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new plymouth
 Where
can you climb to the summit of a dormant volcano in the morning
and surf a world-class break in the afternoon? New Plymouth.
This prosperous and welcoming city sits at the foot of the
sleeping giant of Mt. Taranaki (also called Mt. Egmont), the
proud symbol of a diverse and exciting part of New Zealand. There
is so much for the visitor to do here. The New Plymouth Visitor
Centre in the Puke Ariki complex, St Aubyn Street, can suggest
tours covering the high country, Tasman Sea coast, natural gas
production, Maori culture, heritage trails and shopping
facilities.
Start your sightseeing in the heart of the City with the
acclaimed Pukekura Park, an oasis of landscaped gardens,
bushwalks, ferneries, waterfalls, a kiosk café and a lake (with
boats for hire). The summer Festival of the Lights transforms the
park into a wondrous fairyland. Another haven of peace and
delight, 20 km south of the city, is the Pukeiti Rhododendron
Park internationally renowned for its fine collection of
rhododendrons and azaleas. Local attractions include the Taranaki
Museum with a worthwhile Maori collection and the Govett-Brewster
Art Gallery, which is well known for its kinetic sculptures and
abstract animation on film.
New Plymouth’s beaches are renowned for surfing and
windsurfing. The best locations are Oakura and Opunake to the
west and Fitzroy and East End close to the City. A Coastal
Walkway leads to the striking Paritutu Rock overlooking the Sugar
Loaf Marine Reserve, which has New Zealand’s most northerly
breeding colony of fur seals along with migrating humpback whales
and dolphins.
Egmont National Park is the main visitor attraction in the area,
offering tramping, climbing and skiing with three easy access
points. North Egmont visitor centre is the closest to New
Plymouth and leads to the summit route. Pembroke Road provides
access from Stratford to Mountain House and the Manganui Ski
Field. Further south Dawson Falls visitor centre gives access to
climbing routes and local bushwalks.
Approached from any angle or vantage point Mt. Taranaki, New
Zealand’s ‘most climbed’ mountain affords
breathtaking views. Stay long enough, if you can, to see the
snow-capped summit break clear of its cloud cover - a most
memorable sight.
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