Nestled in the Taranaki region of the North Island, New Zealand, New Plymouth is a vibrant and modern city. It is famous for its beautiful art galleries, attractive parks, sunny weather, cosy dining, and family-friendly fun. At New Plymouth, you’ll find a heritage centre, a library, an imaginative museum, and an information site that contains an array of local artefacts and history. It also has terrific parks open all year, like Pukekura Park, one of the most beautiful city parks with long walking trails, flower gardens, exquisite lakes, kid’s play areas, and much more. It is a lovely destination to unwind and connect with nature; it has a free children’s zoo, loved by all the locals and tourists.
About The New Plymouth
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New Plymouth is located in the Taranaki region and is a perfect holiday destination for those who love food, music events, adventurous hikes, beaches, surfing, and swimming.
With the giant stratovolcano Taranaki Maunga quietly sleeping under the snowy blanket, you can have an incredible experience. Whether you want to surf on the ocean’s high tides or experience unimaginable hiking, it has everything you want. New Plymouth is known for its coastal walkway stretching from Bell Block to Port Taranaki.
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Things To Explore In New Plymouth
New Plymouth is home to many scenic places and is known for its rich heritage. We have curated a list of the best things to explore in New Plymouth:
1. Explore Beautiful Gardens
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New Plymouth is located in the Taranaki region and is famous for its spectacular gardens and parks. One of the most popular parks in this region is Pukekura Park, a perfect spot for peaceful walks in nature and picnicking with family and friends.
You’ll also find a beautiful botanical garden here, Pukeiti, famous for its diverse rhododendrons, colourful exotic plants, rainforest trails, and treehouses for kids. Hollard Gardens and Puketarata Garden in Hawera are also must-visit tourist destinations near the Pukekura Park
2. Soak Up The Sun In Pristine Beaches
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If you are a swimming lover, then Fitzroy Beach is the perfect place to experience all levels of fun in New Plymouth. With its high swells, you can get an unforgettable surfing experience; however, following safety guidelines is best. During the summers, the local surf lifesaving club patrols the beach, and flag marks keep you safe in the water.
Like other long and wide beaches, Fitzroy is ideal for seaside walks and soaking up the sun with relaxation and peace. Just a 15-minute drive from south of New Plymouth, you’ll find another locally favourite beach known as Oakura Beach, famous for its families and beginner surfing. The same club also patrols it and has delicious food and drink options on the beach.
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3. Discover Amazing Art Galleries And Delectable Foods
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As we all know, New Plymouth is an artistic city with several fantastic art galleries dedicated to someone special. The only actual museum of modern art is the Govett Brewster Art Gallery, also known as the Len Lye Centre. It is named after Len Lye, who pioneered sculpture and filmmaking in the 20th century.
His 48-metre-high Wind Wand can be seen swinging from New Plymouth’s coastal walkway. The Taranaki region is also a paradise for foodies, as it has several lively cafes, cosy restaurants, and vibrant bars serving fresh seafood and farm-produced meals.
4. Participate In Joyful Festive Events
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Along with beautiful gardens, pristine beaches, and artistic galleries, the Taranaki region celebrates good festivals, especially when lights and music are added. It celebrates a huge TSB Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park from mid-December until early February.
At this festival, Pukekura Park will transform into a luminous wonderland every evening, including live entertainment. You can also take part in this festival and experience the unseen wonderland of New Zealand.
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How To Reach New Plymouth
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New Plymouth, the hub of the Taranaki Region, is easily reachable from New Zealand’s International Airport. Air New Zealand offers several Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Premier Cabin flights to New Plymouth. Use this guide to plan your journey.
By Bus: It is only preferred for those travelling from the surrounding areas of New Plymouth as there is no option to reach the city by bus from outside nations. In the city, local bus services are available and known as “Citylink”, which operates all the buses and routes.
By Train: Travelling by train is not available in New Plymouth, and you can’t reach the city by train as its primary means of transport are cars, buses, and flights.
By Air: Tourists can reach New Plymouth easily, and the nearest airport is New Plymouth Airport (NPL), which is about 11 kilometres from the city centre.
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New Plymouth will be a great holiday destination for your ultimate holiday escapes, so plan your trip to New Zealand with our guiding tour packages and embark on a journey to discover the hidden gem of New Zealand. This blog ensures the best things to do in New Plymouth, from exploring botanical gardens to participating in festive events. Take this blog as a comprehensive guide and prepare a list of the best places to visit and things to do in New Plymouth that suit your budget and needs. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and venture on an unforgettable journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Plymouth
What is Plymouth best known for?
It is best known for its beautiful art galleries, attractive parks, sunny weather, cosy dining, and family-friendly fun. At New Plymouth, you’ll find a heritage centre, a library, an imaginative museum, and an information site that contains an array of local artefacts and history.
Is New Plymouth a city or a town?
Nestled in the Taranaki region of the North Island, New Zealand, New Plymouth is a vibrant and modern city. It has several natural wonders from exquisite lakes to conical-shaped mountains.
Is New Plymouth worth visiting?
New Plymouth is considered one of those places in New Zealand that shouldn't be underestimated. The array of beautiful gardens and parks offers an outstanding atmosphere to explore the region.
What is the best time to explore New Plymouth?
From December to February is the best time to plan your ultimate weekend escape to New Zealand. These months have average daily temperatures between 21°C in summer and 13°C in winter. Average daily lows are about 8°C.
Is New Zealand suitable for Indians?
The annual average salary in New Zealand is around INR 44L, which is comparatively higher than the cost of living in New Zealand. Which makes it a good place to live for Indians.
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With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
