural environment, rugged coastline and grown up urban attitude mean that once here, everything is on your doorstep – you can be on the mountain in the morning, the beach in the afternoon and dining out in any one of our top class cafes or restaurants in the evening.
Rich in cultural heritage and history, South Taranaki is made up of many communities, and offers a diverse range of activities, sports and entertainment. It is quickly becoming known as the place to live with its natural beauty, friendly people and uncrowded lifestyle.
South Taranaki is a great place to raise a family. Safe, caring communities, first class facilities, a feast of outdoor activities - no school zoning means you can choose the school best for your child whether small and rural or larger and urban.
Our high-speed broadband connection means you’ll always be connected to your markets around the country and the rest of the world.
International and national business is conducted from here; the region offers its residents a lifestyle choice – all the mod cons of the city, without the hustle and bustle.
How to get here:
South Taranaki is easily accessible by driving an hour from either New Plymouth or Whanganui airports. Or take a scenic drive just 3.5 hours from Wellington on State Highway 3 or 4.5 hours from Auckland and let the beautiful Mount Taranaki be your guide once you reach our beautiful region.
Choose a town from the menu below to find out more.
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Hawera Hawera is South Taranaki's largest town, servicing a large rural area. Hawera means “the burnt place” or “breath of fire” and ...
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Eltham Just 20 km north of Hawera is Eltham, known as a town of industrial firsts. Chinese businessman Chew Chong exported the country’s ...
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Patea It is difficult to think of Patea without also recalling the outstanding Patea Maori Club and its chart topping single “Poi-E” which ...
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Waverley Halfway along State Highway 3 between Hawera and Wanganui lies Waverley, the South Taranaki District’s southern most town. Waverley ...
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Manaia Just 10 minutes away from Hawera and only 45 minutes to New Plymouth city lies the settlement of Manaia. With a population of ...
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Kaponga The name “Kaponga” means “tree ferns used for palisades”. Kaponga, nestled at the base of Mount Taranaki, is the southern gateway ...
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Opunake With one of Taranaki’s best surf beaches, Opunake is a favoured seaside destination. Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, windsurfer, ...
Contact Us
For all Council enquiries, information, and customer service
EnquiriesPh: (06) 278 0555
Toll free: 0800 111 323
24 hours a day, seven days a week
Fax: (06) 278 8757
Email: contact@stdc.govt.nz
Address: 105-111 Albion St, Hawera 4610
Post: Private Bag 902, Hawera 4640