Taranaki
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including a rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf.
Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living means it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Photo location: Tongaporutu Three Sisters - Credit: Taranaki Story
The Taranaki region is located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand.
Taranaki is bordered by the Tasman Sea to the west and the Manawatu-Wanganui, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions to the east. The city of New Plymouth is the largest city in the region.
The region is well known for Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont) which is the region's namesake and most recognisable landmark - a stunning, symmetrical volcano.
Aside from the beautiful centrepiece of this region, the area is also known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene.
Health New Zealand - Taranaki
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the Government organisation that provides publicly-funded universal health care to 5 million Kiwis.
The management and delivery of health services are broken down into 'Districts' across the country, determined by both geographic location and population.
Health New Zealand – Taranaki serves a population of around 130,000 urban and rural residents with a team of more than 2,500 medical professionals working from Taranaki Base Hospital, a rural hospital in Hāwera, in a network of community health centres as well as mobile dental clinics.
View vacancies in this district
Photo location: Fitzroy Beach, Paritutu Rock - Credit: Taranaki Story
Taranaki Base Hospital
Taranaki Base Hospital is the largest hospital in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. Located in New Plymouth, it serves as the primary healthcare facility for the region, providing a wide range of medical and surgical services.
The hospital is managed by the Health New Zealand - Taranaki and includes emergency, maternity, mental health, oncology, and specialist outpatient services.
Photo location: Dawson Falls, Taranaki National Park - Source: Taranaki Story
Hāwera Hospital
Hāwera Hospital offers inpatient beds with ensuites, a maternity suite, outpatients, a purpose-built dental unit, community Mental health, District Nursing, radiology and laboratory departments and a 24-hour emergency department.
Base Hospital has maternity, ED, ICU, mental health and maternity services plus new paediatric and surgical wards as well as wards dedicated to general medicine and older people’s health.
Our Project Maunga hospital rebuild includes a new green-star-rated renal unit opened in November 2022, the new East Wing building housing acute and maternity and radiology services under construction, as well as a new cancer centre about to break ground.
Photo location: Taranaki Garden Festival - Source: Taranaki Story
Taranaki healthcare services
Services A to I
| Acute Mental Health & Addictions |
| Dental |
| Emergency Medicine |
| Endoscopy |
| General Practice |
| General Surgery |
| Intensive Care and Anaesthesia |
| Interventional Radiology |
Services J to Z
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| Oncology |
| Orthopaedics |
| Paediatrics & Neonatal |
| Rural Medicine |
| Stroke and Rehabilitation |
Relocating to Taranaki
Ready to embark on your journey in Taranaki? We're here to help make your dream of living and working in this picturesque region a reality.
Getting around
There's a world of exciting things to see and do in Taranaki. Get out there and create unforgettable memories in this incredible part of New Zealand.
Getting around
Photo location: Te Rewa Rewa Bridge - Credit: Taranaki Story
When you arrive
Driving in New Zealand
You can legally drive in NZ for up to 12 months per visit with your current driver's license. After 12 months, you will need to convert to a New Zealand license. Learn more about driving in NZ here.
Other ways to travel
- Citylink buses runs weekday commuter services within urban New Plymouth and to Bell Block-Waitara. Connector and Southlink buses are also available.
- Taxis and Ubers also operate around the main centres as well as several rental vehicle companies.
Housing options
Experience the unique Taranaki lifestyle! Taranaki offers a variety of housing options in close proximity of stunning natural beauty and within a warm and welcoming community.
Housing options
Photo location: Opunake - Credit: Taranaki Story
When you arrive
Short term accommodation
You may consider booking short-term accommodation ahead of your arrival, then search for long-term accommodation when you arrive. The cost and availability of short-term accommodation varies widely through the year. It can be affected by tourism peak season, university start dates and school holidays, to name a few. Familiarise yourself with the city and view available long-term accommodation to ensure it suits your preference. Several considerations to make are proximity to the workplace available nearby schools for the kids, and the ideal size of the property. Some may also find that flatting would be a more suitable arrangement.
Temporary accommodation options
Rentals
Renting is a great way to explore and get to know the area before you decide to purchase or build a house. Searching online is a good place to start as well as local rental agencies to help you find a place. Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished however furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country. These places aggregate rentals in one place:
Rental agencies
Buying or building a house
We understand that moving to a new country is a major move, and buying or building a house makes it even more significant. For healthcare professionals on NZ's Green List of roles, there's a unique opportunity to fast-track the residency process. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy a home to live in in New Zealand. When you can, use this tool to find out if you can purchase a house in New Zealand.
Watch: Taranaki, a region like no other
Home to pristine walking tracks, world-class surf breaks, a handful of New Zealand's best art galleries and museums, a legendary mountain and adventures waiting for you. Grab a glimpse of why Taranaki is a region - like no other.
Video credit: Venture Taranaki
Take the next step
Decided to move to New Zealand - Aotearoa?
Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and we'll match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.
Photos from left: Cape Egmont Lighthouse - Credit: Taranaki Story; Fitzroy Beach - Credit: Taranaki Story
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Interested in relocating to the Taranaki region? Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.