New Plymouth

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 the English city of Plymouth, in Devon, from where the first English settlers to New Plymouth migrated. The New Plymouth District, which includes New Plymouth City and several smaller towns, is the 10th largest district (out of 67) in New Zealand, and has a population of 90,000 – about two-thirds of the total population of the Taranaki region and 1.7% of New Zealand’s population. This includes New Plymouth City (60,100), Waitara (7,680), Inglewood (3,960), Ōakura (1,720), Ōkato (561) and Urenui (429).

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In New Plymouth

Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki and is one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens. The park has an international Green Flag award and is a Garden of National Significance. With a diverse range of landscapes, the park features bush walks, formal gardens, lakes, children’s play areas, a sports area and a Tea House. The park includes the Fernery and Display Houses as well as the adjacent garden estate area of Brooklands, home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Zoo.

Puke Ariki

Welcome to Puke Ariki – an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. Puke Ariki is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone. Sited in New Plymouth, between the majestic Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea, Puke Ariki is a place of wonder, of excitement, of discovery and adventure.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Utterly spectacular 11km long walkway along the seafront in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Walk, ride skate or scoot from Bell Block in the north to Port Taranaki to the south taking in the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, three swimming beaches, a golf club, rolling farm land, rivers and various accessways to residential and shopping areas.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

Welcome to a place of art and ideas. Expect the unexpected at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, showing contemporary art since 1970. Exhibitions change out every four months so there’s always something new to experience. The new wing of the Govett-Brewster, the Len Lye Centre, showcases New Zealand-born artist Len Lye’s ideas and artworks in film, sculpture, painting and photography. It also shows work by artists whose practice is related to Len Lye’s.