New Plymouth

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New Plymouth Regional Information

New Plymouth is a port city and Taranaki's main centre. Its primary industry is dairy farming, but natural gas processing, oil exploration are also significant within the city's economy. The New Plymouth City district encompasses the city itself, as well as the townships of Waitara, Inglewood, Oakura, Bell Block, Urenui and Okato.

Historically, the area where New Plymouth is established was the home of several Maori iwi, or tribes. The first European settlers arrived in 1840 aboard the William Bryant, although whalers had been based in the area prior to this date. Settlers from many parts of Europe and Asia initially purchased land in the region with ease. However, conflict did occur when Maori declined to sell their fertile land to newly arrived settlers, resulting in the Taranaki Wars of the 1860's.

Today, the Taranaki coastline is a destination of choice for surfers: Fitzroy, Stent Road and Opunake beaches all offer adrenaline-filled surfing experiences. The outdoors is easily accessible from New Plymouth; as well as surf beaches, there are mountains, rivers, bush, walking tracks and gardens all just an hour's drive from the city. The iconic form of Mount Egmont Taranaki is visible and is a destination for skiers in the winter months and climbers in the more temperate seasons. Laying claim to being New Zealand's most climbed mountain, Mount Egmont Taranaki rises to 2518 metres and can be climbed in one day.

For those slightly less adventurous, New Plymouth offers many attractions that allow visitors to keep their feet planted on firm ground. The Brooklands Zoo provides a fun and educational day for families, giving kids the chance to meet farmyard animals, an endangered red panda, capuchin and cotton-top tamarin monkeys, otters and colourful birds. Those who want to stretch their legs can do so on the scenic Coastal Walkway, which covers a distance of seven kilometres along the water's edge. The walkway is suited to a variety of modes of transport, including walking, cycling, running and skating. Pukekura Park is set within the central city, covering 52 hectares and featuring plant collections, exotic trees and native bush. Here, you can meander through the formal gardens or take a row boat out onto the waters of the park's lake. During the annual summertime Festival of Lights, the park is transformed into a night time wonderland by a number of light installations, complementing an entertainment programme that runs day and night for over two months.

The area is also a centre for artists and craftspeople, whose work can be seen in the city's galleries and studios. Most notably, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery provides visitors with a world class gallery experience. The gallery is home to a collection of contemporary art, with a particular focus on the Pacific region, and hosts a programme of exhibitions and events. The works of modernist artist Len Lye are also held at the gallery. His films, abstract artwork and kinetic sculpture played a pivotal role in the history of modern art in New Zealand. Lye's Wind Wand can be seen on New Plymouth's foreshore and is constructed from a narrow red fibre glass tube, stretching 45 metres skyward. The Wind Wand can bend 20 metres, demonstrating the artist's commitment to creating a dynamic sculptural form.

Navigate with our great New Plymouth map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on New Plymouth weather.

For more information on visiting New Plymouth, visit the New Plymouth District Council site.