New Plymouth
New Zealand · Taranaki
Description
New Plymouth is the largest city in the Taranaki region on New Zealand's North Island and is renowned for its unique blend of dramatic coastal scenery, art, and nature. Set on a black volcanic-sand coastline beneath the near-perfect cone of Mount Taranaki, often compared to Japan's Mount Fuji, the city offers some of the country's most iconic landscapes. The award-winning Coastal Walkway links attractions such as Len Lye's striking Wind Wand, the distinctive Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, and the Puke Ariki Museum and cultural centre. New Plymouth is one of New Zealand's premier surfing destinations and serves as the gateway to hiking in Egmont National Park and winter skiing on the slopes of Mount Taranaki. Combining a relaxed lifestyle with a vibrant arts and cultural scene, it is widely regarded as one of the most appealing destinations on New Zealand's west coast.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – January
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Mount Taranaki(Day trip)
- Egmont National Park(Day trip)
- New Plymouth Coastal Walkway and Wind Wand
- Pukekura Park
- Pukekura Park Festival of Lights (December - February)
- Puke Ariki
- Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre
- Paritutu Rock
- Back Beach
- Fitzroy Beach
- Oakura Beach
- Lake Mangamahoe
- Pouakai Tarns
- Dawson Falls(Day trip)
- Wilkies Pools(Day trip)
- Cape Egmont Lighthouse(Day trip)
- Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock(Day trip)
- White Cliffs Walkway(Day trip)
- Brooklands Zoo
Getting there
- Airports:
- NPL
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry