Four distinct landforms make up the Taranaki region.
The volcanic ring plain, centred on Mount Taranaki (2518m), provides fertile free-draining volcanic soils which support intensive pastoral farming.
The Taranaki hill country to the east is steeply dissected and prone to soil erosion, but can support well managed pastoral farming and commercial forestry.
There are two coastal terraces along the north and south Taranaki coast.
The fourth major landform is the Coastal environment which is dominated by high energy wave and wind conditions as the region is exposed to the west.
The Taranaki region has a temperate climate with abundant rainfall.
Natural and physical resources
Fresh water: Over 300 rivers and streams flow from the slopes of Mt Taranaki/Egmont in a distinctive radial pattern. Eleven major river systems drain the eastern hill country. There are ten lakes (greater than eight hectares) in the region. Taranaki's fresh water resources are highly valued and extensively used, and are under increasing pressure to meet the needs of agriculture, industry and domestic use.
Air: Taranaki enjoys a high standard of natural air quality thanks to the relatively windy and exposed nature of the region, the dispersed population, and lack of heavy industrialisation or high motor vehicle densities. The region's 'fresh clean air' makes a significant contribution to the quality of Taranaki's environment.
Coastal environment: There are almost 300 kilometres of coastline and management of the coastal marine area (from mean high water springs to the regional boundary 22 kilometres offshore) rests with the Taranaki Regional Council and the Minister of Conservation.
Land: Taranaki has an extremely diverse land base, ranging from fertile well drained plains and terraces, to steep, erosion prone and relatively infertile hill country and mountain slopes. Much of Taranaki has been developed for agriculture, particularly pastoral farming. Over 60% of the region is in grassland or crops, and nearly 40% of the land area is in indigenous or exotic forest cover.