Still in the arts theme was Eltham's new Arty Loo's. Glenn Hansen, community development advisor for the South Taranaki District Council, says the arty loos were a hit since opening.
"We've had visitors taking lots of photos and spending time looking at the art-work so I suppose we have photos of Eltham Loos all over New Zealand."
Returning to the list this year was Beck Helicopters for their scenic flights around the mountain.
Marie McGregor, office administrator at Beck Helicopters, says flight goers always come back "buzzing" from their experience. "Seeing the mountain up close is breath taking but I think it is the commentary and the knowledge of the area from pilots Alan and David Beck that makes the experience all the more enjoyable for visitors." Marie adds however, flights are very dependent on the weather and can take some time to organise.
For a family activity that is not so weather dependent, Fun Ho Toy Museum is a must do experience. Offering something for everyone ages 8 to 80 Fun Ho Toy Museum is great for the whole family, says in house toy maker Richard Jordan. As well as interactive displays in the museum, the business also have a range of classic home-made toys for sale all crafted by Richard himself.
Another museum making the list this year is the Taranaki Pioneer Village. Whether it is exploring the 40 authentic historic structures dating back to 1853 to get a feel of what it was like to grow up in pioneer times or watching a live carpentry or welding demonstration the village is also an experience to be enjoyed by the whole family. Village events and education co-ordinator Lelia-Maree Bunyan says the highlight for most visitors is the train ride around the village. For an unique experience, Taranaki locals have voted for the Forgotten World Adventures railcart tours. Ian Balme, owner operator of Forgotten World Adventures, says he was very pleased to see the business had made the list again this year. Ian says he believes the railcart tours are so well received because visitors are travelling through an area that has such a rich and diverse history. "We do our best to keep interviewing the locals to ensure we can pass on their stories to visitors, as I feel it our job to keep the stories of the area alive."
When it comes to deciding where to eat, Venture Taranaki have included 40 of the top restaurants, cafes, bars and take-away businesses throughout the region in the list.
In Central Taranaki, Stratford Mountain House was the only restaurant to make the list. Manager, Sarah-Lee Rangi says she believes it is the exquisite surroundings that has seen Stratford Mountain House make the Must Eats and Drinks list. "The beautiful scenery of the mountain creates a unique dinning experience, particularly if visitors take their time to check out some of the mountain walks before or after their meal with us," says Sarah-Lee.
In the cafe section Inflame Cafe of Eltham made the cut, stating that customer service, great coffee and a diverse range of items on the menu is what sees them make the Must Eats and Drinks list.
Cafe Windsor of Inglewood also made the cafe section with their 'legendary brunch menu'. Kim and Zac Scown, owner operators, say that offering a range of items on the menu, including options for those with dietary restrictions makes them versatile enough to cater for anyone. For takeaways, Taranaki has no shortage of options for dinner. Oscars Inglewood Takeaway made the list for their delicious cabinet food including gourmet pies, doughnuts, fudge and scones as well as their freshly made fish and chips or handmade pizza's.
For a seafood option in Inglewood the Funk Fish Grill also made the top ten takeaways list for providing their customers with huge burgers, crispy chips and a great seafood selection. Owner operator, John Lock, says he offers the widest range of seafood possible to appeal to everyone's taste buds.
In Eltham, Davey's Patch Pizza made the top ten takeaways list for their diverse range of handmade pizzas. Manager Brian King says he is thrilled to have made the top takeaways list. "We have a strong base of loyal customers, thanks to previous owners David and Marie McGregor, and with word of mouth we always love seeing new faces in store to try out our menu."
Mayor Neil Volzke says it is great to see so many Central Taranaki businesses named in the list this year. "It goes to show that these businesses are offering first class experiences that are being supported by the Taranaki locals."
For more information on Venture Taranaki's 'Taranaki Must Do Experiences' check out www.visit.taranaki.info
