Rural New Zealand is opening up in a variety of ways.
In Taranaki, it seems, a sizeable number of tourists are keen to stay and play in our rural scenery finding it to be a unique experience.
Many Taranaki farmers live and work in glorious surroundings, often with spectacular scenic backdrops and views of the mountain. Although they might not share the enthusiasm, their daily chores take on a whole new life in the eyes of tourists, who are often 'blown away' by the experience.
While adventure sports like hunting, shooting, fishing and mountain climbing can attract people into the region, the humble farmstay is catching on. To be part of daily life on a farm is more than enough for some tourists.
Paul Stancliffe-White, general manager of visitor industry at Venture Taranaki, says that although in depth statistics on rural tourism are hard to come by, it is on the rise and becoming a important part of rural diversity. "Rural tourism is a growing industry in Taranaki, there are farm stays springing up all round the mountain and along the Forgotten World Highway."