New Plymouth Vacations, New Plymouth Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

New Plymouth Vacation Guide

New Plymouth is located on the west coast of the North Island, about 5 hours drive from both Auckland and Wellington. It is a much looked over attraction which is locally well-known for its black sand surfing beaches and many beautiful parks and gardens.

New Plymouth is located in the Taranaki region at the foot of picturesque Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont) which is so similar to Japan's Mount Fuji that it was used as a backdrop in the filming of Tom Cruise's "The Last Samurai".

New Plymouth is a town which is always trying to improve on itself, which is most evident in the city centre which is very modern with the architecture of even the city bus stop looking like a piece of art. A well developed waterfront walkway makes it easy to cycle or walk the entire coast.


In the centre of New Plymouth is Pukekura Park — 49 hectares of lush native bush and groomed gardens. The park contains two lakes, a playground, cricket ground, fernery and green houses, kiosk, fountain and waterfall, historic band rotunda and the Bowl of Brooklands.

National and international acts regularly perform at the Bowl, a natural amphitheatre. Its night-time concerts cannot be missed for the unique and memorable experiences the Bowl provides both audiences and performers.

Pukekura Park is the venue for the spectacular Festival of Lights. From December to February every year, hundreds of lighting displays turn the park into a huge illuminated fantasyland.