NEW PLYMOUTH
Taranaki’s largest town is as pretty as its surroundings. As if its location on the west coast, and close proximity to the stunning Egmont National Park and Mount Taranaki is not enough, the city also boasts magnificent parks and reserves, and award winning walkways. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and activities include walking, cycling, swimming, water skiing, surfing, skiing, and snowboarding. New Plymouth is also the artistic and cultural hub of the Taranaki region.
The inner city is relatively small and it’s easy to find your way around, thanks to the grid system and the fact that it is right by the waterfront. There are a number of cinemas, theatres, artist studios and galleries in town, including the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery & Len Lye Centre, and Puke Ariki (see Attractions), which houses the Information Centre, Museum and Library in one magnificent complex. A seemingly endless supply of excellent cafés and restaurants, mostly along Devon Street, entice visitors to relax a while. If you’re looking for something quaint and quiet, seek out the cafés in the streets leading off Devon Street.
The stunning 11km/7miles Coastal Walkway along the foreshore stretches almost the entire length of the city and along the way you’ll come across the iconic Wind Wand, standing 48 metres/157ft tall, and the spectacular Te Rewa Rewa Bridge across the Waiwhakaiho River at the northern end of the walkway. To the south, the walkway ends at Ngamotu Beach near the port. Just around the corner from Ngamotu Beach is one of the city’s many green spaces – Paritutu Centennial Park, where Paritutu Rock is a natural New Plymouth landmark. A short (but steep!) climb to the top offers fantastic 360 degree views of the coastline: the Sugarloaf Islands, the port and the city. Definitely worth the effort.
In the heart of the city is stunning Pukekura Park. Set on 121 acres/49 hectaresof gorgeous grounds, the park offers a tranquil retreat, with the Pukekura Stream meandering gently through the park, and a number of bridges cross it. This is a Garden of National Significance and some of its many fine features include picturesque lakes, waterfalls, Poet’s Bridge, the Queen Elizabeth II Fountain, a waterwheel, fernery, the 19th century band rotunda and a drinking fountain, the Japanese Mishima Torii Gate, Chinese Gardens, and the Gables Colonial Hospital, dating from 1847. Brooklands Zoo is also located within the park. The TSB Bank Festival of Lights, held every year from mid-December – early February, attracts thousands of visitors and is not to be missed. Set aside at least half a day, if not a full day, to fully explore Pukekura Park.
Northwest of Pukekura Park, on Robe Street, is the Marsland Hill Historic Reserve and Observatory(+64-21-751 524. Entrance fee. $. Open Tuesdays. Winter from 7.30pm. Summer from 8.30pm), from where you can view the awesome southern skies. Situated on a hilltop, the reserve offers fantastic vistas over the city and is a great spot for a picnic. The hill was a military base during the Māori Wars of 1860-1870. At the bottom of the reserve is the oldest stone church in New Zealand – the magnificent heritage listed Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary (37 Vivian Street). The original part of the church dates from 1845.
Those interested in historic architecture should also visit the superb heritage listed stone building of Te Henui Vicarage(290 Courtenay Street). It was built in 1845 and is one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings. It is one of only a handful buildings in New Plymouth that were not destroyed during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860’s, and it now seems strangely out of place in the middle of a modern suburb. Since the early 1970’s, it is used as a potter’s studio, and the gallery can be visited on weekends and public holidays (1pm-4pm). At the end of Courtenay Street you can link up with Te Henui Walkway, a popular and beautiful walkway that follows the river north to the ocean.
Other notable parks and reserves include Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve (also signposted as Waiwhakaiho Scenic Reserve), (7km/4miles south of New Plymouth on State Highway 3, then follow Waiwakaiho Road to the car park at the end of the road); Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve with its subtropical rainforest and picturesque waterfall (7.4km/4.5miles south of New Plymouth. Follow Tukapapa Street to Cowling Road and turn into Ratapihipihi Road); and Tūpare Garden, situated 6km/4miles south of the city along Mangorei Road on the banks of the Waiwhakaiho River. Tūpare was established in 1932 and features several themed gardens, a beautiful restored historic homestead, and a number of walking tracks (steep in places) from where you can see Mount Taranaki’s dome. Definitely worth a visit.
New Plymouth offers an impressive selection of accommodation and shopping, and makes a great base to explore Egmont National Park, Mount Taranaki and surrounding towns.
THREE SISTERS
About 6km/4miles north of Ahititi, near the town of Tongaporutu, is yet another of nature’s incredible creations – the impressive Three Sisters. These rock formations are best visited at low tide when you can walk along the beach and experience the true magnitude of it all. The surrounding scenery is quite spectacular and there are also caves where you can view peculiar Māorirock carvings. For great views of the Three Sisters, turn down Pilot Road, just across the bridge from Tongaporutu to the north.
HAIRY FEET WAITOMO
1411 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio. +64-7-877 8003. Tour fee. $$$$. Daily tours. 10am & 1pm. Bookings advisable.
This 90-minute tour takes visitors into the stunning Mangaotaki Valley, where limestone cliffs rule the landscape. The tour will be of particular interest to fans of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ as it was used extensively for the film, but the tour will also appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate magnificent scenery in a remote location. A short trip on the shuttle bus takes you to the incredible cliffs, in a landscape scattered with amazing limestone formations, and stunning forest. Photographs showing the exact spot where filming took place makes for an exciting and memorable journey. Take Kaka Road from town and then follow Mangaotaki Road for approximately 14km/9miles. Highly recommended.
https://hairyfeetwaitomo.co.nz/
