New Zealand - Taranaki & Whanganui (Chapter) Lonely Planet
This region offers paradox aplenty. From being one of the wettest spots in New Zealand it frequently tops lists for the most hours of sunshine in the North Island. Home to oil and gas off-shore rigs, it also hosts a glut of black-sand beaches to thrill surfers.
Coverage includes: New Plymouth & around, Mt Taranaki (Egmont National Park) & around, Surf Highway 45, Whanganui, Whanganui National Park, Palmerston North & around, and Manawatu Gorge & around.