Popular travel guide Lonely Planet has judged Taranaki the world's second best region to visit in 2017.
The 2017 edition released last week says "from dairy farms to legendary surf breaks, the region's natural assets have long been envied. But in recent years a powerful arts and cultural set has elbowed its way to the fore... the stage is set for Taranaki's star to shine".
South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop said civic leaders throughout Taranaki were delighted with the critique.
"We thank our Taranaki community - residents, organisations and businesses - for supporting us," he said.
"The vision and sustained investment shown by all the councils in this region is reflected in this accolade."