Powered by New Zealand’s oil and diary industries, New Plymouth is often considered one of the best places to live in New Zealand. Wages are good, house prices aren’t overly silly compared with Auckland, and you’re never far away from a near empty beach or the Egmont National Park forty minutes drive away. There’s plenty to fill a few days exploring the place, starting with the waterfront, home to Len Lye’s 48m high kinetic sculpture Wind Wand.
There are extensive footpaths along the waterfront, perfect for exploring by bike.
For some of the best coastal views take a quick scramble up the rather steep (there are chains to help you) Paritutu Rock, with views over the port. I got to the top in time to see a huge rain front heading my way so didn’t spend long up there!
Another time Paritutu Centennial Park provided the most wonderful views at sunset.
There are also some good views from Marsland Hill and a bell tower.
The Puke Ariki museum is home to an eclectic section of displays about the region, including the important diary industry, Maori history, and when I visited a few years ago a history of surfing!
Pukekura Park is a rather lovely spot to wander around.
The Govett-Brewster art gallery is renowned as one of the best in the country, though it was closed last time I visited properly while they built the impressive Len Lye Centre extension, with it’s aptly reflective exterior.
Across the road is the heritage clock tower, and the recently refurnished White Hart, home to a rather lovey atrium and cafe.
Over the past few years there’s been some very cool street art added to the town centre.
The Taranaki region gets a lot of rain but also a lot of sunshine, great for growing plants, handy for both diary and good gardens, both of which it is renowned for. Tupare Garden is a good example.
An hour’s drive south from New Plymouth is one of the best museums in New Zealand, the fascinating and extensive Tawhiti Museum in Hawera, well worth a few hours of your time.
Finally it’s hard to avoid the 2,518m Mt Taranaki in the distance, best viewed from the two day Pouakai Circuit or one day Pouakai Crossing.
You can also walk / scramble to the summit if you’re fit enough, it’s summery and the weather is good. It’s hard work but rewarding.
