Escape to Paradise: Mount Taranaki's Best-Kept Secret (The Park Motel)
Escape to Paradise: Mount Taranaki’s… Well, It's Complicated (A Review of The Park Motel)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Mount Taranaki, and let me tell you, it's stunning. Seriously, that mountain is like, majestic. And the Motel? Well, that's where things get… interesting. This isn't your average, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, the real, the slightly-hungover-from-a-delicious-pinot-noir truth about Escape to Paradise: Mount Taranaki’s Best-Kept Secret (The Park Motel). Let's break this baby down, shall we?
Accessibility: Not Quite Paradise for Everyone (But There's Hope!)
Alright, straight up: if you're looking for a fully accessible paradise, The Park Motel isn't quite there yet. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," but I didn’t get to see it myself firsthand to be honest (shame on me!). I've reached out to confirm what specific accommodations are offered, and I’ll update this review when I have a better idea. It might be worth a direct phone call to clarify your needs before booking – and don’t be shy! Ask all the questions!
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts)
Okay, this is where it gets a little wild.
- Restaurants: Yes. There are "Restaurants." Note the plural. But, you know, not in like, a New York City kind of way. More like, "Restaurant, adjacent to the lobby, serving mostly Western cuisine." (Again, based on their listing, I didn't eat there myself.) They do advertise "Asian breakfast" (sounds intriguing!), "Buffet in restaurant," a "Coffee shop," and "Desserts in restaurant." I really wanted to try the desserts. Next time!
- Breakfast: They offer "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Breakfast service" but my hungover brain did not allow to experience the buffet. Next time!
- Bar: Yup, a bar. Potential for a good time. They also have a "Poolside bar" which is always a plus.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? Now we’re talking! Perfect for those late-night cravings or when you just can’t face the world. I almost took advantage of the 24-hour room service. Almost…
- Snack Bar: Good for grabbing something quick if you’re feeling peckish.
Seriously, though… I’m dreaming about that Asian Breakfast.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, this is where The Park Motel shines, especially in the context of… you know… gestures vaguely at the global situation.
- Top Marks for Hygiene: They're taking this seriously. Multiple layers of cleaning and safety protocols, including "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Room sanitization opt-out available." I saw staff trained in and adhering to safety protocols. They even use "Professional-grade sanitizing services," which makes me feel slightly less neurotic.
- Food Safety Finesse: "Individually-wrapped food options," "Safe dining setup," and proper "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." Big thumbs up.
- More: "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, "First aid kit" in the lobby, and even a "Doctor/nurse on call." I didn't need it, thankfully, but good to know it exists.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day Dreams
This is where the "best-kept secret" part starts to make sense!
- The Spa! (And Sauna!) Spa/Sauna listed!
- Swimming Pool! (Outdoor!) Pool with a view! (I didn't see it, but I'm imagining lovely Mountain view!). Swimming pool!
- Gym/fitness: I, erm, may have skipped this… let's call it "prioritizing relaxation."
- Other: Body wrap, Body scrub, Foot bath, Massage, Spa: All the things.
Rooms & Amenities – Comfort (Mostly) Guaranteed
- Wi-Fi!: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HALLELUJAH! And "Internet access – wireless"! Plus "Internet access – LAN" if you're old school.
- The Basics Done Right: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box. You know, the essentials.
- Extra Goodies: "Bathtub," "Private bathroom," "Shower," "Slippers" (this is a nice touch!), "Satellite/cable channels," and a "Refrigerator." Nice to have!
Services & Conveniences – They Think of Everything
- Awesome Extras: "Cash withdrawal" (essential!), "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping." Seriously, love a clean room.
- Event Ready: "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Outdoor venue for special events," and even "Audio-visual equipment for special events." Perfect for that… whatever you're planning!
- Getting Around: free car park! Car park on-site! Valet parking! Airport transfer!
- Additional Notes: Elevator, Smoke alarms, Non-smoking rooms, CCTV in common areas, 24-hour concierge.
The Verdict (and That Compelling Offer!)
Look, The Park Motel at Mount Taranaki isn't perfect. It's not a five-star, all-inclusive mega-resort. What it is is a solid, well-maintained, and safe basecamp for exploring a truly breathtaking region. The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and the focus on hygiene gives you peace of mind.
Booking Recommendation:
Okay, here's the deal. To sweeten things up, and maybe guilt them into adding a few extra desserts to the menu, I’m going to offer you my personal recommendations and persuade you to book:
"Mount Taranaki Adventure Package"
This is not an official promotion; this is just me, your friendly neighborhood travel blogger, trying to help you have an amazing trip!
- The Deal: Book at least three nights at The Park Motel (tell them I sent you! - kidding, don't).
- The Perks:
- Guaranteed Room Upgrade (Depending on Availability): Hint, hint… request a room with a view.
- Free "Mount Taranaki Hiking Starter Kit": (This is just a small bottle of water and a granola bar, so don't get your hopes up.)
- A Voucher for One Complimentary Dessert: (You’re welcome.)
- Free Wi-Fi, (as it should be, just in case you forgot!)
- How to Book:
- Go to their website, call them directly, and mention the "Mount Taranaki Adventure Package"
- Confirm they have room during your desired dates.
SEO Keywords for the Win (Because I Want YOU to Find This!):
- Mount Taranaki Hotel Review
- The Park Motel Review
- New Zealand Motel Review
- Mount Taranaki Accommodation
- New Zealand Travel Guide
- Hotel with Spa Mount Taranaki
- Family-Friendly Hotels New Zealand
- COVID-Safe Hotels New Zealand
- Accessible Hotels New Zealand
Final Thoughts
Go! Book your trip. Experience the magic of Mount Taranaki. And take advantage of the "Mount Taranaki Adventure Package" if you end up here. You won't regret it. Just… maybe pack your own favorite dessert, just in case. 😉
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're going to the Park Motel Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, and let's just say… things are about to get real. And possibly a little lost. And definitely caffeinated.
The "Rough Draft of Awesome" - Mount Taranaki Adventure
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Mild Panic)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in a cold sweat. Did I pack underwear? I think so. (I hope so.) Scramble to the Auckland airport. The last-minute dash for the flight always makes me feel like I’m auditioning for a low-budget action movie. Grab the strongest coffee known to man. Pray to the travel gods for a smooth journey. (They’re usually too busy, to be honest.)
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Fly to New Plymouth. Gaze out the window, trying to appear cultured and appreciate the fluffy clouds. I fail miserably. My mind is a tangled mess of packing lists and the eternal question: "Did I leave the oven on?"
- An anecdote: The guy next to me on the plane decided he was a comedian. His jokes landed with the grace of a brick. I spent most of the flight pretending to be asleep, hoping to escape the "Did you hear about the…" stories.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Arrive in New Plymouth. Pick up the rental car. (Pray it doesn't have any hidden mechanical Gremlins.) The drive to the Park Motel. Holy moly, the scenery is beautiful! Actually, it's ridiculously beautiful. The rolling green fields, the sheep (so many sheep!), and then… BAM! Mount Taranaki looming like a majestic, slightly grumpy giant.
- Quirky observation: Seriously, these sheep are judging me. I swear they have a sophisticated understanding of existential dread.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Check into the Park Motel. Ah, sweet, sweet motel room. It's clean, it has a comfy bed (always a win!), and the view of Mount Taranaki? Absolutely breathtaking. Take a deep breath. Let the stress melt away…mostly.
- Emotional reaction: Okay, this is actually hitting me. The sheer beauty of this place. It’s overwhelming. This might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Almost makes me want to, you know, live here. Almost.
Evening (6:00 PM - on): Dinner at a local pub. Fish and chips, the classic. Sip a local beer and take in the atmosphere. Chat with some locals. (Hopefully they can understand my terrible accent.)
- Imperfection: Forgot to pack my nice shoes. That’s right, now I am walking around in hiking boots. I look sophisticated.
Day 2: The Taranaki Trek (and an Existential Crisis)
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up with a vague sense of dread and an overwhelming urge for coffee. Coffee is essential for life.
- Messier structure and occasional rambles: I thought I was an adventurer, a person who is ready for anything. Then again, the view from the window makes me question everything. I’m not sure what I am.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): THE HIKE! I chose a moderate hike up Mount Taranaki. (Ambitious? Maybe. Delusional? Possibly.) The trail starts easy, winding through lush forest. Then…the incline. My legs are screaming. My lungs are burning. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes.
- Stronger emotional reaction: HOLY…MOTHER OF…GOD. This is HARD. I hate this. I love this. I want to quit. I want to conquer. I'm going to blame the lack of oxygen if my legs get any more angry.
- Doubling Down: I choose a path to the top, and after the struggle, I experience a sense of accomplishment. But, then I see the view. The most intense view. The kind that buries itself deep into your bones.
- Letting it Get Even More Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, deep breaths. I can do this. One step at a time. What am I even doing with my life? Is this what being alive is about? Pain? Suffering? And…wow. The view from here is absolutely unreal. This peak really brings out thoughts of how to live and how to die.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Finally, reach the summit! (Or maybe just a viewpoint. I'm honestly not sure.) The view is…indescribable. The world stretches out beneath me, a vast tapestry of green fields and blue sky. Tears? Maybe. Regret? Definitely. But also, a sense of awe and accomplishment. Eat a soggy sandwich.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): The descent. A slow, painful hobble back down the mountain. My knees are protesting loudly. Every muscle in my body is screaming. But that view…Worth. Every. Single. Torturous. Step.
Evening (7:00 PM - on): Massive amounts of food. Pub grub, again, because I deserve it. Then collapse into a chair with a beer and a deep feeling of “I did it”.
- More opinionated language: Damn, that was incredible. And I'm not usually the "mountain-climbing" type. This place is magical, folks. Pure magic.
Day 3: Relax/ Explore…And Getting Lost (Probably)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Sleep in. Or at least, pretend to. My body will be screaming from the hike. Visit the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre, to see what else there is to do. (Hoping for something involving less strenuous exercise.) Explore the area at a slower pace.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Drive the scenic Surf Highway 45. Stop at a beach. Try to look cool while attempting to surf. (I will fail hilariously, I guarantee it.) Maybe learn the history.
- Quirky observation: New Zealanders have this effortless coolness that I will never possess. I'll be the one tripping over my own feet and apologizing to the sheep.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore a different part of the park. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. Discover a hidden waterfall. Find a charming little cafe.
- Getting Lost: I will get lost. Guaranteed. I have a terrible sense of direction. But, it's part of the adventure, right?
Evening (6:00 PM - on): One last dinner. A final toast to Mount Taranaki. A feeling of contentment. And maybe a slight sadness that this incredible adventure is coming to an end.
Day 4: Departure (and the Post-Taranaki Blues)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Pack up. Say a reluctant goodbye to the Park Motel and its beautiful views.
- Imperfection: I will pack inefficiently. I will probably forget something. I will almost certainly leave a sock behind.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive back to New Plymouth. Return the rental car. Wish the sheep farewell.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Fly back to Auckland. Reflect on the adventure. (And how sore my legs still are.)
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - on): Land. Head home. Already planning my return trip.
Final Thoughts:
This trip will be messy. It will be imperfect. It will probably involve some minor mishaps and a fair amount of self-deprecating humour. But it will also be beautiful. It will be inspiring. It’ll be a story I’ll be telling for years to come. And that, my friends, is all that really matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another coffee. And maybe a nap.
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Escape to Paradise (Maybe?): Mount Taranaki's Best-Kept Secret (The Park Motel) - Unfiltered FAQ
Is "Best-Kept Secret" really a thing? Or is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. "Best-Kept Secret" is *always* suspect. But, and this is a BIG but, about the Park Motel? It kinda... fits. Like, I stumbled on it after a three-hour hike that nearly broke me. My knees were screaming, I was sunburnt, and I was *not* in the mood for a sanitized hotel room. Then, BAM! The Park Motel. It's not exactly flashy. Think more "charmingly weathered." And the secret? I reckon it's the location. Right at the edge of Egmont National Park. You wake up, and BAM, Taranaki is right there, staring you down. That feeling? Priceless. And you know what? Maybe that's why it is "best-kept" - it doesn’t boast like a fancy hotel, it just *is*.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it, like, romantic or family-friendly, or...?
Vibe? It’s… eclectic. I saw a group of hardcore hikers covered in mud, families grilling sausages, and a couple canoodling on the porch swing (aww). It's definitely not a stuffy, pretentious place. More like, roll-with-it, embrace-the-elements, let-your-hair-down kind of vibe. I'd say it errs on the laid-back/family-friendly side. But listen, if you're looking for super-fancy, this ain't it. The charm is in the not-so-perfect. The slightly wonky furniture, the friendly (and slightly eccentric) staff, the sense of… well, freedom. It's a place to unwind, not perform. Though, I did overhear some overly-enthusiastic hikers comparing their route times over breakfast. That was a vibe.
Okay, let's talk rooms. What are they *really* like? Spill the (tea/dirty laundry/whatever).
Alright, truth time. The rooms? They're… functional. Don't expect a spa bathroom and Egyptian cotton sheets. My room had a certain "lived-in" feel, if you catch my drift. The wallpaper was a bit… faded. The TV definitely wasn't plasma. But the bed was comfy enough after a day of climbing. And the view? Oh, the view. Worth its weight in gold. Honestly, the imperfections are part of the appeal. I'm not one for pristine, sterile hotel rooms. Give me a bit of character, a little bit of… *realness*. You're not going to the Park Motel for luxury; You are here to experience the mountain. The rooms do their job. They're a place to crash after a day of adventure. And let’s be honest, who spends much time *inside* when Taranaki is calling? Oh, and a tip: bring your own coffee. The in-room stuff is … functional (I think I've used that word too much...).
Is the staff friendly? Because sometimes, that can make or break a trip.
Absolutely! The staff are lovely. They're a bit… quirky. But in a good way! Like, genuinely helpful. They know the area inside and out. Gave me perfect hiking advice (that I mostly ignored, and promptly regretted on the way up the mountain. Never overestimate your fitness. Never!). One time they let me check in super early because I was utterly wrecked after the hike. Seriously, I didn't even have the voice to ask politely! Another time, I locked myself out (classic). Didn't even bat an eye, they just sorted it. They're more like friendly locals than formal hotel staff. Refreshing.
Let's get into the food. What's the food situation? Is there a restaurant?
Okay, the food. Hmm. There isn't a restaurant... per se. There is a communal BBQ area, which is great for cooking your own food. So, you have to be somewhat self-sufficient. I brought my own supplies. And it was kinda nice, to me, to cook my own meal. There are takeaways and cafes not *too* far away, I think... or I could be mistaken... I'm still fuzzy on the details. I was surviving on snack bars from my backpack. The point is, food wasn't the focus. It's all about the mountain.
Tell us about the location. Is it *actually* close to the mountain? How far from things like the town?
Oh man, the location. It’s a game-changer. You're practically *in* Egmont National Park. Literally, you wander out of your door and you're basically there! You can see Taranaki from your window, it’s insane. Waking up to that view is... well, it makes the slightly faded wallpaper worth it. And it's far enough away from the town of Stratford to make it feel like an escape. Yet, close enough that you can actually *get* to Stratford and its amenities. Maybe 15-20 minutes. But honestly, you'll probably spend most of your time hiking, gasping for air, and marveling at the views rather than driving around town. I did a trip to Stratford. The cafe was good, but the mountain was calling me back...
Okay, on the mountain! What are the hiking trails like from this place? Give me a blow-by-blow account of *one* trail.
Right. So, the hiking. I am *obsessed*. The Park Motel is perfect in that regard. There are trails *galore*. From gentle strolls to… well, I attempted the Pouakai Crossing. BIG MISTAKE. I'm a reasonably fit person, but this trail... it humbled me. Here's the deal: it's a brutal uphill slog for the first few hours. The track is rocky, muddy, and the weather can turn on you in a heartbeat. (We got rain. And wind. And, did I mention, rain?) Then, you get to the Pouakai Tarns. And… BAM. The iconic reflection of Taranaki in the water. It’s… breathtaking. Seriously. I almost cried. Exhaustion, beauty, the whole shebang. Getting *down* was just as challenging. My knees felt like they were going to explode, and I may have face-planted in the mud at one point. But the view… and the feeling of accomplishment… Yeah, totally worth it. Though I’m pretty sure I’ll be walking sideways for a week. Seriously. Pack properly. Take water. And don’t overestimate your fitness!
