Lonely Planet has named Taranaki the second-best region in the world to visit in 2017.
Mt Taranaki is reflected in a tarn on the Pouakai Crossing. Photo: Jeremy Beckers
It's the highest ever ranking for a New Zealand destination in the travel guide company's annual Best In Travel publication.
The guide singled out Mount Taranaki's Pouakai Crossing one-day trek and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, in New Plymouth, as unmissable experiences.
A regional spokeswoman and New Plymouth councillor, Stacey Hitchcock, said it might come as a surprise to outsiders that Taranaki rated so highly, but not to anyone who lived there.
The award would help the world to discover Taranaki, she said.
All 10 regions named in this year's list, in order, were:
The guide recommended the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, pictured, in New Plymouth. Photo: Patrick Reynolds
Photo: Patrick Reynolds