Biking -- Cycletours Taranaki (tel. 06/756-7727) will tailor a tour of the region's quiet back roads to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Joe's Cycles (tel. 06/754-7065) rents mountain bikes and tandem cycles for NZ$20 to NZ$25 (US$14-US$18/£7.20-£9) for 2 hours.

Fishing -- Ultimate Fishing Adventures (tel. 027/224-9992 or 06/759-2345) will take you game fishing, fresh- or saltwater fly-fishing, bottom fishing, or sea fishing. In summer it also has evening fishing packages.

Golf -- Taranaki is home to 20 courses, including the New Plymouth Golf Club Ngamotu Links, Devon Road, Bell Block (tel. 06/755-1349). The 18-hole, par-72 championship course is on magnificent parklike grounds and has a pro shop, bar, and restaurant. Greens fees are NZ$30 (US$21/£11) for affiliated and NZ$60 (US$43/£22) for nonaffiliated players.

Kayaking -- Taranaki Outdoor Adventures (tel. 0800/200-6254 in NZ) is expert in sea, surf, and river kayaking. Throw in a bit of bridge-swinging, rock climbing, and abseiling, and you have the ideal one-stop shop.

Surfing -- Surf School Taranaki (tel. 06/752-8283 or 027/450-8283) offers 2-hour surfing sessions for beginners through advanced surfers who are at least 6 years old. The price is NZ$55 (US$39/£20) per person with a minimum group size of three.

Swimming -- The New Plymouth Aquatic Centre, Kawaroa Park (tel. 06/759-6060), is open Monday through Friday from 6am to 8:30pm, weekends and public holidays from 8:30am to 7pm (closed Dec 25). It offers a range of heated indoor and outdoor pools, hydroslides, and a steam room. Taranaki Mineral Pools, 8 Bonithon Ave. (tel. 06/759-1666), was established in 1914 and now provides a host of modern massage and beauty treatments to follow a hot soak in one of the private or group pools. They are open in summer Monday 9am to 8pm; Tuesday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday through Friday 9am to 9pm; Saturday noon to 9pm; and Sunday 2pm to 8pm. Private pools cost NZ$30 (US$21/£11) per couple.

Walking -- A wide range of walks, from easy to energetic, crisscross the New Plymouth area. The visitor center produces a super series of foldout pamphlets and maps that highlight the best walks.