New Plymouth

Travel Guide

New Plymouth featuring a bridge, mountains and a river or creek
New Plymouth featuring a river or creek, forests and a bridge
Sugar Loaf Marine Reserve which includes a sunset, a bay or harbor and island views
New Plymouth which includes a bay or harbor
New Plymouth featuring a sunset, island images and a bay or harbor

Taranaki’s commercial and cultural hub is known for its gardens, international arts festivals and long-distance walking tracks through natural areas offering spectacular views.

Visit New Plymouth for outstanding museums, art galleries and Māori cultural attractions. Known as the main gateway to Taranaki, the city is the ideal place to base yourself when exploring some of the region’s top natural areas.

Cycling, bushwalking and swimming are just some of the activities available in this charming city. Wander along a coastal promenade or relax on one of New Plymouth’s sandy beaches, such as the popular Fitzroy Beach. As well as restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating, the city is home to a number of great wine bars where you can sample New Zealand’s best wines.

Pukekura Park is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The 52-hectare (128-acre) park contains exquisite formal gardens, bushwalking paths and children’s playgrounds. Admire a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic flora in the park’s fernery and display houses. Pukekura Park hosts one of the country’s premier international arts festivals, WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), in March.

The Coastal Walkway is a long-distance walking path with outstanding views of the ocean and city. The promenade is also ideal for cycling and jogging. As you make your way along this walkway take in beautiful beaches, jagged cliffs and picturesque farmland areas. Stop and admire the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, a fascinating architectural structure and a highlight of the walkway.

Spend a day exploring the city’s museums and art galleries. Govett-Brewster Art Gallery displays modern artworks and is known for its collection of works by New Zealand-born modernist filmmaker and sculptor, Len Lye. The gallery also features a cinema, a café and a museum. Stop at Puke Ariki, a combined museum and library with many artefacts relating to Taranaki’s Māori heritage.

Drive to New Plymouth from Auckland in less than 5 hours or fly into New Plymouth Airport, just 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the centre of the city. With waterfront hotels, lodges and self-catered apartments, you’ll find accommodations to suit your needs while you relax and enjoy New Plymouth.

Where to stay in New Plymouth

New Plymouth which includes mountains and tranquil scenes

New Plymouth CBD

5/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting New Plymouth CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Wind Wand.

New Plymouth CBD
Fitzroy Beach featuring a sunset and a bay or harbor

Fitzroy

While visiting Fitzroy, you might make a stop by sights like Fitzroy Beach and Fitzroy Golf Club.

Fitzroy
Taranaki featuring a bay or harbor

Strandon

While visiting Strandon, you might make a stop by sights like Fitzroy Beach and East End Reserve.

Strandon
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Bell Block

Cafes and spas are some things travelers note about Bell Block. Check out New Plymouth Golf Club or Fitzroy Beach while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

Bell Block
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Merrilands

While Merrilands might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bowl of Brooklands and Pukekura Park.

Merrilands
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Westown

While visiting Westown, you might make a stop by sights like Stadium Taranaki and Yarrow Stadium.

Westown
The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel

4 out of 5
390 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
The price is ¥7,024 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥7,024
¥8,194 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Had a wonderful 3 nights here with the kids. Staff were so friendly and helpful. The facilities were great, with kids loving the pool, nice to sit out in the lounge areas for drinks and a few family games. We will be back!"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
Plymouth International

Plymouth International

4 out of 5
220 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
The price is ¥10,378 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
¥10,378
¥11,935 total
Oct 2 - Oct 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Awsome as usual"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Plymouth International
Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

3.5 out of 5
42 Powderham Street, New Plymouth
The price is ¥8,511 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥8,511
¥9,788 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions TSB Showplace and Richmond ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (923 reviews)
"Everything was spot on from checking in and out. Receptionist was so cheerful and helpful he gave us great tips. The beds were so comfortable and the spa was a bonus. Thank you very much will definitely come again."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Distinction New Plymouth Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest New Plymouth

Quest New Plymouth

4.5 out of 5
21 Currie Street, New Plymouth
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Centre City Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (667 reviews)
"Great central location for shopping, bars & restaurants with the magnificent Pukekura Park only 10 min walk away."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Quest New Plymouth
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park

Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
1d Beach St, Fitzroy, New Plymouth
Book a stay at this beach cabin in New Plymouth. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fitzroy Golf Club and East End Reserve ...
9/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
"Lovely location right on such a unique beach"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
Cosy family cottage home in a great location

Cosy family cottage home in a great location

New Plymouth
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in New Plymouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fitzroy Golf Club and Te Rewa ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"It was a lovely cottage, spacious living area and comfortable bedrooms. I had a great time."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Cosy family cottage home in a great location
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of New Plymouth

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Check out the wind wand on the beach especially if it's windy

5/5 - Excellent

Mechelle

Loved new Plymouth, highlight was coastal walkway.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Came to see the Festival of Lights. A long drive but seems not worth it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great walk-able town with many dining and shopping options.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

A nice place to visit traffic flows well and good shopping in town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice ocean village