Here at Swanndri, we like to say that looking after the land and people has always been at the heart of what we do. But that doesn't quite capture it. Because looking after our animal friends is just as important to us too.

That's why we're proud to support the SPCA and the amazing work they do to protect sick, injured, lost, abused or abandoned animals. As a charity, they rely almost entirely on the generosity of businesses and the public. So every little bit counts.

It used to be New Plymouth was only really famous for its dairy cows, and maybe its surfing. Oh, and that perfect volcanic peak you can see from pretty much anywhere around these parts.

But over the last couple of decades, something special’s been stirring in the heart of Taranaki. Plenty enough to make a 48-hour Swanni adventure here more than worthwhile, anyways. So let’s dive on in and see what mischief we can rustle up on the coast.

A shot of a half-eaten Fergburger. A not-quite-wide-enough wide angle of The Remarkables. A view from the Onsen Hot Pools with your semi-submerged buttocks in the foreground.

Right. Now that you’ve ticked off the Queenstown Instagram clichés (or not), it’s time to put away your phone, put on your Swanni, and get stuck into some of our recommendations for how to spend 48 hours in the epicentre of our epic South Island.