New Plymouth, NZ

New Plymouth is the major city of the Taranaki Region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is named after Plymouth, Devon, England, from where the first English settlers migrated. The city itself is a service centre for the region's principal economic activities including intensive pastoral activities (mainly dairy farming) as well as oil, natural gas and petrochemical exploration and production.

Attractions in New Plymouth include the coastal walkway, a 11km promenade stretching the entire length of the city. Pukekura Park in the city centre is a highlight, with a rhododendron garden of international significance. Next to the foreshore in the central city is Puke Ariki – the world’s first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and information centre which tells the stories of Taranaki in a variety of interactive media. Other notable features include the Len Lye-designed 45-metre-tall (148 ft) artwork known as the Wind Wand, Paritutu Rock, and views of Mount Taranaki/Egmont.

Things to see and do

* Coastal Walkway
* Puke Ariki – museum, library, information centre
* Pukekura Park
* Mount Taranaki/Egmont
* Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

General Information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – NZ Dollar (NZ$)
Language – English & Maori
Land Area – 2324.26 km²
Population – 669,000 approx
Electricity – 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus twelve hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 64

Port Location – The port at New Plymouth is called Port Taranaki and is located approximately 3km from the city centre.

Transport Links – New Plymouth Airport is located on the coast 7km to the north of the city at Bell Block.

National bus operator InterCity Coachlines provides daily services in and out of New Plymouth and the Taranaki region with connections throughout the North Island.