Making the most of New Plymouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
New Plymouth is Taranaki’s principal centre. Oil, gas and petrochemical activity has brought relative prosperity to the region, reflected in some city amenities. Modernisation of the CBD is under way, accompanied by new restaurants, bars, boutique designer retailers and artisanal producers.
Getting around
Begin at Pukekura Park, a green retreat in the city centre. Its landscaped gardens and paths are particularly well known, as are the striking illuminations staged during the summer Festival of Lights.
Walk or cycle the scenic 12.7-kilometer Coastal Walkway for views across the Tasman Sea, Mount Taranaki and New Plymouth. The route also passes the Wind Wand sculpture, an emblem of the city.
Mount Taranaki is an essential local experience: this dormant volcano rises amid dense forest and is crossed by several walking routes. The best known is the Pouakai Crossing, with remarkable views of the peak and its reflection in the Pouakai Tarns.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Len Lye Centre, a distinctive museum celebrating pioneering filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye. The contemporary building is itself a work of art and contains interactive exhibits.
For aviation and transport enthusiasts, Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum brings together an impressive selection of historic aircraft, vehicles and technology, illuminating New Plymouth’s transport past.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar, though a small number of traders accept foreign money, particularly in tourist areas. The approximate conversion from US dollars is US$1=NZD1.30.