Best things to see and do in Hawera

No matter where you are in Hawera you're able to see Mt Taranaki. Photo / NZME.

This South Taranaki town has some top-notch dining and several great museums, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Where is it? 75km south of New Plymouth and 20 minutes from Mt Taranaki, Hawera is Taranaki's second largest town.

Origin of name: Maori for "burnt place", a reference to an event when two tribes were at war and the wharemoe (sleeping house) of one tribe was set ablaze.

Hot spot: The region had more than its fair share of fires with major blazes in 1884, 1888 and 1912, which is why the water tower was erected in 1914.

Population: 11,400 (June 2014 estimate).

Town slogan: Alive with opportunity.

Town saying: If you can't see the mountain it's raining, if you can see the mountain it's going to rain.

Town mascot: The aforementioned water tower.

Famous locals: Michael Campbell (golfer), Fiona Kidman (author), Nicola Kawana (actress), Ronald Hugh Morrieson (author), Conrad Smith (All Black), Adine Wilson (netballer).

Infamous local: Kevin Wasley, the man behind Hawera's Elvis Museum is a character, an asset to the town, sideburns, blue suede shoes and all.

Best website: southtaranaki.com.

Most prominent industry: Fonterra's Whareroa factory is the one of the biggest dairy facilities in the world and a few sheep get farmed around here, too.

Source of pride: The community is great at pulling together - they get things done.

Eye sight: Being mostly flat, no matter where you're standing in Hawera you are able to see the mountain and it's different every day - truly dramatic.

Town fiestas: The Hawera A&P Show is a major crowd pleaser, as is Arts in the Park.

Here for a short time: Visit the Tawhiti Museum, climb the water tower and pop into the Elvis Museum.

Hawera's legendary Elvis Museum. Photo / Tracey Grant

Best place to take kids: There are plenty of parks. Naumai is opposite a BMX track, there's a skate park next to the water tower and the town pool has a hydroslide.

Best parks: King Edward Park is all manicured lawns, roses and playgrounds (and a lake), while Naumai Park is more tranquil, filled with fascinating botanic specimens, and there's a 30-minute walk that goes between the two.

Best playground: The play area at King Edward Park has forts, jungle gyms, a pirate ship and giant swings - if you're feeling brave.

Best walks: The Ohawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk is a beauty and takes about two-and-a-half hours return. Just check the tides. Stroll around pretty Nowell's Lake surrounded by the coastal sand dune belt. Occupying more than 7ha, there's a short walk that passes through farmland that's been planted in native trees and swan plants. Monarch butterflies flourish here.

Best view: If you climb the 55m-tall Hawera Water Tower's 215 steps you'll be rewarded with a bird's eye view of the town. Access is via the adjacent i-Site and, for a modest entrance fee ($1 child, $2 adult), on a clear day you can see for miles - spectacular.

Best place to pull over: The beaches are all invigorating, as is driving into town from the south. If it's twilight you'll want to stop to truly appreciate the views of the mountain, water tower and coast. Even the dairy factory is pretty; at night when it's all lit up it looks like a castle.

Best swim: Hawera Aquatic Centre for a pool swim or head out to Patea Beach, 20 minutes down the road, for a plunge in the surf; black sand for miles.

Best museum: Tawhiti Museum is brimming with curiosities. The man sitting on the long drop is a hoot and Pepper's ghost at the Whalers and Traders area is a must see. There's also a bush railway and a cafe.

Most unusual museum: The Elvis Presley Memorial Museum. Proprietor Kevin Wasley has been collecting memorabilia since 1959.

Nice arts: Lysaght Watt Gallery is well worth a visit - exhibits change monthly and the space itself is enchanting. Several cafes display the works of local artists and the i-Site has art available for purchase. Locals here seem to be especially creative.

Cream of the coffee: Arabica Cafe is the place to go when you're after your fix; their scones are sublime.

Baked: Anderson's Pie Shop is legendary. They also do the best cream doughnuts you'll find anywhere.

Best food: For a small place the dining here is fabulous. Black and White Cafe serves venison and kangaroo and changes its menu every month. II Chefs has a knack for winning beef and lamb awards. For catered food you can't go past the beautiful Tairoa Lodge.

Wet your whistle: Morrieson's Cafe and Bar (named for Ronald Hugh when his birthplace was pulled down for a KFC). Open from 11am to late, it's good for families or an after-work drink.

Best adventures: Hunting and fishing are big here, if you're that way inclined. Or play paintball if you don't want to actually kill things.

Wildlife: Cows. There are a lot of cows, native birds and bugs.

Safety warnings: The west coast beaches are beautiful but they also can also be rugged so do take care and never go swimming alone unless you're supremely confident.

Locals say: We look good, we're well fed, we're happy.

Visitors say: And so modest.

Thanks to Hollie Weir for sharing the delights of her small but perfectly formed town.