New Plymouth

Where is it?

Just above Wellington on the west coast is a pregnant looking bump sticking out into the Tasman Sea. This is the Taranaki Peninsula and on its northern shores lies the city of New Plymouth.

What’s it like?

New Plymouth is an easy going place with a population just under 50,000, it is a busy, prosperous city that makes a great base for visiting the nearby Egmont National Park.

What to see and what to do.

Maunga Taranaki or Mt Egmont can be seen throughout the city. It is a huge volcano that rises 2500m to a snow-capped summit. It is the centrepiece of the National Park, in the winter it draws skiers and in the summer, hikers make a beeline (some hike up and down, some hike around).
New Plymouth is a thriving deep-water port and the main point of entry for the traffic coming across the Tasman.
The centre of the city is easily accessible and simple to get around on foot. The most striking aspect of the centre is the Wind Wand - a huge sculpture by Len Lye. Lye conceived this creation in 1962 but the technology was lacking to allow it to be built until the turn of the millennium. The Wind Wand is a swaying carbon fibre tube with a light dome on top that glows in the dark; it is a massive 45 metres high. Not far away is the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, which includes the Len Lye Foundation. The gallery has no permanent exhibits but ever-changing displays of some of the most challenging art from around the globe.
For local history, Maori, natural and Colonial, visit the recently opened Puke Ariki. This is a museum and arts centre that includes work from local artists and many Maori artefacts. There are other historical sites that are worth a look including St Mary’s Church. Built in 1846 this is the oldest stone church in New Zealand.
There are several lovely parks in New Plymouth. Pukekura, an informally laid out paradise, is probably the most notable.
For a look at local flora and fauna, check out the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park. The Islands - eroded volcanic cones - are out of bounds but boat trips are available to this bird and marine life reserve.
If you crave water activity the coast here is noted for it’s surfing and windsurfing. Not for nothing is the road leading from New Plymouth down the coast is called the Surf Highway.

Eating, drinking and sleeping.

There is a good choice of accommodation, try and get somewhere that offers a view of the Ocean. Kiwis have really embraced the café culture and this is very self evident in New Plymouth. As elsewhere the food on offer is of a consistent quality, the best selection is in the centre and the same applies to pubs and bars.