New Plymouth City Guide

New Zealand>New Plymouth City

New Plymouth, primarily known for its agricultural and dairy farms, also offers the visitor a rich history, great walks in both the parks and on the nearby coastline, and a range of neat architecture.

New Plymouth is the holiday destination with something for everyone, sun, sea, sand and snow. A spectacular cone mountain, magnificent parks, gardens and walking tracks, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife.

Visit the Port Taranaki, the only New Plymouth's deepwater port on New Zealand's west coast. Port Taranaki is one of the country's largest ports on a cargo tonnage basis with more than five million tonnes of trade each year. It's amazing!

This magical district is known for some of New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery - the landscape being dominated by magnificent Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont), the beautiful Egmont National Park, and a dramatic, ever changing coastline is just irresistible!

To get a swing of golf, New Plymouth Golf Club (Ngamotu), an International Golf Course caters the need for all its players, as it is one of the top five in New Zealand. Don't miss the fun to be at the exclusive golf course of New Plymouth.

Get the challenge of climbing the Mount Parahaki Towering 241 metres above the city, and once the sight of New Zealand's largest Maori Pa. From the summit, there are superb panoramic views of the city and harbour. Parahaki is crowned with a war memorial and a large red cross glows in the darkness.

Coronation Scenic Reserve, Western Hills Drive. A perfect retreat for those seeking peace and solitude in beautiful surroundings. There are many tracks, one of which passes through the remnants of an extensive Maori Pa. Entrance is off the end of Kauika Road.

Getting There and Moving Around

By air

New Plymouth Airport is about 12 km north of town, you can easily reach there by bus. It serves inbound and outbound flights from majority of the cities in new Zealand.

By rail

Tranz Scenic operates 8 long-distance train services in New Zealand, including; the Overlander takes you through the central North Island's majestic scenery of native forests, ravines, gorges and volcanic peaks.

The Coastal Pacific runs along the South Island's east coast between snow-capped mountains and rugged coastline. The award-winning TranzAlpine winds its way through spectacular gorges and river valleys before crossing the snow-capped Southern Alps.

By road

For long-distance coach service out of New Plymouth, go to the InterCity Travel Center which runs regular services south to Wanganui and Wellington, or north to Hamilton and Auckland. There are also other bus services provided throughout the cities.

There is also New Plymouth taxi 24 hours in service throughout the cities. If you want to be more flexible to travel around the city , there are also car rental services available.

Moving Around

The availability of various transport mode in New Plymouth is a convenience of the visitors to move around the captivating city.