Summer is the busy time for farmers and haymakers, and the oil industry is always flat out, so Taranaki is one part of the country that doesn't shut down for Christmas/New Year... but there's a twist on the way many of us work.

PHOTOS: Check out all of our photos of New Plymouth here

Locals love this place so much, they often won't go far for the holidays, opting to head up the coast to a bach or campground at Urenui, Onaero and Mokau and around to Okato, and Opunake. That leaves them handily placed to commute to work, or to take advantage of the region's many attractions (if long lazy days at the beach get too much...).

There are more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, ranging from ten-minute nature walks to a three-day 'around the mountain' tramp. New Plymouth's award-winning Coastal Walkway stretches 11 kilometres from the Port to Bell Block passing over the stunning Rewa Rewa bridge, and offering some dramatic west coast beach views - that's always a favourite of mine, I'll often go for a run there, or a bike ride with my boys.

Another favourite of ours is the TSB Bank Festival of Lights, which transforms New Plymouth's legendary Pukekura Park into a night-time wonderland. My boys have always liked the late night adventure of exploring the park. You never know what's around the corner - a snoring giant and Grimace the Gorilla are highlights we look forward to every year.

Taranaki is home to 17 gardens of national or regional significance, 20 golf courses, a thriving cafe culture, and an underestimated art scene - we rival Nelson for the number of artists per capita.

With spectacular surf, sensational gardens, events, and outdoor and cultural activities - plus some seriously awesome people! - you can see why I prefer to take my holidays here, and why Taranaki prides itself on being a destination ‘like no other’.

By John Blackman - Newstalk ZB's Taranaki reporter

Photo: Sarah Ellem

What do you love about Taranaki? Email your stories and photos to [email protected]