History of New Plymouth

Under the north side of the Taranaki or Mount Egmont volcano (Taranaki, Egmont National Park) is the port of New Plymouth (pop. 50,000), an industrial town and commercial center of a farming region. The harbor, formed in 1881 by the construction of breakwaters, handled dairy produce (particularly cheese) and now also ships raw materials for the

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Tourist Attractions in New Plymouth

Brookland Park
Adjoining Pukara Park is Brookland Park, another attractive open space.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
This gallery presents contemporary New Zealand art. The collection includes works by Len Lye (sculpture, pictures).

Mount Taranaki
The backdrop for Last Samurai supposedly set in Japan, Mount Taranaki could easily be a part of the lofty volcanic mountain ranges rimming the Pacific Ring of Fire. Instead, it is the birthplace of legends, 50 rivers and streams, and houses some of the most rare flora and fauna in the entire New Zealand. Its 2518 m of height draped in snow is apt for hiking, climbing, skiing and photography.

Egmont National Park
Covering the lower reaches of Mount Taranaki, Egmont National Park is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. It also provides a summit that can be easily trekked and climbed by those of us who get tizzy at heights.

Puke Ariki
A Maori museum, interactive library and heritage center, Puke Ariki also makes for a delightful walk to the Len Lye's Wind Wand sculpture on the 6 km long coastal walkway.

Pukekura Park
Pukekura Park is a place where the whole family can laugh and relax on a day picnic. The Children's Zoo and bush walks are the other activities you can indulge in at the Pukekura Park, located close to the Pukekura Raceway.

How to reach New Plymouth

By rail :
Passenger rail services ceased in 1985. The remaining railway line is used for goods entering and leaving the port. On rare occasions, a steam engine can be seen on the track. This most likely will be from the Waitara Railway Preservation Society, which runs the engine between Waitara and Lepperton.

By Road :

By car
State Highway 3 passes through New Plymouth.

From the north (Auckland or Hamilton): State Highway 3 diverges from State Highway 1 at Hamilton and runs via Te Kuiti in the King Country and Waitara in Taranaki. New Plymouth is about 270km from Hamilton and takes at least 3.5 hours by car, though allow 4.5 hours to be safe. A section of this road is narrow, winding, and includes a short single-lane tunnel. It is prone to closure by slips in bad weather.

From the south (Wellington and Palmerston North): Travel via State Highway 1 and/or State Highway 3 to Bulls then via State Highway 3 through Wanganui to Hawera, then inland via Stratford (which always has petrol 2c a litre cheaper than the standard price) and Inglewood. Wellington to New Plymouth is ~360km and takes 4.5 - 5.5 hours non-stop, depending on traffic near Wellington; allow 6 - 7 hours including scenic stops and rest breaks.

State Highway 45, The Surf Highway, which follows the coast (though seldom in sight of it) around the west of the mountain, via Opunake, is ~25 km longer and hillier, but scenic, alternative route from Hawera. Allow an extra half hour over travelling State Highway 3 direct.

State Highway 43, The Forgotten World Highway, intersects State Highway 3 at Stratford. This can be an interesting alternative trip from the Central North Island via Taumarunui. The road winds and climbs for 160km and includes about 30km unsealed though a spectacularly beautiful gorge. It's worth stopping at the numerous historical information boards along the way. Allow 4-6 hours. (Note: There is no petrol available between Stratford and Taumarunui and this highway section is difficult to maintain.)

By Air :
New Plymouth Airport is located on the coast 7km to the north of the city at Bellblock. A taxi service is available to town (Cost: $15 - $20).

On the rare days when Mount Taranaki is totally free of cloud, southbound flights can get spectacular views of the mountaintop.

Best Buying New Plymouth

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