New Zealand · City Guide
New Plymouth
New Plymouth is a beautifully situated coastal city in Taranaki, dominated by the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont) rising 2518 metres above the Pacific coast. Combining world class contemporary art at the Govett-Brewster gallery, an outstanding coastal walkway, excellent surf, the beautiful Pukekura Park and the extraordinary access to the volcanic landscapes and walking routes of Egmont National Park, New Plymouth is one of New Zealand's most complete regional city destinations.
Elect's take
"New Plymouth has a quality that significantly exceeds its modest fame. Mount Taranaki is one of the most beautiful mountains in New Zealand, the Govett-Brewster is outstanding, and the combination of surf, art and volcanic hiking creates a destination I find genuinely rewarding."
Mount Taranaki is one of New Zealand's most perfectly symmetrical and beautiful volcanoes, rising dramatically from a near-circular national park that provides outstanding day hikes, the Pouakai Circuit overnight walk and spectacular views from the summit on clear days. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is one of New Zealand's finest contemporary art institutions with a strong focus on kinetic and moving image art. The coastal walkway stretching 13 kilometres along the Taranaki coastline provides excellent surfing access and beautiful views of the mountain. The WOMAD music festival held at Brooklands Park in New Plymouth each March is one of the world's finest world music events.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Mount Taranaki
A perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone rising 2518 metres in a beautiful national park.
Govett-Brewster Gallery
One of New Zealand's finest contemporary art institutions with outstanding exhibitions.
Taranaki Surf
Outstanding surf breaks along the Taranaki coastline with excellent year-round conditions.
Egmont National Park
Outstanding day and overnight walks in the circular national park surrounding the volcano.
WOMAD New Plymouth
One of the world's finest world music festivals held at Brooklands Park each March.
Coastal Walkway
A beautiful 13 kilometre coastal path with extraordinary views of the mountain and sea.
