Content > New Plymouth Car Rental > Grandpas Guide to Driving in New Plymouth

Hmm. I’m excited to tell you about my day.

 

My colleague and I had coffee a while ago at the coffee shop three blocks from our neighborhood. Well, he’s not just my colleague. He’s my best friend. It has been years since we’ve last seen each other —and that time was way before our retirements. *laughing*

 

I remember when we were still in college that we planned to travel after graduating. And of course, we fulfilled that dream. My best friend told me about his latest travel destination —New Plymouth, New Zealand. Good thing I’ve been in that place. *chuckling* We had a nice time sharing about our funny shenanigans during our travels. And I’m in the mood of sharing with you my ventures in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

 

 

New Plymouth is on the west coast of North Island, New Zealand. It is the major city of the Taranaki Region. The name of the city was taken from where the first English settlers in the area came from —Plymouth, Devon, England.

 

The New Plymouth City, along with several smaller towns, is included in the New Plymouth District. The District is the 15th largest district in New Zealand. It has a population of about 68,901, which is almost 2/3 of the total population of the Taranaki Region. And it’s about 1.7% of the whole population of the country.

 

The city serves as the center of the region’s principal economic activities which include pastoral activities, oil, natural gas, and petrochemical production and exploration. It is also the financial center of the region.

 

Well, I think that’s enough of the overview about New Plymouth.

 

Now, let’s get to business and discuss about the beautiful places that can be seen and explored in New Plymouth City.

 

1. Mount Taranaki

See the mountain that resembles the famous Mount Fuji

 

Mount Taranaki is also known as Mount Egmont. It is an active but quiet stratovolcano in the Taranaki region. The mountain is considered as one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world.

Here’s a trivia about Mount Taranaki. Because it greatly resembles Mount Fuji, it was used as the backdrop for the movie “The Last Samurai”.

 

At 1881, the area with a radius of about 6 miles from the summit was protected as a Forest Reserve. And after some time and expansion, it was called Egmont National Park and became the second national park in New Zealand.

 

 

2. Paritutu Reserve

Climb up the Paritutu Rock at the Paritutu Reserve

 

These beautiful sights will be one of the first things you’ll see upon coming to New Plymouth —a humongous rock that sticks out next to a very tall “chimney”.

 

The chimney is the Reserve power station and the rock is called Paritutu Rock. These tall sights are standing within the Paritutu Reserve. When inside the Reserve, you’ll be able to see the marvelous views of the coastline and the Sugar Loaf Islands.

 

The Reserve is a perfect place for walks, picnics, relaxation, surfing, fishing, and beach exploring.

 

If you’re into climbing the Paritutu Rock, the entrance and the start of the track are located on the northern side. And climbing the rock is only about 15 minutes. The track is an effortful climb but once you reach the top, the limb pains will definitely disappear because of the magnificent views that are waiting for you.

 

3. Coastal Walkway

The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a 7-kilometer, sea-edge boulevard that stretches almost the entire length of the city. 

 

The Walkway is an ideal place for strolling, jogging, cycling, or skating.

 

If you’ll walk from the eastern side to the northern side, you’ll be able to see the New Plymouth Golf Club and the Fitzroy Motor Camp. There are also beaches that have huge waves for surfing that are located in the area.

 

In the central part of the Walkway, you’ll see the New Plymouth’s famous Wind Wand and other many fascinating carvings. There is also the beautiful heritage and information center Puke Ariki and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

 

At the western area of the track, the walkway winds near the New Plymouth Aquatic Center and the Kawaroa Park. After these two sights, is the Ngamotu Beach where you can have a swim with family and friends.

 

My favorite was when I went to Mount Taranaki. Well, it resembles Mount Fuji which is located in Japan. Being there is like being in two places at the same time —Japan and New Plymouth.

 

Every trip has a twist in it. You have to open not just your eyes at the new sights. But you’re your heart.

 

That’s my trip to New Plymouth.

 

--Gramps Ben