Table of Contents

PART ONE: THE SWEEP OF THE LAND 13 The landscape of Taranaki from Awakino, southwest to New Plymouth, circling Mt Taranaki, south to Waverley, via Whangamomona back to New Plymouth; MAP OF TARANAKI 14; PART TWO: CLIMATE OF GROWTH 71 Man's influence on the land - a wander through the world-renowned gardens of Pukeiti and Pukekura Park, and several nationally-recognised private gardens; PART THREE: ARCHITECTURE AND THE ARTS 101 The spirit of Taranaki reflected in the architecture and arts. Images of Maori culture, historic buildings, and rural towns to modern architecture; PART FOUR: PEOPLE, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 131 The cultural diversity of Taranaki and New Zealand is unique. Specific events and activities in the Taranaki environment have created a niche that sets it apart from other regions.