For sure Mount Taranaki is instantly recognisable and, cloud permitting, seen places in Taranaki Many visitors to Taranaki , however, neglect to see Mount Taranaki from Lake Mangamahoe - a 10-minute drive south of New Plymouth on State Highway 3.
Lake Mangamahoe itself is home to walkways, a bridleway and picnic areas. Although I'm only a visitor (albeit a regular one) to Taranaki - it's clear that Lake Mangamahoe is a fine place indeed for a secluded cup of coffee or some sandwichs during a break or a spot of lunch.
Either way Lake Mangamahoe is well worth popping in to - even if it's for a 10-minute driving break to stretch your legs!
Travel pictures - Pictures from my travels in Switzerland, Italy and New Zealand
Europe - Travel information from around Europe
Eclipse chasing - Essential total eclipse trip planning information from 2010 to 2019
Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world
Lucerne - getting around - How to get around Lucerne in central Switzerland
European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (L) - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations (L)
New Zealand - A personal guide to things to do, see, eat and drink in New Zealand
London - the 11 best pubs - 11 great pubs to have a beer in in London
Berne Münster (Cathedral) - a brief history - A brief history of the Cathedral in the UNESCO-protected old town of Berne
Switzerland - sacred destinations - Nine of the finest churchs, cathedrals and monastries in Switzerland
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook