Inglewood there are plenty of things to do. Inglewood is a quiet surprise with a fascinating glimpse into heritage toys at Fun Ho Museum, a glorious collection of vintage agricultural equipment, vehicles and fire engines, stunning views of the iconic Mt Taranaki and quirky facts such as the largest rhododendron tree in the southern hemisphere. The vibrant community supports a theatre, two social media pages and definitely have got get up and go spirit nailed.
WHAT TO DO, HIGHLIGHTS
- Fun Ho Toy Museum, unmissable location in the centre of town
- TATATM Taranaki Aviation Transport Technology Museum, tinkering with vintage machinery is an open day highlight
- Stony Oakes Wildlife Park, especially the Ilamas
- Lake Mangamahoe shared bike and walking trails
FUN HO! TOY MUSUEM
From foundry furnace to Fun Ho! sandpit, slot cars, intriguing displays, over 3,000 Fun Ho! toys are displayed. and hay barn style theatrette, Fun Ho! is a genuine Kiwi Icon and the Fun Ho! The National Toy Museum is an experience not to be missed.’ The collection can be purchased online yet there is nothing like touching and feeling the shape of your newly acquired toy.
INTERESTING FACT
In the centre of town is the usual war memorial to World War I. The memorial was dedicated in 1924 to the sorrowing soldier. Look behind the memorial at the rhododendron. The truely massive plant is a pre-1850 hybrid, ‘Sir Robert Peel’, planted in 1924 and Inglewood residents claim it is one of the largest rhododendrons in the southern hemisphere
Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum
Hands on and interactive with kids encouraged to push buttons and turn switches on.
- Operate a telephone exchange and manually transfer calls
- Experience early radio and recording techniques
- Follow the evolution of computers and communications technologies
- Play cashiers with vacuum and wire monetary transfers across the museum
The roadside museum has farm equipment to massive industrial equipment in full working order.
TIP
Visit Lake Mangamahoe and then spend the rest of the day exploring how things tick, tock at the TATAM.
LAKE MANGAMAHOE
Shared well sign-posted circuit walk takes you on a journey around Lake Mangamahoe through production forest, up to impressive lookouts and among mature ornamental tree plantings that are mixed with pockets of regenerated native bush. There is car parking along with toilet facilities and picnic areas. Lake Mangamahoe also includes a mountain biking area and horse riding trails.
Cue Theatre is located in the TET Cue Theatre, Matai Street, Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand is the Inglewood Dramatic Society Incorporated and has been active in our community since 1956. Extraordinary contribution by a rural community.
ADVENTURE
Learn to fly a glider. In flight, you may be moving in three dimensions simultaneously which is a bit different. The essential thing is to build one’s judgement to successfully land the glider. The Taranaki Gliding Club has experienced instructors who will guide you through the learning process
WALKS & PARKS
- WINDSOR WALKWAY, is a 4.5km loop and to prove you’ve done the walk visit Cafe Windsor. Remember to get your very own “I’ve Walked the Windsor Walkway” t-shirt to celebrate. and when you’ve done the walk.
- EVERETT PARK SCENIC RESERVE, Walk, swim, explore a glow worm cave or picnic in Everett Park Scenic Reserve. The Manganui River is a local favourite swimming hole.
FESTIVALS
- Lions Christmas Parade (December)
- Americarna showcasing American cars, especially muscle cars, attracts hundreds of showroom quality classic American cars and thousands of tourists to Taranaki every February
FAME
- All Black rugby player Dave Loveridge
TOWN SLOGAN
- “Go the moa”, check out the town statue of a Moa. The local residents are proud of the largest rhododendron tree and heritage railway station, yard and band rotunda
WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE
- Polish Memorial Foundation acknowledging contribution of Polish settlers has a large bronze very impression eagle
- Lake Mangamahoe views of Mt Taranaki reflected in the still water of the dammed lake
- Inglewood Golf Club is a great place for spectacular views of Mt Taranaki as well as a game of golf.
WHERE TO TAKE THE KIDS
- Fun Ho! Toy Museum, a nostalgic look at an iconic toy manufacturing brand
- TATAM vintage collection to pore over vintage machinery
SOCIAL MEDIA
WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED THE PLACE?
Originally called Moatown in 1872 as part of a planned settlement and finally Inglewood after the Inglewood Forest in Cumberland (England). Inglewood was founded in 1875, in a clearing in dense forest. Settlers under Julius Vogel’s assisted immigration schemes (19th century) came from England, East Prussia (now within Poland), Denmark and Switzerland. In 1876 the railway from New Plymouth reached Inglewood. In the 2000s the town’s railway station was New Zealand’s oldest in its original location. The railway station is now a category 1 historic building.
WHAT KEEPS THE PLACE TICKING?
Agricultural service centre
POPULATION
- 3,640 (2020)
INTERESTING FACT
- From 1952 to 1972 Inglewood held an annual ‘greatest show on earth’ – a gala day featuring parades, races, circus acts and wood-chopping, which in its heyday drew up to 35,000 people.
JUDGMENT
- Don’t leave Taranaki without popping into Inglewood
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check New Plymouth & Taranaki Region nearby attractions and events.
Getting there
Travel pack information
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE.
